Fabrics perform differently depending on how they’re used. This guide breaks it down clearly so you can care for apparel and upholstery properly for each relevant fabric type.

COTTON

Apparel

• Machine wash cold or warm with mild detergent; use regular or gentle cycle depending on construction.

• Tumble dry low or air dry to reduce shrinkage; remove promptly to avoid deep wrinkles.

• Iron medium–high heat; use steam for stubborn wrinkles.

Upholstery

• Vacuum regularly with a soft brush tool.

• Removable covers → cold gentle wash, air dry or tumble low.

• Non-removable → blot stains; use mild soap solution sparingly; avoid saturation.

• Sunlight can fade colors — rotate cushions where possible.

LINEN

Apparel

• Hand wash or gentle cold machine cycle.

• Air dry; reshape while damp.

• Iron hot with steam while slightly damp if a smooth finish is desired.

Upholstery

• Vacuum frequently.

• Removable covers → cold gentle wash and air dry.

• Spot clean with mild detergent; avoid strong bleaches.

• Avoid prolonged direct sunlight to reduce fading.

WOOL

Apparel

• Hand wash cold with wool-specific detergent or use machine’s wool/delicate cycle.

• Do not wring; reshape and lay flat to dry.

• Iron on low with a pressing cloth or use gentle steam.

Upholstery

• Vacuum often; brush gently to remove surface dirt.

• Removable covers → wool/delicate wash or professional cleaning.

• Non-removable pieces → spot clean using wool-safe products or consult a pro.

• Store with cedar/larval deterrent and avoid moth-friendly conditions.

MOHAIR

Apparel

• Prefer dry clean for structured mohair garments. If washing at home: hand wash cold with a wool/mohair safe detergent.

• Gently squeeze—no wringing—and lay flat to dry; reshape gently.

• Avoid pressing; use distant steam only if absolutely needed.

Upholstery

• Vacuum with low suction using upholstery or soft brush attachment.

• Removable covers → professional cleaning preferred; hand wash cold only if label permits.

• Blot spills immediately; avoid rubbing to prevent matting.

• Protect from friction and abrasive surfaces to preserve loft.

Silk

Apparel

• Hand wash cold with silk-safe detergent or dry clean.

• Press between towels to remove excess water; air dry flat or hang inside out.

• Iron on low heat inside out; avoid heavy steam which can cause water marks.

Upholstery (silk blends / silk pillows)

• Dry clean recommended for most silk upholstery.

• For removable silk pillow covers, dry clean or gentle hand wash per label.

• Keep away from direct sunlight and oils (skin, hair products).

BOUCLÉ

Apparel

• Prefer dry clean for structured garments. Hand wash cold only if label allows.

• Air dry flat or hang carefully; steam from a distance — never press.

• For snags, pull the loop from the inside and tuck it back with a needle; do not cut.

Upholstery

• Vacuum regularly to remove trapped dust.

• Removable covers → dry clean or cold hand wash if specified.

• Spot clean gently with minimal moisture; avoid abrasive brushes.

• Protect from pets, sharp edges, and velcro.

CHENILLE

Apparel

• Hand wash cold or use delicate cycle (mesh bag recommended).

• Lay flat to dry to preserve pile and prevent distortion.

• Avoid ironing; use distant steam for light reshaping only.

Upholstery

• Vacuum weekly using low suction to remove surface dust.

• Removable covers → cold delicate wash; air dry flat.

• For spot stains, use mild detergent foam and blot—do not scrub.

• Minimize heavy pressure/abrasion to avoid flattening the pile.

Velvet

Apparel

• Check fiber content: silk/cotton velvet → dry clean preferred; polyester/nylon velvet → gentle machine or hand wash per label.

• Hang to dry; brush pile gently in the nap direction after dry.

• Avoid direct ironing; use steam at a distance or a velvet board.

Upholstery

• Dry clean is safest for most velvet upholstery.

• Vacuum with soft brush; blot spills immediately.

• For synthetic velvet, removable covers may be washable on cold gentle cycle—refer to label.

• Avoid crushing: rotate cushions and avoid compressive storage.

SUEDE

Apparel — Genuine Suede

• Professional cleaning recommended for garments and large stains.

• For small damp spots, blot gently and let air dry away from heat.

• Use a suede brush to restore nap; apply suede protector periodically.

Apparel — Micro-Suede

• Often more washable than genuine suede: follow label (many micro-suede garments can be machine washed cold on gentle).

• Air dry; brush nap after dry.

Upholstery — Genuine Suede

• Professional cleaning preferred.

• Regularly brush with a suede brush; blot spills immediately.

• Avoid water saturation; test any cleaner in an inconspicuous spot.

Upholstery — Micro-Suede

• Vacuum regularly. Many micro-suede covers are machine washable cold; follow manufacturer guidance.

• Spot clean with mild soap solution; air dry fully.

CANVAS

Apparel

• Unfinished cotton canvas → cold gentle machine wash; air or tumble low dry.

• Waxed/coated canvas → do not machine wash; brush off dirt and spot clean with damp cloth; re-wax per manufacturer.

Upholstery

• Vacuum and brush off debris regularly.

• Removable covers → cold gentle wash if not waxed; air dry fully.

• For waxed canvas upholstery, avoid machine washing—spot clean only and re-treat with canvas wax as needed.

POLYESTER

Apparel

• Machine wash cold; tumble dry low or hang to dry.

• Iron on low temperature if needed (high heat can melt fibers).

Upholstery

• Vacuum often.

• Removable covers → cold machine wash; low tumble or air dry.

• Most stains respond to mild soap and water.

RAYON / VISCOSE / MODAL / LYOCELL

Apparel

• Many viscose/lyocell garments recommend dry clean; some lighter variants may be hand washed cold.

• If washing at home, hand wash in cold water and lay flat to dry to avoid distortion.

• Iron inside out on low heat.

Upholstery

• Vacuum gently.

• Removable slipcovers → cold delicate wash only if label allows; otherwise spot clean.

• Avoid overwetting since some rayon fibers weaken when wet.