Care labels give you the basic rules, but knowing how each fabric behaves helps you choose the right programme, detergent and drying method. This guide goes fabric by fabric. If you need help reading the symbols themselves, see our guide to understanding washing symbols.

Cotton

Durable and easy to care for. Everyday cotton washes well at 30–40°C on a cotton programme. Towels, bedding and underwear can go to 60°C for hygiene. Cotton can shrink in a hot tumble dryer, so use a medium setting.

Wool

Use the wool or hand-wash programme with a wool detergent, a cool temperature and a low spin. Agitation and heat cause felting and shrinking. Reshape knitwear while damp and dry it flat, away from direct heat.

Silk

Wash by hand or on a silk or delicate programme at 30°C or below, using a gentle detergent without enzymes. Do not wring. Roll in a towel to remove water and dry flat or on a padded hanger out of direct sunlight.

Synthetics (polyester, nylon, acrylic)

Use the synthetics programme at 30–40°C with a reduced spin to minimise creasing. Synthetics dry quickly and need little or no tumble drying.

Sportswear

Wash inside out at 30°C, ideally with a sports detergent. Skip fabric conditioner, which clogs the fibres and stops them wicking moisture. Air dry where possible.

Denim

Wash jeans inside out at 30°C with similar colours to preserve the colour and reduce fading. Turn off or reduce the spin to cut down on creases, and line dry.

Delicates and lingerie

Fasten hooks and place items in a mesh laundry bag. Use the delicate programme at 30°C and never tumble dry underwired items.

Down duvets and jackets

Check the drum is large enough first. Use a gentle programme and a down-specific detergent, then tumble dry on low with two or three dryer balls to break up clumps.

Let your machine help

Modern washing machines include dedicated programmes for wool, silk, sportswear, duvets and more, which take the guesswork out of fabric care. Browse our washing machines or visit S&D Ireland in Ormskirk.