At the end of any given day, people often toss their clothes into the laundry without much thought. But how you treat them determines how long they will last. The guide below explains how to wash, dry, and store different kinds of fabric.

A Guide to Cleaning Different Fabrics

1. Cotton

Cotton is one of the most popular fabrics on the market today because of its durability and comfort. Pretreat stains with a stain remover and cold water and let sit for 15 minutes. Then machine wash these items in the laundry in either cool or warm water on a gentle cycle. Afterward, make sure these pieces are ironed and wrinkle-free, before either hanging the garment from a hanger or folding it neatly; cotton is very forgiving and can withstand most storage conditions.

2. Silk

Most silk clothing can be hand-washed in a sink with cold water and mild liquid detergent. Lightly agitate the item for a few minutes, then rinse it well. To remove stains, mix two tablespoons of white vinegar or lemon juice with two tablespoons of lukewarm water. Test it out first on a hidden area of the fabric to make sure it doesn't cause any damage. Then, apply it to the stain in quick dabs with a clean cotton towel before washing as usual. Store silk items flat in a cool, dark closet; silk needs to breathe, so never keep it in plastic.

3. Linen

One of the beauties of linen clothing is that it gets softer and more comfortable with each wash. Be sure to wash it in either lukewarm or cold water on a gentle cycle. For stain removal, sprinkle baking soda on the stain and add a couple of drops of white vinegar. Dab with a paper towel to soak up the moisture and wash as usual. When clean, keep the clothing neatly folded or hung in a dark, dry, well-ventilated area; for longer-term storage, use acid-free tissue paper to gently wrap each item.

4. Wool

Wool is cherished for its warmth and durability. When washing, always turn the garment inside out and wash it in cold water. While many items are dry-clean only, you can try to tackle a stain with a special wool stain remover but follow the manufacturer's directions to the letter. Heavier items should then be hung in a closet, and lighter items folded and kept in storage bags or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper.

These pointers will guarantee a long life for the fabrics you cherish. When you need to wash your clothes quickly and without stress, visit City Laundry. This Lincoln, Nebraska laundromat features coin-operated washers and dryers that will make your usual trip to the laundry a breeze. To ask a question about their facilities, call them today at (402) 483-2113 or visit them online.