We do our best to provide you with good and sound advice on caring for your new fabric, however, Delicate Fabrics does not accept responsibility for fabrics that are incorrectly laundered or damaged by following these instructions. Customers must test a swatch before laundering any fabrics at home to avoid damaging the textile.

Below you will find the best practices on how to care for your new fabrics. Click on the link to jump to the desired section.

COTTON

Cotton washes cleaner than other fibers and often does not need to be dry-cleaned. Always sort light and dark colors. We really love to use Color Grabber sheets when washing, well, anything! Use only the necessary amount of detergent (using too much is actually worse than not using enough). Always pre-shrink the fabric before cutting and sewing by washing and drying in the hottest available setting. After the garment is made, wash as you normally would wash any other cotton garment. A half cup of white vinegar added to the rinse cycle works like magic to kill germs, whiten whites, get rid of odors, and make your fabric soft and fluffy. Avoid over drying the fabric. For tips on removing stains, visit: How to Remove Stains from Cotton Clothing.

ORGANZA (SYNTHETIC: EMBROIDERED OR EMBELLISHED)

Synthetic embroidered or embellished organza may be handwashed or washed in a non-agitating washer machine, by itself, using warm or cool water temperatures, in a delicate/handwash cycle with the appropriate amount of gentle detergent. Organza is prone to wrinkles, so if using a washer machine, remove immediately and air-dry flat or place in the dryer on a low heat setting with a dryer sheet. If ironing is needed, use a pressing cloth and set the iron to medium-low (or the synthetic auto setting) to remove wrinkles from the organza without scorching or melting it.

SILK DUPIONI

Dry cleaning your silk fabric is always the safest choice.

Handwashing is the second safest way to care for silk. Place cool (not cold) water in a thoroughly cleaned sink/bowl and add a silk detergent to the water, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Submerge the silk and constantly, but gently, swirl the fabric in the solution, ensuring all areas are washed, for 15-30 minutes (no longer). Drain the soapy water from the bowl and refill it with some more cool, clean water. Gently swirl the fabric for up to five (5) minutes to remove soap residue. Repeat as necessary. Do not wring or twist the fabric to avoid damaging the weave or natural slubs. Absorb excess moisture by laying the silk on top of a clean towel. Roll the towel with the silk inside and gently press. Repeat the process with another clean towel until the silk is no longer soaking. Once removed from the towel, lay the fabric flat on a drying rack (if over one yard) without using any clothes pegs. The silk should be dried in a well-ventilated, shaded area (usually takes less than one hour to dry). Hang (if one yard or less) to dry in a well-ventilated shaded area.

The least preferred method is in a non-agitating washer machine, by itself, on a delicate/handwash setting using only cool water and a silk detergent. Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry setting if natural air-drying is not possible.

Silk may be steamed or ironed. When steaming, maintain the distance prescribed by the manufacturer. To iron, use the iron’s silk setting or a temperature no hotter than 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not use the iron’s steam setting. Always use a pressing cloth.

SILK NOIL (WOVEN)

Handwash in cold water or machine wash in a non-agitating washer using cool water and a silk detergent. If silk detergent is not available, use a gentle detergent without bleach, peroxide, or citrus, because harsh additives can break down the silk fibers. Do not wring or twist the fabric. Hang (if one yard or less) to dry in a well-ventilated shaded area or using the dryer’s low heat setting. Note that silk noil can shrink up to 10% so please follow the pre-washing rule before sewing your garment. Lay larger pieces flat to dry. Darker colors may bleed or fade more quickly with washing. Dark colors can also fade or streak if washed, so dry clean is recommended to retain richer colors. Iron using low heat or steam if needed. 

TAFFETA (SYNTHETIC: EMBROIDERED OR EMBELLISHED)

Dry cleaning is preferred (it is the safest) but it may also be machine washed in a non-agitating washer using only cold water and a gentle detergent. Do not wring or twist the fabric. Absorb excess moisture by laying the fabric on top of a clean towel. Hand smooth all wrinkles then roll the towel with the fabric inside and gently press. Repeat the process with another clean towel until the fabric is fairly dry. Once removed from the towel, lay the fabric flat on a drying rack (if over one yard) without using any clothes pegs in a well-ventilated, shaded area (usually takes less than one hour to dry). Hang (if one yard or less) to dry in a well-ventilated shaded area or using the dryer’s air-dry setting.

To iron, use a low heat setting and always use a pressing cloth.

TULLE (SYNTHETIC: EMBELLISHED OR EMBROIDERED)

Handwashing in cool water with mild detergent is the preferred method. Do not use strong detergents or bleach.

Fabric may be washed, by itself, in a non-agitating washer machine using the machine’s delicate/handwash setting.

Remove spot stains by gentle rubbing (using only your fingertips) mild soap on the stain. Vigorous rubbing could mar the fabric. Rinse the area with cool water to remove soap residue.

Do not wring out. Absorb excess moisture by laying the tulle on top of a clean towel. Roll the towel with the tulle inside and gently press. Repeat the process with another clean towel until the tulle is no longer soaking. Once removed from the towel, lay the fabric flat on a drying rack without using any clothes pegs. Air-drying the fabric by hanging in an area with adequate air circulation is the only recommended drying method.

Do not wring out. Absorb excess moisture by laying the tulle on top of a clean towel. Roll the towel with the tulle inside and gently press. Repeat the process with another clean towel until the tulle is no longer soaking. Once removed from the towel, lay the fabric flat on a drying rack without using any clothes pegs. Air-drying the fabric by hanging in an area with adequate air circulation is the only recommended drying method.

Iron on a low heat setting, using a pressing cloth to avoid damaging or melting the fabric. Hanging the fabric in the bathroom while a shower runs hot water will allow the steam to smooth the wrinkles; spraying a fine mist can also minimize wrinkles.

Vinyl Rolls

Polyurethane (PU) vinyl (which is different from PU leather) must be cleaned and conditioned similarly to real leather products. Failure to condition it regularly will cause the vinyl to dry out and crack over time. Always use a soft cloth to clean and condition vinyl. It is best to only use water to clean the vinyl but if that is not enough, use the mildest detergent possible or a cleaner specifically formulated for use on vinyl. Use silicone-based vinyl protectants (usually found in the automotive section of large general stores) to protect the vinyl from fading, cracking, or drying out. Do not use products that contain oil or petroleum. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for all products. If vinyl is exposed to heat, humidity, or direct sunlight frequently, you may want to reapply the protectant at least every three (3) weeks.