Product Care

Most labels use five international symbols:

• Washtub: washing. A number shows the maximum temperature and a hand means hand wash only.
• Triangle: bleaching. A crossed-out triangle means no bleach of any kind.
• Square: drying. A circle inside means tumble drying is allowed, and lines mean dry flat or line dry.
• Iron: ironing. More dots mean a hotter setting.
• Circle: professional cleaning. A letter tells your dry cleaner which process to use.

A cross through any symbol means don't.

Tailoring, structured coats, silk, leather, suede, embellished pieces and anything marked dry clean only should go to a specialist cleaner. Point out any stains and tell them what caused them.

Before using any cleaner, conditioner or stain remover, try it on a hidden area first and let it dry fully to check for colour change.

Deep and vivid shades, especially in denim, silk and suede, can transfer colour when new. Wash dark pieces separately at first and take care with pale bags and upholstery.

Turn pieces inside out, close zips and buttons, and wash with similar colours on a gentle cycle at 30°C or below unless the label says otherwise. Use a mild detergent and don't overload the machine.

Wash as rarely as you can, inside out and in cold water, to keep the colour deep. Airing jeans between wears often works just as well.

Air drying is kindest. Reshape while damp and hang shirts on a hanger. Tumble drying can shrink cotton and wear down fibres, so only use it where the label allows.

Iron cotton and linen while slightly damp and inside out to avoid shine. A steamer is gentler for most pieces and quickly lifts creases from dresses and shirts.

Hang shirts, dresses and trousers on shaped hangers with room between them. Fold T-shirts and jersey so they don't stretch.

Use cool water and a wool or cashmere wash. Soak for a few minutes and gently squeeze. Never rub, twist or wring, as this felts and stretches the fibres.

Roll the knit in a clean towel to press out water, then lay it flat on a dry towel and ease it back into shape. Keep it away from direct heat and sunlight.

Small balls of fibre are natural in cashmere, especially where it rubs, such as under the arms. Remove them gently with a cashmere comb once the knit is dry.

Always fold knitwear, because hanging stretches the shoulders. Store clean in a breathable bag with cedar or lavender to deter moths.

Let knits rest for a day or two so the fibres recover. Wool is naturally odour resistant, so airing often replaces washing.

Unless the label allows hand washing, have silk professionally cleaned. If washing by hand, use cool water and a silk detergent, then roll in a towel and dry flat, away from light.

Blot, don't rub. Water can mark silk, so take stains straight to a specialist rather than treating them at home.

Hand wash in cool water inside a mesh bag if the label allows. Avoid pulling at the fabric while it's wet, as it stretches easily.

Spot clean only, or use a specialist cleaner. Store folded in tissue rather than hanging, because the weight of embellishment can pull seams out of shape.

Use a low heat setting with a pressing cloth, working on the reverse, or use a steamer held a short distance away. Never iron directly over embellishment.

Brush with a soft clothes brush after wearing to lift dust and surface marks. Have them professionally cleaned once a season rather than after every few wears.

Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and follow the label for cleaning. Re-proofing by a specialist helps restore water resistance.

Wash only if the label allows, on a gentle cycle with a down wash, then tumble dry on low with dryer balls to restore loft. Otherwise use a specialist.

Wipe leather with a soft, dry cloth and condition it occasionally with a product made for garment leather. Brush suede gently and let it dry naturally if it gets wet. Leave cleaning to a leather specialist.

Use broad, shaped hangers that support the shoulders, and empty the pockets. Store in breathable cotton covers, never plastic.

Wipe with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. For light marks, use a barely damp cloth and let it dry naturally. Use a leather cleaner only if the maker recommends one, and test it first.

Smooth leathers benefit from a neutral conditioner a few times a year. Patent leather only needs a soft cloth. Suede, nubuck and exotic-effect leathers need specialist products or professional care.

Don't overfill your bag. When storing it, stuff it with acid-free tissue and fasten the closures.

Keep bags in their dust bags, standing upright on a shelf, away from sunlight and radiators. Store handles and straps flat so they don't crease.

Dark denim can mark pale leather, and pens, cosmetics and hand cream can stain linings and exteriors. Blot spills at once and take serious marks to a leather specialist.

Wipe off dust after wearing and polish regularly with a cream in a matching colour. Cedar shoe trees absorb moisture and hold the shape.

Brush in one direction with a suede brush to refresh the nap, and use a suede eraser on small marks. Apply a protective spray before the first wear, testing it first.

Spot clean gently and avoid getting them wet. Store in their dust bags with tissue so the embellishment isn't crushed.

Clean the soles and uppers with a soft brush and mild soap solution. Air dry away from heat, stuffed with paper to hold the shape. Avoid the washing machine unless the brand allows it.

If shoes get wet, stuff them with paper and let them dry slowly at room temperature, away from heaters. Condition leather once dry.

A cobbler can add protective soles to new leather-soled shoes and replace heel tips before they wear down to the heel itself.

Apply perfume, lotion and hairspray first, then put on your jewellery. Take it off before swimming, exercising, showering or cleaning.

Wipe with a soft polishing cloth after wearing. Fine gold, platinum and most diamonds can be cleaned in warm, soapy water with a soft brush. Pearls, opals, emeralds and other soft or porous stones should only be wiped with a dry cloth.

Silver and fashion jewellery tarnish when exposed to air and moisture. Store each piece separately in an anti-tarnish pouch or a lined box.

Keep pieces apart so harder stones don't scratch softer metals, and lay chains flat or hang them to prevent tangles.

Check the water resistance rating before any contact with water, and make sure the crown is pushed in. Keep watches away from strong magnets, and have mechanical watches serviced as the maker recommends.

Clean lenses with the microfibre cloth supplied and a lens cleaner or a drop of mild soap and water. Hold the frame, not the arms, when putting glasses on, and always store them in their case.

Have them professionally cleaned, or hand wash in cool water if the label allows. Store rolled or loosely folded to avoid sharp creases, and press with a low iron through a cloth.

Store rolled loosely or hung by the buckle. Wipe leather with a dry cloth and condition occasionally. Polish metal buckles gently with a soft cloth.

Handle by the brim, not the crown. Store in a hat box or on a shelf, crown down, to keep the shape. Brush felt with a soft brush.

Store gloves flat. Keep leather accessories away from damp, and follow the leather goods advice above.

Follow the label and wash cushion covers, throws and linens gently at low temperatures. Wool and cashmere throws should be hand washed or professionally cleaned, like knitwear.

Hand wash fine porcelain, crystal and anything with metallic detailing in warm, soapy water. Dishwashers can dull gilding and cloud glass.

Dust with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid abrasive or chemical cleaners, which can scratch or strip the finish.

Trim the wick to about 5mm before each burn and let the top melt evenly to the edge the first time. Never leave a candle burning unattended.

Keep delicate pieces out of strong sunlight and away from heat and humidity, which can fade colours and warp materials.