Fabric Care
Cotton Fabric
Washing
Check the label to see if machine washing, hand washing, or dry cleaning is best. If machine, use the appropriate wash cycle. Avoid fabric softeners, as this can dull the finish.
Water Temperature
Wash in warm or cool water to prevent shrinking and fading of colour. Use hot water carefully, as washing cotton in hot water can cause it to shrink.
Drying
Cotton fabrics can be air-dried or machine dried using moderate to low heat. High temperatures can cause cotton fibres to shrink.
Ironing
Iron on high heat while fabric is slightly damp. Use steam as needed. Note that ironing can usually be avoided by air drying or removing immediately from the machine.
Linen Fabrics
Washing
Use the gentle cycle on your washing machine and wash with similar lightweight fabrics.
Wash in lukewarm or cold water with mild detergent. Hot water can cause linen to shrink.
It is recommended to separate light colors from dark colors to keep them looking sharp.
Do not use bleach or detergent with a whitening agent. Even on white linen, the bleach will blotch the fabric and damage the fibers.
Drying
Tumble dry on low. High heat will cause the fibers to break down faster and possibly shrink.
If the care instructions require air drying, lay flat over a drying rack. Avoid using clothespins, as they can cause stretch marks and deform the garment.
Ironing
Iron on medium heat, preferably when the fabric is still a little damp out of the dryer.
For dark colors, turn garment inside out to iron.
Use the steam setting on your iron, especially if the material is dry.
Steamers work well for garments that are hard to iron.
Remove Stains
Spot clean whenever possible. Get more life out of your textiles by not over washing.
I simply use a dab of Dawn dish soap and cool water to wash out stains.
Baking soda and a few drops of vinegar are a good combination for stubborn stains.
Again, no bleach. Some people recommend an oxygenated bleach like OxiClean. However, I continue to have good luck with the dish soap technique and recommend starting there.
A lot of stains like blood, jam, pasta sauce, etc will usually wash out on a very cold wash setting.