Το να διατηρούμε τα ρούχα μας σε άψογη κατάσταση όχι μόνο μας βοηθά να νιώθουμε αυτοπεποίθηση αλλά και παρατείνει τη διάρκεια ζωής των ρούχων μας. Ωστόσο, με τη μεγάλη ποικιλία των διαθέσιμων υφασμάτων, μπορεί να είναι μεγάλη πρόκληση το να παρακολουθείτε πώς να φροντίζετε σωστά το καθένα. Τα ρούχα που φοράμε καθημερινά, από βαμβακερά πουκάμισα μέχρι τζιν, χρειάζονται ιδιαίτερη φροντίδα για να έχουν την καλύτερη εμφάνιση. Αισθάνεστε ήδη κουρασμένοι; Μην ανησυχείτε – Έχουμε ειδικές συμβουλές για εσάς! Αγκαλιάζοντας τις βιώσιμες πρακτικές φροντίδας ενδυμάτων, μπορούμε όχι μόνο να συμβάλουμε σε έναν πιο συνειδητό τρόπο ζωής αλλά και να αξιοποιήσουμε στο έπακρο τις επενδύσεις μας στα ρούχα.
Διαφορετικά υφάσματα, διαφορετικές ανάγκες
Η κατανόηση των μοναδικών χαρακτηριστικών των διαφορετικών υφασμάτων είναι απαραίτητη όταν πρόκειται για τη βιώσιμη φροντίδα των ρούχων μας. Εδώ είναι μερικοί συνηθισμένοι τύποι.
Λεπτά υφάσματα
Τα ευαίσθητα υφάσματα όπως το μετάξι, το σιφόν και η δαντέλα απαιτούν απαλή επεξεργασία. Χρησιμοποιήστε δροσερό νερό, ήπια απορρυπαντικά και αποφύγετε το υπερβολικό στύψιμο. Τα σίδερα Braun με iCare και Eco Mode σας βοηθούν να επιλέγετε πάντα τη σωστή θερμοκρασία για κάθε ύφασμα.
Φυσικά υφάσματα
Υφάσματα όπως το βαμβάκι, το λινό και το μαλλί είναι φυσικά και βιοδιασπώμενα. Για να τα φροντίζετε με βιώσιμο τρόπο, επιλέξτε οικολογικά απορρυπαντικά πλυντηρίου και επιλέξτε κύκλους πλύσης χαμηλότερης θερμοκρασίας όποτε είναι δυνατόν.
Συνθετικά υφάσματα
Ο πολυεστέρας, το νάιλον και το spandex είναι παραδείγματα συνθετικών υφασμάτων που χρησιμοποιούνται πολύ συχνά και είναι εξαιρετικά ευέλικτα. Το πιο σημαντικό πράγμα που πρέπει να θυμάστε για αυτά είναι να μην χρησιμοποιείτε πολύ θερμότητα, καθώς μπορούν να λιώσουν πιο εύκολα σε σύγκριση με τα φυσικά υφάσματα.
Not sure? Check the label.
First and foremost, it's important to know what you're working with. Check the label to see what type of fabric it is if you are unsure. For a cheat sheet we have explained all washing and drying symbols here.
How to wash and iron different fabrics.
Cotton
Probably the world's most popular textile and a natural fibre. To care for cotton fabrics, remember the following: when washing, use colder temperatures to prevent shrinkage and save energy at the same time. Separate by colour so you don't get stains. When ironing, use a medium temperature to avoid scorching the fabric. But for tougher creases, our turbo steam can help.
Silk
Caring for silk fabrics requires a delicate touch, just like the fabric itself. The safest way to clean silk is to hand wash it in cold water. To remove excess water, gently roll the garment in a clean towel rather than wringing or twisting. When ironing silk, opt for our smart iCare or eco mode to ensure the perfect temperature.
Linen
Linen is an easy-care fabric. To machine wash linen, use cool water and a delicates cycle. Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents that can weaken the fibres, but if you do get a stain, remove it as soon as possible. To dry linen, hang it and let the natural breeze work its magic. When ironing, linen can withstand heavy-duty ironing, so you can also use our turbo steam.
Polyester
Polyester fabrics are durable and easy to care for. They can be machine washed on a regular cycle and ironed on a low to medium heat setting. Polyester dries quickly, so either air drying or tumble drying on a low heat is sufficient. Avoid high heat to prevent damaging or melting
Denim
Wash denim inside out in cold water to maintain colour and prevent fading. Use a mild detergent specifically designed for dark or indigo-dyed fabrics. Avoid tumble drying to prevent shrinkage and maintain the shape of the garment. When ironing denim, turn the garment inside out and use a medium heat setting.
Wool
To clean wool garments, hand wash in cold water is ideal to prevent shrinkage. Use a mild detergent designed for wool to avoid damage. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water and roll the garment in a towel before reshaping and laying flat to dry. If ironing is necessary, use a the wool setting on your iron with mechanical thermostat or use an iron with iCare mode if you don’t want to worry about the correct settings.
Pro-tip for delicate fabrics: laundry bags.
The main purpose of a laundry bag is to protect delicate fabrics such as nylon, wool, silk, lace and more. These fabrics are prone to pilling and stretching. By using a zip-closure laundry bag, you can effortlessly protect them from these risks, ensuring their longevity and quality.
It's all about the heat.
Just remember: some garments don't mind being hot, others do. Air-drying is best for delicate fabrics such as silk, lace and cashmere, as they are more fragile and can be damaged in a tumble dryer. These fabrics benefit from a gentle airflow to maintain their quality. On the other hand, sturdier fabrics such as cotton, linen and denim can handle the tumble dryer just fine. They are more durable and better suited to the higher heat and agitation of tumble drying. If you're unsure about ironing, try Braun's smart iCare and Eco Mode, which protects all kinds of ironable fabrics with the right temperature.
Storing your clothes correctly is just as important as washing and ironing them. Follow these tips to ensure your clothes stay in great shape.
Clean before storage
Say goodbye to stifling plastic bags or airtight containers that trap moisture and create a breeding ground for bacteria. Instead, opt for breathable cotton storage bags or reuse pillowcases and cotton sheets as protective covers. These materials allow air to circulate, keeping your clothes fresh and happy during their hibernation.
A breath of fresh air
Fabrics like cotton, linen, and wool are natural and biodegradable. To care for them sustainably, opt for eco-friendly laundry detergents and choose lower temperature wash cycles whenever possible.
Avoid sunlight and humidity
Just like people, clothes have their own preferences. Direct sunlight can cause fabrics to fade over time, so it's best to store your clothes in a cool, dry place away from windows. Excessive humidity can create a cosy environment for mold and mildew, causing irreparable damage. Consider using moisture-absorbing sachets or silica gel to keep humidity levels optimal and your clothes in pristine condition.
Did you know?
Historical records show that people were using cotton and wool to make natural fabrics as early as 3000 BC. Maybe our clothes will last just as long with the right care.
Perfect Ironing Job
Do you know how to be as fast as possible, with minimum effort and still achieve impeccable results?
Sustainable Energy Use
Did you know that there are many ways to optimize energy consumption when caring for and washing your clothes? We have put together a few tips and tricks for you here.