Care of Textile Products

Care labeling is required for nearly all ready-to-wear and yard goods, including many home furnishing fabrics. The labels should be attached to garments and should be available where fabrics are old although frequently the consumer must ask for the label.

The care that required for a fabric or garment depends on the fiber, yarn, fabric construction, and finishes that are part of the textile product. The construction of the item and the component parts such thread and linings must also be considered. Occasionally, a consumer will decide against buying a textile because he dislikes the care that it requires. Some consumers are careful and conscientious in the way they maintain an item, other consumers are not. Manufacturers should simulate home laundry conditions as they test fabrics in an effort to determine the appropriate care method.

The fabric care labels that are commonly available for piece goods are:

1. Machine wash, warm;
2. Machine wash, warm, line dry;
3. Machine wash. warm. tumble dry, remove promptly;
4. Machine wash, warm, delicate cycle, tumble dry, low. use cool iron;
5. Machine wash, warm, Do not dry clean;
6. Hand wash separately. Use cool iron;
7. Dry clean only;
8. Dry clean, pile fabric method only;
9. Wipe with damp cloth only and;
10. Home launder only machine wash,warm tumble dry to retain flame retardant properties. Use phosphate detergent or non-phosphate heavy-duty liquid detergent; do not use soap, chlorine bleach, or non-phosphate powder detergents.

Basic fiber properties largely determine the care required of textile products. The consumer who is knowledgeable about textiles will understand the properties of the fibers and will be able to examine and evaluate the effect of yam. fabric construction, and finishes on the care of the textile product He will be in a better position to interpret incomplete care labels or provide appropriate care when labels are missing than the consumer who lacks this knowledge.

Knowledge about laundry and dry-cleaning procedures is also essential in properly caring for textiles. The consumer must seek additional information as new products become available. Read the information on the labels and use correct textile information and good judgement in following the instructions.

Responsible manufacturers and retailers can work together to provide serviceable textiles. Responsible consumers can evaluate the product before purchase and properly care for it after purchase for maximum satisfaction.