fabric care Archives | Blueprint for Style

Clothing Maintenance & Organization

Fabric Care: Ultra-suede

It’s the last day of our 5-part series on fabric care and today we finish up with ultrasuede and suede. Before the tips, let’s make sure you understand the difference between the two: ultrasuede is a trademarked brand of micro-suede which is really a type of microfiber created from 100% polyester; and suede is leather only a specific finish of leather! Here’s how to care for this stuff: Machine-wash ultrasuede/micro-suede/microfiber on delicate cycle using Woolite Line dry or tumble dry

2016/07/27

Clothing Maintenance & Organization

Fabric Care: Leather

For day four, the fabric care is focusing on leather…one of the most prevalent fabrics, one of the most luxe, and one of the hardest to care for properly! Here’s how…. Vacuum or dust furniture regularly Use leather conditioner every six months for shine To remove water-based stains, use a cloth dampened with lukewarm water Don’t use soap since the ring will be more noticeable To remove oil-based stains, wipe with dry cloth dampened with distilled water!

2016/07/26

Clothing Maintenance & Organization

Fabric Care: Cashmere

Again, you can’t treat your cashmere like it’s cotton (it’s my favorite and equally as versatile as wool)….so for today’s fabric care sesh, we’re talking about cashmere and how to care for it: Spot-cleaning can ruin the texture of cashmere knit, dry clean only! So dry clean cashmere when it’s dirty To remove lint, dust, pet hair, pop it in the dryer on air fluff for 15 minutes For knits, hand wash in Woolite, in cold water and lay flat

2016/07/25

Clothing Maintenance & Organization

Fabric Care: Wool

Day two of fabric care is about wool. Wool is versatile and contrary to popular notions, it’s the ideal fabric to go year-round! Here’s how to care for it: Dry clean wool blankets and quilts….and any clothing composed of wool To remove dust, pet hair, etc, put them them in the dryer with no heat for 15 minutes Vacuum furniture regularly (don’t use a bristle brush!) Look for upholstery cleaner to clean you furniture and eco-friendly cleaner for your clothing

2016/07/22

Clothing Maintenance & Organization

Fabric Care: Silk

You cannot treat your cashmere like your cotton t-shirt! Over the next five days, we’ll share the best methods for caring for the most common fabrics. Today we’re talking silk…. Hand wash silk knits with mild detergent and lay flat to dry Put dried item into dryer on air fluff for to minutes to restore Dry clean all other types of silk! Ask dry cleaner to use shorter delicate cycle when cleaning silk!!!

2016/07/21

Style Tips

Style Tip: Stains

Whether you acquired it before you left the house or while at lunch, stains create the appearance of messiness and that creates the perception that your work is the same. Shape up!

2012/12/04

What is the Most All-American Fabric You Can Think Of?

Day 7: Denim. Denim is timeless, versatile and chic; and a staple in every wardrobe. Denim can be washed at all temperatures but cooler is safer. Similar to other natural fibers, iron while damp. Only wash denim every two or three wears. Wash denim inside out. Let denim air dry to help retain its color. Designer Megan Havard of True Religion says this season we should look for updates to include embellishments like studding, leather and sequins. “This season we

2009/09/02

Guess What Fabric is Silky Smooth?

Day 6: Silk. It’s a natural fiber and has a sheer, delicate and translucent look to the material. In summer, it’s a great substitute for cotton and brings slightly more feminity to any piece. Don’t risk washing a silk that is supposed to be dryclean only. If it’s washable, use only the hand wash cycle on your machine. Dry with a light spin, or roll delicate items in a towel. Perspiration is difficult to remove and is best treat by

2009/09/01

The Perfect Fabric for Frequent Fliers

Day 5: Polyester. Polyester is making a comeback with interesting textures like crushed silk and knits which are now imitating silk jersey and its draping ability. Wash often because it attracts greasy soiling. Most are machine washable in warm water but, don’t add fabric softener until the final rinse to prevent static and excess creasing. Tumble dry on low. Iron with a cool iron only. .

2009/08/31

What is Viscose? Do I Have Any Clothes with It?

Day 4: Viscose. Viscose is easily blended with other fibers such as satin but, it is very difficult to get 100% viscose. Its fibers are natural even though chemicals are used to make it. Viscose becomes weaker when wet. Best fabric care is to hand-wash frequently in warm water; avoid wringing or twisting; and blot dry before handing. Iron while damp. Avoid pressing over the seams .

2009/08/30

‘Cotton is King’ or So They Said in the South!

Day 3: Cotton. Cotton is king if you live in a warm climate–it breathes as opposed to generating extra heat for the body. Whether in its crisp form, poplin, or its softer form, sateen, its multi-faceted and versatile. Cotton comes in several gauges from lightweight summer fabrics to heavy duty denim. Although cooler temperatures are better, cotton can be washed at all temperatures. For whites, the hottest temperature possible is best to boost whiteness. Don’t wash drip-dry cottons at high

2009/08/29

Loving Linen…Gently

Day 2: Linen. Linen has a life of its own and can drape wonderfully if it is of high quality. It is one of the coolest fibers to wear for the summer climate…and we need that in DC! Linen can be treated as a hardwearing fiber, but it can stretch or lose shape if not cared for properly. The fiber washes and wears well as long as it’s ironed at high temperatures. Avoid overloading the machine because it has a tendency

2009/08/28

Our Blog

News, Articles & More

Fabric Care: Ultra-suede

Fabric Care: Leather

Fabric Care: Cashmere

Fabric Care: Wool

Fabric Care: Silk

Style Tip: Stains

What is the Most All-American Fabric You Can Think Of?

Guess What Fabric is Silky Smooth?

The Perfect Fabric for Frequent Fliers

What is Viscose? Do I Have Any Clothes with It?

‘Cotton is King’ or So They Said in the South!

Loving Linen…Gently

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