KEEPING WHITES WHITE
Keeping your favorite white sheet white forever might be impossible, but here’s how to keep it white as long as possible.
PRESERVING COLOR
Even with the most advanced dying techniques, dyed garments are prone to color fading over time due to wash and wear. Here are some general guidelines on how to avoid color fading and preserving garment color.
100% Cotton Care Instruction :
STAIN TREATMENT
If you get a stain on your garment, treat the stain straight away with a stain solution suitable for cotton. By doing so the stain will already be pre-cleaned, which makes the laundry more efficient. Make sure to avoid stain solutions with bleach for coloured cotton garments, since bleach can remove the colour out of the fabric and leave an unwanted light or orange spot. Please see our specific Stain Guide for step-by-step guides in stain removal.
STORING COTTON GARMENTS
The storage of cotton garments is very simple. Depending on product type you can either store them or hang the item on the rack
WASH CAREFULLY
Unlike wool, cotton does not have the natural anti-bacterial and odour-resistant properties, which means cotton needs to be washed a little more often. Nevertheless, we suggest to machine washing at 30°C (cold) or even hand wash for spot treatments. This will save energy and expose the fibers to less stress, prolonging the lifetime of the garment. When washing colored garments, we recommend turning them inside out before washing. This process will help protect the outer surface of the fabric.
DRY NATURALLY
Before drying, give garments a gentle stretch or shake when they come out of the wash to get them back into shape. The finer and more elastic the fabric (t-shirts), the more care should be given as to not stretch out necklines or shoulder points. Rigid fabrics (wovens), like shirts or trousers can be given a good shake and stretch along the seams to get into shape. All ASKET cotton garments are pre-washed to eliminate shrinkage when following the specific care instructions, but this is not the case for cotton garments in general. Cotton has natural shrinkage, which generally occurs in the drying process. To prevent shrinkage in the drying process, clothes should be air-dried and out of the sun if possible. Delicate fabrics should be hung over a rail to avoid creasing, shirts and trousers can be hung on hangers to dry. Drying-cabinets are a quick and safe option to use so long as you’re mindful of the air temperature - we recommend 40°C. Tumbling of cotton should be avoided.
IRONING & STEAMING
Depending on the fabric construction, cotton can be more or less prone to creasing and wrinkles If there is a setting on the washing machine called ‘reduced creases’, it will also help to prevent wrinkles, alternatively you can always reduce the wash cycle (the garments will come out more wet). If the garments do need ironing, then it is best to refer to the garment care label to know what temperature setting is safe. When ironing cotton items, we recommend to use a damp function or use the steam setting on the iron. Giving the cotton a little moisture before ironing will make the fibers smoother and the garment will flatten quicker.
Lyocell Care Instruction :
PRETREAT STAINS
If you get a stubborn stain on your garment, wash the stain straight away under cold water and apply just a dab of delicate detergent to rub it out gently. You should never use harsh stain removers or bleach to remove the tough stains, as this can weaken the fabric and make your garment look blotchy. Instead, try using baking soda or vinegar.
AVOID OVERWASHING
Lyocell is well-known for its antimicrobial and hypoallergenic properties, which means they stay clean for longer and require less frequent washes. On a bright day, hang your garments out to freshen them up.
GENTLE WASHING
You should always follow the care labels, but in general, lyocell garments should be hand washed at a low temperature to avoid shrinkage. For some garments, you can machine-wash your garments in a delicate cycle if you're running out of time but, always check the labels before throwing them in. Always put your garments in a mesh laundry bag to prevent them from getting damaged.
WRINKLE FREE
Lyocell garments dry relatively wrinkle-free, but if you want to spruce it up with an iron, use a warm or "synthetic" low heat setting and turn off the steam. High heat can permanently damage the fabric, especially microfiber fabrics, and steam can leave spots that won't come off until the next washing. A safe option is to put a pressing cloth between the fabric and the iron or hang the item while showering.
DRY NATURALLY
Before drying, give garments a gentle stretch or shake when they come out of the wash. If you hand-wash your garments, do not wring or twist; instead, gently press the water out of them. For the first few washes, your garment may shrink from 3% to 5% before it holds its shape. All garments should be hung over a rail or laid flat to prevent creasing and drying in direct sunlight, and a tumble dryer can cause discoloration and shrinkage.
STORE IT PROPERLLY
Moths and mildew can damage the garment. Make sure they are clean and dry when stored in a cool, well-ventilated location. Don't store them in plastic bags as they may attract moisture, build up static or even discolor the garments.
Natural Linen Care Instruction :
Damask Care Instruction :
STAIN REMOVAL
If the stains are not removed by ordinary washing, here are some suggestions for removing typical stains without damaging your fabric:
FLOWER DUST
It is very difficult to remove these stains completely. Vacuum-clean the stain, wet with colourless washing-up liquid and leave for 3-4 hours. Then wash as described on the care label.
CHOCOLATE
Wet the stain with colourless washing-up liquid. Leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label. If the stain has not disappeared completely, you can try rubbing with a degreasing agent. Follow the instructions.
FIZZY DRINKS
Wet the stain with colourless washing-up liquid. Leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label.
FAT
Fat stains are usually removed by washing as described on the care label. Alternatively, they can be rubbed with colourless washing-up liquid.
FRUIT/JUICE/JAM
If the fresh stains are rinsed immediately, they are more likely to disappear completely. On coloured textiles, wet stains with colourless washing-up liquid, leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label.
HAIR DYE
These stains usually cannot be removed.
FUSTINESS/SMELL
Wash as described on the care label with a little household vinegar. The disinfectant Rodalon is particularly effective. Follow the instructions.
COFFEE/COCOA
If the stains are fresh, rinse with running water. Carefully rub the stain and let the water run through the textile. Old stains are usually removed by washing as described on the care label. For coloured textiles, first dip the stain in full-fat milk and then rub with colourless washing-up liquid. Leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label. Alternatively, dab the stain with glycerol before washing.
MILK/MILK PRODUCTS
Most stains are removed by washing as described on the care label. Alternatively, rub the stain with colourless washing-up liquid, leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label.
RED WINE
A stain from tannin-rich red wine may be difficult to remove. It is important to react quickly. Rinse with running water and let the water run through the textile while rubbing gently. Then wash as described on the care label. Wet dried-up stains with colourless washing-up liquid, leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label.
CANDLE WAX
Harden the stain by putting the fabric in the freezer or placing a plastic bag with ice on the dripped candle wax. Then crack and scrape off as much as possible. After that, washing at 60 degrees will usually remove the stain. In case of coloured candle wax, wet with colourless washing-up liquid, leave for 3-4 hours and wash at 60 degrees. Alternatively, place blotting paper or coffee filter on either side of the stain and iron. This draws candle wax/colour out of the fabric. Colour remains can also be removed by rubbing gently with methylated spirits.
TOMATO/KETCHUP
These stains may be difficult to remove. It is important to react quickly. Rinse with running water and let the water run through the textile while rubbing gently. Then wash as described on the care label. Wet dried-up stains with colourless washing-up liquid, leave for 3-4 hours and then wash as described on the care label.
BLOOD
Fresh blood stains on white textiles are typically removed by washing at 95ºC. Blood stains on coloured textiles are removed by rubbing the stain with cold water and letting the water run through the textile – warm water fixes the stain. Then wash as described on the care label. If the blood stains are old, the textile must be soaked. Use lukewarm water with colourless washing-up liquid and leave the textile to soak for approx. 30 minutes. Then carefully rub the stain and let water run through the textile.Then wash as described on the care label. Very old stains may be difficult to remove.
SOY
Most stains disappear when washing according to care label. Alternatively, a mixture of 1 tbsp. vinegar (for household cleaning) and 1 cup of water may be used. Rinse the stain with the mixture until the stain has disappeared. Rinse with clean water and wash according to care label. For unmanageable stains use stain