Questions
Questions answered
Here you will find short answers to the questions that usually come up at the washing machine, over a fresh stain or in front of an overstuffed wardrobe. The answers are split into three groups. If you need more detail, follow the links at the bottom of the page to the glossary or the practical guide.
A good question about caring for something almost always comes before the wash, not after. So we try to answer in a way you can use straight away, rather than saving it for later.
Care labels and washing
What does the number inside the washtub mean?
It is the maximum washing temperature in degrees Celsius. You can wash cooler, but not hotter. If there is no number and the washtub shows a hand, the item is meant for hand washing only.
Why are there bars under the washtub?
One bar under the washing symbol means a mild cycle; two bars mean a very mild one. The more bars there are, the less the item likes vigorous drum action and a strong spin.
What if the care label has been cut off?
Take the most cautious approach: cool water, a delicate cycle or hand wash, a gentle spin and drying flat. If the item is expensive or you are unsure what it is made of, it is better to ask cleaning professionals.
Do I really need to sort my laundry?
Yes, and not just by colour. Wash whites, darks and brights separately, fine fabrics separately from jeans and towels, and heavily soiled work clothes separately from everyday wear.
Stains and cleaning products
Why should a stain be treated straight away?
The fresher the stain, the easier it is to remove: until the dirt has soaked deep into the fibres and dried, even plain cold water can shift it. An old stain often takes several attempts, and they do not always succeed.
How do I test a stain remover?
Apply a little of the product to a hidden area, such as a seam, a hem or the inside, and wait. If the colour has not changed and the fabric is undamaged, you can treat the stain. If it has changed, do not use that product.
Can I mix several products to make them stronger?
No. Mixing different cleaning and bleaching products is dangerous: when chlorine-based products are mixed with acidic ones, toxic chlorine gas is released. Use one product, rinse it out thoroughly and only then try another, keeping the room ventilated.
Why is the stain more visible after washing?
Hot water and drying can set some kinds of dirt, especially protein-based stains. So treat the stain first and check that it has gone before putting the item in the machine and drying it.
Storage and shoes
Where do wardrobe moths come from?
Their larvae feed on wool and other natural fibres, especially when clothes still carry traces of sweat or food. Clean clothes, regular airing and checking the wardrobe are the best prevention.
Why do clothes in my wardrobe smell musty?
Usually they were put away before they were fully dry, or the wardrobe lacks air. Dry the clothes, air the wardrobe, do not place it flush against a cold wall and do not cram the shelves full.
How should I dry wet shoes?
Remove the insoles, stuff the shoes with paper and replace it as it gets wet. Dry them at room temperature, not on a radiator: sudden heat makes leather stiff and cracked, and the sole may warp.
What should I do with a torn item?
If the item matters to you, take it to a tailor, and shoes to a cobbler: many kinds of damage can be fixed quickly and cheaply. If you do not want to repair it, an item in good condition can be passed on to someone happy to mend it.
Read next
- Reference
Glossary: care symbols, wash cycle, delicate cycle, spin, sorting, fibres, pilling, moths.
- Guides
How to put winter clothes away for the summer: preparation, steps with illustrative examples, mistakes and a checklist. Plus the article catalogue.
- Sections
The guide's four themes: care label symbols, washing and drying, stains, storing clothes and caring for shoes.
- Collections
Reading paths: your first laundry on your own, wool and delicate fabrics, shoes through the seasons.
Sources
- ISO 3758 "Textiles. Care labelling code using symbols" (general provisions)
- Guidance on the safe handling of household cleaning products (general provisions)
This advice is general and reflects what we knew when the page was prepared. The best guide for any particular item is its own care label: if the label disagrees with our recommendations, follow the label. For expensive, vintage or complex items, it is wiser to turn to professional cleaning or repair specialists.