Fabric Care Library
The fabric matters at least as much as the stain. The same treatment that rescues a cotton T-shirt can shrink wool, dissolve the finish on a technical fabric, or leave a permanent water ring on silk. Fibre type determines how much heat the material tolerates, whether it can be rubbed or wrung, which products are safe, and how it should be dried.
Each fabric guide covers the characteristics of the material, safe cleaning methods and water temperatures, stain-treatment precautions, products to avoid, drying considerations, the stains that material tends to attract, and when a professional cleaner is the safer choice.
Delicate fabrics: Wool, silk, rayon and anything labelled "dry clean only" are the fabrics most easily ruined by well-intentioned stain treatment. On these materials, avoid hot water, chlorine bleach, enzyme pre-treatments and vigorous rubbing, and consider a professional cleaner for anything valuable.
Carpet Care Guide: Blotting, Wicking and Removing Set-In Stains
Carpet stains fail from scrubbing, over-wetting and residue rather than weak cleaners. Learn the correct blotting method and why spots keep coming back.
Cotton Care Guide: Washing, Temperatures and Stain Treatment
Cotton is absorbent, durable and tolerant of most stain treatments. Learn the right water temperatures, how to avoid shrinkage, and which products are safe.
Denim Care Guide: Washing Jeans, Indigo and Stain Treatment
Denim is sturdy cotton with unstable indigo dye. Learn how to wash jeans without fading, why spot-testing matters, and how to treat common stains safely.
Linen Care Guide: Washing, Creasing and Stain Treatment
Linen is strong and absorbent but weaker when wet and prone to creasing. Learn safe temperatures, how to handle it damp, and how to treat table linen stains.
Microfibre Care Guide: Cleaning Cloths, Upholstery and Suede-Look Fabric
Microfibre traps soil in split fibres and is ruined by softener and heat. Learn how to wash cloths properly and how to clean microfibre sofas without water marks.
Nylon Care Guide: Washing, Heat Limits and Dye Pickup
Nylon is strong and quick-drying but absorbs loose dye and yellows with bleach. Learn safe temperatures, why it picks up colour, and how to treat stains.
Polyester Care Guide: Washing, Heat Limits and Oily Stains
Polyester resists water-based stains but grips oil and holds odour. Learn safe temperatures, why heat is the main risk, and how to treat greasy marks.
Rayon and Viscose Care Guide: Washing, Shrinkage and Water Marks
Rayon loses much of its strength when wet and shrinks easily. Learn why gentle handling matters, safe temperatures, and how to treat stains without distortion.
Silk Care Guide: Washing, Water Rings and Stain Safety
Silk is a protein fibre that water-marks, yellows with sweat and cannot take bleach or enzymes. Learn safe washing and when to stop and call a professional.
Spandex and Elastane Care Guide: Heat, Chlorine and Stretch Loss
Spandex fails from heat, chlorine bleach and body oils rather than wear. Learn safe washing temperatures, why softener is harmful, and how to treat stains.
Upholstery Care Guide: Cleaning Codes, Moisture Control and Stains
Upholstery cannot be rinsed, so over-wetting causes rings and wicking. Learn the W/S/WS/X cleaning codes and how to treat sofa stains without making them worse.
Wool Care Guide: Safe Washing, Felting and Stain Precautions
Wool is a protein fibre that felts with agitation and is damaged by enzymes and bleach. Learn safe washing, water temperatures and which stain treatments to avoid.