Caring for special items
We recommend that delicate items and fabrics (including washable wool and silk) be washed in a pH neutral detergent without enzymes.
Some delicate items may be washed in enzymated detergents like OMO or PERSIL laundry detergent; however, care should be taken to select the delicate cycle and the detergent dosage should be adjusted according to the level of soiling and the size of the wash-load. Woollen and silk items should not be washed in enzymated detergents. If soaking delicate garments remember that 'soakers' can cause damage to certain fabrics. Sodium percarbonate (oxygen bleach) which is present in soaker products has been shown to cause damage to nylon. Care should also be taken when soaking garments made from a cotton/lycra mix. If in doubt, consult your care label.
Here are some more tips by fabric type:
Lace & lingerie
Including bras, slips, undergarments and delicate sleepwear
- Unless otherwise specified on the garment care label, handwash in warm water using soap or a wool wash
- Use a gentle plunging action and avoid rubbing. Do not hand wring or tumbledry
- Dry out of direct sunlight (dry lace flat)
- Cool iron if necessary
- Pantyhose and stockings often lose colour when washed. To avoid dye transferring to other garments, always wash them separately
- When washing delicate items in the washing machine, always follow the machine manufacturer's instructions and use the delicate or gentle cycle. To minimise the risk of damage to your delicate items, always place them in a delicates bag.
Silk & raw silk
- Consult the garment care label
- Silk marked 'Dry Clean Only' should not be washed
- Washing silk which is deeply coloured is risky as the colours may run
- For washable silk garments, warm hand wash in a pH neutral non-enzymated detergent and dry as per lace and lingerie
- Warm iron when fabric is still slightly and evenly damp
- For raw silk cool iron when dry
Swimwear, gymwear & other delicates
- Wash all coloureds separately, as dyes can easily run onto other garments
- Do not soak
- Do not drip dry as this can also result in dye transfer. Gently wring or spin dry first, or roll in a towel to remove excess water before hanging in the shade to dry.
Tips
- Never use hypochlorite bleaches on wool, silk, flame-retardant fabric or easy-care finished.
- Do not wash or soak wool or silk in a detergent that contains enzymes.
