Good clothes need care to keep them looking their best. Your mum might have taught you some of these laundry tricks – how many do you know?

Good clothes are an investment. Some are so expensive that they almost need insuring, others are simply ones we love because of the way they make us feel. Our favourite clothes deserve the best of care. Whether this means a regular visit to the dry cleaner, or a careful hand wash once a week, learn how to take care your favourite things.

Silk

If the garment is labelled "washable silk" it’s ok to pop it into a mesh laundry bag, and then into the washing machine on a delicate cycle. Otherwise, you can dry clean silk garments, but it’s better to hand wash them. Use cool or lukewarm water with a tiny bit of mild detergent such as a wool wash. Changing the water temperature between rinses might constrict the fibres, so keep the temperature consistent. Add 3 tbsp. of white vinegar to the wash to help keep the silk in good condition. Don’t wring silk out – carefully wrap the piece in a towel and press the water out, then hang the garment on a padded hanger to dry. When it comes to ironing, use a low setting with no steam and iron when it’s still damp. After a dry clean, don’t store silk in the plastic sheath, as natural fibres like to breathe.

Denim

You should not wash denim after every wear. In fact, if you buy raw denim – which is the stiff stuff that takes ages to wear in – you shouldn’t need to wash your jeans at all. Jeans gradually conform to our bodies, which is why we love them, but when they are washed most of this shape is lost. You only need to wash them when they are stained or start to sag.

To protect the colour of your jeans, wash them inside out in cold water on a delicate cycle. Add 1/2 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse if you want to maintain the wash of dark denim. Avoid tumble drying if possible, but if you do, use a low setting and remove before they are completely dry. Hang them upside down to dry.

Cashmere

Cashmere is best washed by hand in cold water with baby shampoo or wool wash. Wet woollens stretch easily, so never hold up wet cashmere by the edges – carry it as a lump when wet. To gently squeeze excess water, roll it up in a towel and press the water out.

Don’t fold cashmere so that the crease line falls down the front of the jumper – fold it into thirds at the shoulders. To help avoid damage by moths, always clean cashmere before storing it for the warmer months. Wrap garments in tissue paper, and store with cedar-scented balls.

Cotton

Cotton is easy to care for, and is super durable as well. Cottons can be washed in the machine in warm water with detergent, and you can use bleach to add extra brightness to whites. Cottons can be tumble dried. Avoid using fabric softeners on towels, and only use half the amount of detergent that you normally would – the detergent residue can reduce their softness. Give them an extra rinse if they still seem soapy. You can iron cotton at the highest heat setting.

Viscose & rayon

Wash your viscose and rayon garments by hand in cool to lukewarm water. Let them drip dry, without wringing or twisting them. Iron them on a medium temperature with steam.

Leather

Use a damp cloth to keep leather jackets clean. Hang on a good quality hanger to avoid stretching the shoulders. Use a Scotchguard spray to repel water, as leather is subject to water stains. If leather does get wet, be sure to hang it to dry in a well-ventilated space. Use a leather conditioner occasionally, and get your jackets professionally cleaned annually.

Polyester

If polyester gets stained, rub a little stain remover on the spot and wait for 20 minutes before washing. Most polyester can be easily machine washed in warm water. Use a little extra fabric softener to avoid static cling. You can tumble dry garments on a warm setting.

Wool coats, jumpers and trousers

Use a lint brush to remove surface dirt. For light stains on woollens, carefully blot the fabric with paper towel and cold water or a bi-carb soda solution. Don’t rub the spot – you can destroy the delicate fibres. Woollen jumpers can be machine washed on your machine’s hand-wash or wool cycle in cold water. Afterwards, gently squeeze the garment and lay it flat – don’t hang it when wet as this can destroy the shape.

Dry clean a wool coat before and after winter, and store them with empty pockets to help them keep their shape. When hanging a woollen coat, use a sturdy coat hanger to prevent the shoulders from sagging.

Spilt wine on your favourite dress? There are more than 2000 dry cleaners listed right across Australia in the Yellow Pages, so, help is at your fingers. Make the call today.