Caring of your Garment

1.- Linen

2.- Cotton

3.- Silk

4.- Alpaca

1.- Linen

Linen is a natural fabric known for its durability, breathability, and timeless beauty.

Hand Washing Linen

Hand washing is the gentlest method to clean linen clothes, especially if they are delicate or have intricate details. At Karim Collection we do appreciate this sort of washing but we understand that most of us don't have the time to do it and thus all of our linen can be looked after with the good old washing machine.

Machine Washing Linen

Gentle Cycle and cold to lukewarm water. Follow these steps for machine washing linen:

Sort your linen items by color and separate them from other fabrics to avoid color bleeding.
Use a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics and avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
Use the gentle cycle with a slow spin speed to minimize agitation and reduce the risk of wrinkles or damage.
No Hot Water: it can shrink or distort the fabric.
Once the cycle is complete, promptly remove the linen items from the machine to prevent wrinkles.
Shake out the items gently to loosen any wrinkles and hang or lay them flat to dry.

Softening Linen Clothes

Linen clothes can sometimes feel stiff after washing, but there are ways to soften them and make them more comfortable to wear. Here are some tips for softening linen clothes:

Tumble dry: Tumble drying linen clothes on a low heat setting can help soften the fabric and reduce stiffness. Add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the dryer to help fluff up the linen fibers and reduce wrinkles.
Air drying: If you prefer air drying (just as we do!), hang your linen clothes in a well-ventilated area and gently pull and stretch them while damp to soften the fabric.
Fabric softeners: You can also use a fabric softener specifically designed for delicate fabrics but be sure to follow the instructions and use it sparingly, as too much fabric softener can leave a residue on linen.

Drying Linen

Proper drying is essential to maintain the shape and quality of your linen products. Here are some tips for drying linen:

Air drying: The best way to dry linen is by air drying. After washing, gently shake out the linen items to remove excess water, and then hang them or lay them flat to dry in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. Avoid hanging linen clothes or curtains in direct sunlight for prolonged periods, as it can cause fading and damage to the fabric.
Tumble drying: If you need to speed up the drying process, you can tumble dry linen items on a low heat setting. However, be cautious not to over-dry them, as linen can be prone to wrinkles and shrinkage when exposed to high heat. Remove the linen items from the dryer while they are still slightly damp and hang or lay them flat to finish drying.
Ironing: Linen tends to wrinkle easily, and ironing can help to smooth out the wrinkles and give the fabric a polished look. Iron linen clothes or curtains while they are slightly damp, using a medium to high heat setting. Place a clean cloth between the linen and the iron to protect the fabric from direct heat. If you prefer a more relaxed, natural look, you can skip ironing and embrace the natural texture of linen.

Storage Linen

Fold or hang: Linen clothes can be folded and stored in a cool, dry place, such as a closet or dresser. If you prefer hanging them, use padded hangers to prevent creases and maintain the shape of the garments. Linen curtains should be folded and stored in a dry place to prevent moisture or dust accumulation.
Avoid plastic: Avoid storing linen items in plastic bags or covers, as plastic can trap moisture and promote mildew growth. Instead, use breathable fabric or cotton storage bags to protect your linen products.
Rotate: To prevent permanent creases, rotate and refold or hang your linen items periodically, especially if they are stored for a long time.

Removing Stains from Linen

Accidents happen, and linen can get stained... Here are some tips for removing common stains from linen:

Food stains: gently scrape off any excess with a spoon or a blunt knife, then soak the stain in cold water and mild detergent for a few minutes. Rub the stain gently with a soft brush or cloth, and rinse thoroughly with clean water. If the stain persists, you can try applying a paste made of baking soda and water to the stained area, leaving it for 15-30 minutes, and then laundering as usual.
Wine or coffee stains: Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Then, soak the stain in cold water and mild detergent for a few minutes, and rub the stain gently with a soft brush or cloth. Rinse thoroughly with clean water, and launder as usual.
Oil stains: For oil-based stains, such as grease or makeup, blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much oil as possible. Then sprinkle talcum powder or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for a few hours to absorb the remaining oil. Brush off the powder and launder as usual.
Ink stains: Ink stains can be challenging to remove from linen. You can try rubbing alcohol or a mixture of equal parts lemon juice and water to the stain and gently blotting with a clean cloth. Repeat the process until the stain fades, and then launder as usual.
Blood stains: For blood stains, rinse the stain immediately with cold water and then soak it in a mixture of cold water and mild detergent. Rub the stain gently with a soft brush or cloth, and rinse thoroughly. If the stain persists, you can try soaking it in a mixture of water and enzyme-based stain remover, following the manufacturer's instructions, before laundering as usual.
Mildew or mold stains: If your linen items develop mildew or mold stains due to improper storage or dampness, you can try soaking them in a mixture of water and white vinegar or lemon juice for a few hours. Then, wash the items with mild detergent and water, and allow them to air dry in a well-ventilated area.

It's important to note that different stains may require different treatment methods, and it's always best to spot test any stain removal technique on a small, inconspicuous area of the linen item before treating the entire stain.

2.- Cotton

Cotton is a natural fiber and is known for its softness, breathability, and absorbency. These properties make it a popular choice.

Cotton is hypoallergenic, making it suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Additionally, cotton fabric is highly breathable, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool in hot weather. It is also absorbent, wicking away moisture from the body and keeping you dry. Furthermore, cotton fabric is durable and can withstand regular wear and tear.

When it comes to caring for cotton fabric, there are a few tips to keep in mind. Most cotton items can be machine washed in cold or warm water, although some may require handwashing. It is best to avoid using bleach, as this can weaken the fabric. Additionally, tumble drying on a low heat setting or air drying is recommended to prevent shrinking. Ironing may be necessary but use a low to medium heat setting to avoid damaging the fabric.

When washing and drying cotton, it’s important to separate light and dark colors to prevent bleeding.
Next, turn your cotton garments inside out to protect the outer surface and minimize pilling. Use a mild detergent that is specifically formulated for cotton fabrics. Avoid using bleach, as it can weaken the fibers and cause them to deteriorate over time.
When drying cotton, opt for a low heat setting or air drying to prevent shrinkage. Fabric softeners can be used to enhance the softness of cotton but be sure to follow the instructions on the packaging.
When it comes to ironing cotton fabric, it’s important to understand the heat settings on your iron. Start with a low heat setting and gradually increase it if needed, making sure to test a small inconspicuous area first.
Additionally, consider the benefits of steam ironing versus dry ironing, as steam can help remove wrinkles more effectively while also refreshing and sanitizing the fabric.

3.- silk

Silk fibers are extremely fine and delicate. When wet, silk becomes weaker and more prone to rips, pulls, and other damage. The natural proteins in silk break down when exposed to harsh cleaners, hot water, and agitation. This leads to irreversible damage like yellowing, stiffening, and shrinking.

So while silk is a strong fiber, it still needs special handling, especially when wet.

With the proper precautions, however, silk can be safely washed at home without ruining the luxurious drape and sheen.

Pre-Washing Preparations: Ensuring Silk Safety

Follow these pre-wash steps to keep your silk safe:

Do a colorfastness test: Dampen a hidden area of the garment with water and press with a white cloth. If any dye transfers, wash the item separately or get it professionally cleaned.
Use a mesh wash bag: Place the silk item in a mesh bag and zip it closed. This prevents snagging and tangling during washing.
Brush pills and lint: Use a garment brush or piece of masking tape to remove any debris that could get caught on the silk.
Empty pockets: Don’t forget to check pockets for tissues or other items that could leave residues!

Hand Washing

Fill a sink/basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of mild liquid detergent. Agitate water to dissolve.
Submerge the silk item in a mesh bag and gently move it around to saturate it with sudsy water.
Let soak for 3-5 minutes maximum. Oversoaking causes dye transfer and weakens fibers.
Drain the dirty wash water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water for rinsing.
Rinse the silk by gently lifting and lowering the mesh bag in clean water. No squeezing, wringing, or twisting!
Drain all rinse water. Repeat the rinse cycle if needed to remove all soap.
Roll the silk item in a towel to gently absorb excess moisture. Never wring or twist silk when wet.

And that’s it! Allow your silk to air dry completely before wearing or storing it.

Machine Washing:

While the gold standard is hand washing you still can do machine washing

Here are some precautions to take if machine washing silk:

Only use a front-loading machine, never top-loading. Agitators cause damage.
Wash on the delicates/gentle cycle with cool water and an extra rinse.
Use a mesh bag; select a low spin speed/no spin if possible.
Remove silk immediately after washing; don’t let it sit wet.

Even with these safeguards, machine washing can still stress silk fibers. It’s best to stick to hand washing if you want your silk to last.

Drying Silk: Best Practices

Drying is just as crucial as washing when it comes to preventing silk damage. Here are some dos and don’ts:

Do:

Roll in a towel, then air dry flat on a drying rack or layered on towels. Never hang silk garments to dry!
Speed up drying with a fan blowing indirect air over the silk.
Iron while slightly damp on low heat if needed after drying.

Don’t:

Tumble dry – high heat destroys silk! The dryer motion also causes pulls.
Hang to dry – suspended while wet, silk fibers get stretched out.
Over-iron when too damp or using excess heat – causes permanent wrinkles.

Take your time and let silk dry naturally to best maintain its lovely drape and sheen after washing.

Dry Clean

Dry clean is always an option

Maintenance and Longevity: Preventing Shrinkage and Wrinkles

To keep your silk looking its best:

Wash infrequently – only if stained or smelly. Too-frequent washing weakens silk.
Store folded or hanging, not scrunched; use padded hangers.

Preventing shrinkage:

Soak briefly, 3-5 minutes max.
Rinse in similar temperature to wash; don’t shock with hot or cold.
Don’t wring, twist, or pull silk when wet.
Dry flat. Reshape while damp if needed.

Avoiding wrinkles:

Lightly steam instead of ironing if possible.
Don’t let silk sit crumpled in hamper or when storing.

4.- Alpaca

Alpaca is Soft and hypoallergenic and most people allergic to wool are not to alpaca. Do not have lanoline, common source of allergies. Lanoline retains dust and microscopic organisms therefore alpaca has a minimum absorption of these elements keeping the garment odorless, cleaner, healthier and fresher and no need of cleaning as often as any other fiber.

Alpaca Does not itch and mostly is wearable any season during the year, it is durable and soft to touch , The fiber gives the best insulation. Alpaca has a hollow core and keep the body heat during a warmer season and warm during winter. Alpaca has an incredible Thermal Capacity. It is stronger than wool, soft as cashmere. Alpaca does not wrinkle easily, does not ball up, does not stretch or lose its shape.

Dry Clean is appropriate, but you can also hand wash or machine wash on gentle cycle:

Machine wash tips: Cold water, mild soap, garment MUST be in a laundry mesh bag, well folded, the best fit the better (this avoids the twisting when wet that would put out of shape the garment). Gentle cycle or “hand wash” cycle. Better if the load is only for alpaca garments. Spinning OK. No dryer.

Flat dry in the shade.

To keep your alpaca looking its best: Wash infrequently – only if stained or smelly. Too-frequent washing weakens alpaca. Alpaca fiber does not retain odors or dust, so it is not needed to wash it as often as other fibers.