Bleaching

While yes, bleaching can often assist in removing stains and brightening up clothing colors, it is also important to keep in mind that this is a harsh chemical and can greatly reduce the life of any garment. Bleach should only ever be used on natural fiber clothing (cotton, linen, etc.) and never on synthetic fiber garments.

Fabric Softener

Fabric Softener should only be used on natural fiber clothing. As with bleach, this should be used sparingly if you wish to prolong the life of your garments. Fabric softener can clog the pores of technical fabrics and can reduce the lifespan of any waterproofing finishes.

Ironing

When ironing any garment, it is important to pay attention to the guidance shown on the garment care tag. A good rule of thumb is to always use lower temps for synthetic fabrics (nylon, polyester, rayon, etc.) and medium to higher temps for natural fabrics (cotton, linen, wool, etc.). If you are unsure about the temperature you should use, it is always a good idea to start at a low heat and press a small portion of the fabric, then work your way up from there. When in doubt, contact FH customer service.

Dry Cleaning

Dry cleaning is a process that often uses harsh chemicals that can damage or reduce the life of a garment. This method should be utilized sparingly and should be limited to garments that are composed of mostly natural fibers. While synthetic fabric garments can be dry cleaned, be aware that there is always a chance that damage can occur.

Water Temperature

Water temperature is an important piece in the care process of any garment. Always adhere to the suggested water temperature located on the care tag of a garment. A good general rule of thumb for natural fiber fabrics is that hot or warm water will shrink it, while synthetic fiber garments are more forgiving in hot or warm temps.

Drying

Drying temperature is as important of a step as any other in the garment care process. It is extremely important that you adhere to the suggested drying temperature on the garment care tag, to ensure your garment stays the right size and shape. This will also help to increase the life of your garment.