How to Do Laundry by Fabric Type: Your Guide to Not Shrinking, Fading, or Fraying

29 October 2025 4 Min read
Rinse Cycle

Doing laundry seems simple enough: sort, wash, dry, repeat. But not all clothes are created the same way. Every fabric has its own unique needs, and when washed incorrectly, even a favorite T-shirt or soft sweater can emerge looking dull, stretched, or shrunken. Learning how to do laundry by fabric type will help you keep your clothes in better shape for longer, saving you money and frustration.

Just like caring for your home, a thoughtful laundry routine helps preserve what you love and makes everyday life a little easier.

Cotton

Cotton is one of the easiest fabrics to wash, but it’s also prone to shrinking if the water is too hot. For best results, wash cotton clothing in cold or warm water on a regular cycle. Always check the care label first since cotton blends can vary in strength and softness.

Drying is where most people go wrong. Cotton fibers tend to tighten under high heat, so tumble dry on a low setting or hang to air-dry when possible. If wrinkles bother you, remove clothes while slightly damp and smooth them out before hanging.

Laundry tips for cotton:

  • Turn graphic tees and printed items inside out before washing to preserve the design
  • Wash towels and heavier cotton items separately to avoid excess friction
  • Use a fabric softener to keep cotton feeling soft


Denim

If you want your jeans to stay dark and perfectly fitted, learning how to do laundry for denim is key. Always wash jeans inside out in cold water to help preserve color. Skip the dryer entirely since high heat fades dye and weakens fibers.

To keep denim looking new:

  • Air-dry flat or hang to maintain shape
  • Spot clean between washes
  • Wash denim less often to extend its life


Delicates

Silk, lace, and satin fabrics require a more gentle approach. These materials are sensitive to temperature, so use your machine’s delicate cycle with cold water and a mesh laundry bag. A small step like this can prevent snags and stretching.

Choose a gentle detergent designed for delicates and avoid wringing items after washing. Instead, lay them flat on a towel to dry.

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Wool and Cashmere

Wool and cashmere are natural fibers that can easily shrink. The safest way to clean them is by hand washing in cold water with a wool-safe detergent. Gently squeeze out excess water instead of twisting or wringing the clothes out.

Lay them flat to dry and reshape while they are damp. Hanging wet wool can stretch the shape out, so folding is the best option once dry.

Quick reminders for wool care:

  • Use a mesh bag if machine washing on gentle
  • Avoid heat or direct sunlight when drying


Synthetics

Polyester, nylon, and spandex are durable, but they still need care to look their best. Wash synthetics in cold or warm water on a gentle cycle, and use only a small amount of detergent to prevent buildup.

Simple ways to protect synthetics:

  • Avoid fabric softener, which can coat fibers and reduce stretch
  • Tumble dry on low heat or air-dry to maintain elasticity
  • Wash activewear separately to keep it fresh and odor-free


Bedding and Towels

When learning how to do laundry for bedding and towels, space and balance matter. You should avoid overloading your washer so items can move freely and rinse thoroughly.

Use warm water and a color-safe bleach for bedding. For towels, add a small amount of vinegar to keep them fluffy and absorbent.

Laundry tips for larger loads:

  • Wash towels separately from clothes to avoid lint transfer
  • Shake out sheets and comforters before drying to prevent clumping
  • Use dryer balls to cut drying time and reduce wrinkles


Everyday Efficiency Tips

You don’t have to be an expert to protect your clothes. A few simple habits can help you save time, money, and energy while keeping your clothes in the best shape.

Try these easy upgrades:

  • Sort by light and dark color clothing
  • Wash in cold water to save energy and reduce shrinking
  • Clean your washer and dryer regularly to keep cycles running efficiently


Laundry Done Right

Mastering how to do laundry by fabric type isn’t about perfection; it’s about prevention. When you treat each material with the care it needs, you protect your clothes from shrinking, fading, and fraying. With the right techniques and reliable laundry equipment, your favorite pieces will stay fresh and last longer.