Special Care . . .

Starching

Starching adds crispness and body to fabrics, enhances soil resistance, and makes ironing easier. There are several types of starches. Carefully follow label directions for spray or hand starching or starching in the washer.

Knits

A variety of knits are used for many types of clothing and household furnishings. Many knits are machine washable, some are hand washable, and some must be dry-cleaned. When buying, make sure the garment has a care label with care instructions. These directions must be followed. Some knits are stretched during their manufacture and may shrink or relax when exposed to water.

Cotton Knits

Unless the label indicates that it is preshrunk, cotton knits will probably shrink to some degree. Overdrying contributes to shrinkage of cotton knits. Wash water should be hot or warm suitable for color and soil. The rinse water should be cold.

Rayon Knits

Rayon stretches and shrinks easily. Treat as a delicate fabric and wash gently.

Synthetic Fiber Knits

Knits made from synthetic fibers or blends containing a high percentage of synthetics will generally keep their shape. When buying, make sure the trimmings (including belts) are machine washable, seams are not puckered, and zippers and trimmings are well fastened.

Knits of Man-Made Fibers

In general, follow the rules for permanent press fabrics as they tend to have the same characteristics. Set machine to PERMANENT PRESS/KNITS cycle. Set the wash water warm, or suitable for color and soil. Rinse water should be cold. Do not wash with lint- shedding fabrics. Separate items for color, washing whites separately.

Sweaters of Man-Made Fibers

Follow directions for comparable knits. Button sweaters and turn inside out. The ribbon behind the buttons and button holes may shrink. Stretch to shape after washing. Orlon sweaters may stretch. Avoid pulling them when wet. Dryer dry.

Wool Sweaters

Loosely knit or delicately constructed sweaters will need delicate care. Hand wash. Measure garment before and after washing. Squeeze gently through the water with little motion. Rinse thoroughly. Block to shape and dry flat.

For sweaters labeled “machine washable”, follow manufacturer’s directions. Dry flat. Excess agitation and excess tumbling are the main causes of wool shrinkage.

Wool Knits

Dry-clean wool knits unless labeled machine washable. Follow manufacturer’s directions.

Permanent Press

Permanent or durable press garments and household items will usually not need pressing when washed and dried properly. However, some will be more wrinkle resistant than others.

The care needed for permanent press is a little different than for cottons. Permanent press garments will soften or become pliable when heated. This softening when it is in warm or hot wash water will allow wear wrinkles to be removed. It will also cause the fabric to wrinkle if it is crushed, squeezed or spun when hot.

How To Wash Permanent Press

1.Wash often. Permanent press clothes tend to look clean even when they should be washed.

2.Sort loads correctly, refer to page 6.

3.Do not wash with lint-shedding loads. Permanent press attracts lint in the wash water.

4.Pre-treat grease stains and oily areas. This is especially important for shirt collars and cuffs. Rub liquid detergent or a paste of detergent into the area.

5.Use the PERMANENT PRESS/KNITS cycle, hot or warm water, cold rinse, and sufficient detergent.

6.Use fabric softener in the rinse water. This will reduce the static electricity which attracts lint and makes garments cling.

To Dry Permanent Press

For best results, permanent press should be dryer dried. See garment care labels. Ironing may be necessary. Use low heat setting on iron or steam setting on a steam iron.

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