The major factors contributing to shrinkage are heat and excessive agitation. Do not wash at to high a temperature. Always wash on the most appropriate cycle and follow the care instructions.

Bobbling is caused when cotton or cotton rich garments are washed and worn repeatedly and friction causes the fibres to break away leaving small fibre balls on the surface. Remove by carefully brushing, picking off or useing a sticky tape roller. Bobbles on the surface of cotton fabric are caused by broken fibres. These can also give the appearance of fading. Remove the bobbles from the fabric by brushing, cutting, picking off or useing a sticky tape roller.

Sunlight can be very harmful to fabrics and the effects are irreversible. Reduce exposure to direct sunlight wherever possible.

Always wash similar colours together. Never leave damp garments together for any length of time.

The collars, cuffs and welts of most garments are constructed from a high elastic content fabric that is temperature sensitive, to avoid killing the elasticity of these areas do not tumble dry or iron with excessive heat

Most stains can be removed by soaking in cold water as long as the garment is washable, but as with all stains, prompt attention is important preferably before the contributory substance dries. Never use hot water to rinse the stain as this could cause it to set. Place the area of stain to be removed over a peace of clean absorbent cloth or wad of kitchen paper. In order to remove a ring first target the area around the stain and gradually work towards the centre preventing it from spreading further into the fabric. Always test the removal method on a hidden part of the garment first to ensure that it does not harm the fabric.

Most acetate garments should be dry-cleaned. Some knits are washable. If laundering is indicated, use the following guide: Hand wash in warm water with mild suds. Do not twist or wring out the garment. Do not soak coloured items. Press while damp on the wrong side with a cool iron. If finishing the right side use a pressing cloth. Circular knits should be laid flat to dry. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label. Note: Acetate is adversely affected by acetone and other organic solvents, such as nail polish remover and perfumes containing such solvents.

Acrylic garments may be washed or dry cleaned. When machine washing, use warm water setting and add a fabric softener during the final rinse cycle. Machine dry at low temperature. Remove from dyer as soon as garments are dry. Wash delicate items by hand in warm water. Static electricity can be reduced by using s fabric softener in every third or fourth washing. Gently squeeze out water, smooth or shake out garment and let dry on a non-rust hanger. Sweaters and circular knits should be dried flat. If ironing is required, use moderately warm iron. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Cotton can be easily laundered. It can withstand high temperatures (boiling water does not hurt the fibre). Any good detergent can be used to wash cotton. Chlorine bleach can be used safely on cotton whites. Use colour safe bleach on dyed cottons. Since cotton fibres are fairly inelastic cotton fabrics may wrinkle easily. And, fabric may need frequent pressing. However, cotton fabric can be treated with a wrinkle resistant finish to create a more resilient fabric/garment. The label will tell you if this finish has been applied. A higher heat setting is needed in the dryer to dry cotton. Cotton will take much longer to dry than less absorbent fibres. Cotton can be ironed with a hot iron, and does not scorch easily For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Some linen is washable, while others are dry clean only. Be sure to check the label. Washable household linen, handkerchiefs, and linen apparel can be washed easily and become softer with use. White linens should be dried in the sun, if to help them to keep their whiteness. Generally speaking, dry cleaning is recommended for drapery linens, upholstery linens and decorative linens. Linen fabrics may need frequent pressing, unless treated for crease resistance. (Permanent press and soil release finishes are now being used effectively on 65% linen/35% polyester tablecloths, napkins and placemats.) For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Lyocell garments may be either machine washable and dryable or dry cleanable. Read the label. Washable Lyocell has the strength and ease of care of other easy-care fabrics. Machine wash and dry at low temperature. Remove from dryer as soon as the garment is dry. If ironing is required, use a moderately warm iron. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Acrylic, nylon and polyester micro-fibres are machine washable, machine dryable or dry cleanable Follow the instructions for washing fabrics consisting of these individual fibres. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Most items made from nylon can be machined washed and tumbled dried at low temperatures. Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. To minimize static electricity use a dyer sheet when machine drying. Remove articles from the dyer as soon as the tumbling cycle is completed. If ironing is required, use a warm iron. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Most items made from polyester can be machine washed and dried. Use warm water and add a fabric softener to the final rinse cycle. Machine dry at low temperature setting and remove articles as soon as the tumbling cycle is complete. If ironing is needed, use a moderately warm iron. Most items made from polyester can be dry-cleaned. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Most items can be washed or dry-cleaned. Most stains can be readily be removed by wiping, using lukewarm water and detergent. If fabric is machine washed, it should be line dried or tumbled dried with gentle or no heat. Do not iron. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Most rayon garments should be dry-cleaned, but some types of fabric and garment construction are such that they can be hand or machine washed. For washable items, use the following as a guide: Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through the fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. Do not wring or twist the article. Smooth or shake out the article and place on a non-rust hanger to dry. Rayon sweaters should be laid flat to dry. Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting. If finishing on the right side is required, a press cloth should be used. Between wearing, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool iron. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Only pre-washed silk is washable. Read the label! Dry cleaning is generally preferred, since laundering detergent and dyes in other clothes may adversely affect silk fabric. For washable silk, follow the care instructions carefully. For items without linings and without embellishments attached, careful hand washing is permissible, with mild soap and lukewarm water. Chlorine bleach should never be used on silk. For long-time storage, silk should be sealed against light, air and insects. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Hand or machine wash in lukewarm water. Do not use chlorine bleach on any fabric containing spandex. Use a colour safe bleach only. Rinse thoroughly. Drip dry. If machine drying, use low temperature setting. If ironing is required, iron rapidly and don't leave the iron in one place too long. Use a low temperature setting on the iron. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Pleated garments are best hand laundered. Most other garments containing 100% triacetate can be machine washed. If ironing is needed, a high temperature setting may be used. Articles containing triacetate require little care due mainly to the fibre’s resistance to high temperature. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Give wool garments a 24-hour rest between wearing. Hang on shaped or padded hangers, leaving lots of space. In general, wool fibres will shed wrinkles and return to their original shape Empty pockets, remove belts and hang with closures zipped and buttoned. Fold knits. Brush wool to remove surface soil. Use a damp sponge for knits and finer fabrics. Refresh wool garments quickly after wearing or unpacking by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam will remove wrinkles. If wool gets wet, dry the garment at room temperature away from heat. If there's a nap, brush with the nap. Remove spots and stains promptly. Keep moths away by storing wool with fresh cedar blocks. Dry clean once a season (or when stained), and especially before storing. Always steam when pressing wool. Use the wool setting. Avoid pressing wool totally dry. When possible, press on the reverse side of the fabric. When necessary to press on the right side, use a press cloth to avoid a shine. Lower and lift the iron, don't slide it back and forth. Prevent imprinting inside detail by placing a piece of brown paper or tissue paper under folds, seams or darts. For specific instructions, always refer to the garment's sewn-in care label.

Rinse or soak the stain in luke warm water and then wash in heavy detergent as per care label. Ball Point Pen – Apply methylated spirit or glycerine sparingly and mop up any loose colour. Rub any remaining stain with detergent and wash as per the care label.

Soak the stain in cold water and salt or in warm soapy water and then wash immediately as per the care label.

Soak up liquid with an absorbent cloth and sponge with warm water. Rinse with cold water and wash as per care label.

Remove as much of the deposit as possible and work in neat washing up liquid with fingers. Treat with warm water and then wash immediately as per the care label.

Do not rub the stain. Gently pat the whole area with talcum powder to soak up any grease and then work in neat washing up liquid with fingers before washing as per the care label.

Sponge with weak solution of water and vinegar then rinse. Wash as per care label.

Rinse the stain in warm water and then soak in a warm detergent solution.

First soak the stained area immediately in white wine or soda water to remove the colour, and then wash as per the care label.