5 Most Common Home Textile Care Mistakes

Home textiles – bedding, towels, bathrobes, tablecloths, curtains, bedspreads and other fabrics – add comfort and coziness to our homes every day. However, even high-quality textile products can lose their softness, colour or shape more quickly if they are not cared for properly.

The most common mistakes may seem insignificant: washing at too high a temperature, using too much detergent or drying fabrics incorrectly. Over time, however, these habits can noticeably shorten the lifespan of your home textiles.

Here are five of the most common home textile care mistakes worth avoiding.

1. Washing textiles at too high a temperature

One of the most common mistakes is assuming that the higher the washing temperature, the cleaner the fabric will become.

Water that is too hot can damage fibres, cause colours to fade and make some products shrink. Extra care should be taken with satin, linen, muslin, silk, bamboo fibres and other more delicate materials.

For many everyday textiles, 30–40°C is sufficient, but the care instructions provided for each individual product should always take priority.

For example, towels and certain cotton products may be suitable for higher temperatures, so there is no single washing rule that applies to every type of fabric.

2. Using too much detergent and fabric softener

More detergent does not necessarily mean cleaner laundry.

Excess detergent may not rinse out completely and can remain between the fibres. Over time, this can make textiles feel rougher, reduce their natural softness and even contribute to unpleasant odours.

Fabric softener should also be used in moderation. When used too frequently on towels, for example, it can reduce their ability to absorb moisture. This is particularly relevant for towels containing bamboo fibres, which are valued for their softness and absorbency.

It is best to follow the detergent manufacturer's recommendations and adjust the amount according to the size of the load and the hardness of your water.

3. Washing all textiles together

Bedding, towels, kitchen towels and delicate decorative fabrics all have different care requirements.

Heavier and rougher items can create more friction against delicate fabrics during washing, causing them to wear out more quickly.

It is a good idea to sort textiles by:

• colour;
• fabric type;
• recommended washing temperature;
• level of soiling.

For example, delicate satin or microfiber bedding should ideally not be washed together with heavy towels or rougher textile products.

4. Drying textiles incorrectly

How textiles are dried is just as important as how they are washed.

Excessively high tumble-dryer temperatures can weaken fibres, cause shrinkage and increase wrinkling. Some materials may also lose their original texture more quickly when exposed to intense heat.

Take particular care when drying microfiber, bamboo fibres, silk and other delicate fabrics. Microfiber usually dries quickly, so it rarely requires high temperatures. Excessive heat may negatively affect synthetic fibres.

If you use a tumble dryer, choose a programme suitable for the specific fabric and avoid overdrying your textiles.

Whenever possible, many textile products can also be air-dried. Coloured fabrics should not be left for long periods in strong direct sunlight, as this may gradually cause the colours to fade.

5. Ignoring the fabric composition and care label

One of the most important rules of home textile care is not to treat every fabric in exactly the same way.

Different materials have different characteristics.

Cotton is generally durable and easy to care for, but excessively high temperatures may cause it to shrink.

Cotton satin retains its smooth surface better when washed on a gentler cycle and at lower spin speeds.

Microfiber is lightweight, quick-drying and relatively easy to care for. It is best washed at a low or medium temperature while avoiding very hot drying and excessive use of fabric softener.

Textiles containing bamboo fibres are soft and absorb moisture well. They are best washed on a gentle cycle with a small amount of detergent while avoiding high temperatures and excessive fabric softener.

Linen naturally becomes softer with every wash but should not be overdried.

Muslin has a naturally crinkled texture and therefore usually does not need ironing.

Silk requires particularly gentle care – low temperatures, a suitable detergent and careful drying.

Towels should be cared for in a way that preserves their absorbency, so excessive fabric softener should be avoided whether they are made from cotton, bamboo fibres or a blend.

This is why it is always worth checking the care label before washing a new textile product for the first time.

How can you make home textiles last longer?

Proper textile care does not need to be complicated. A few simple habits are usually enough: sort your laundry, avoid overloading the washing machine, use the correct amount of detergent, avoid unnecessarily high temperatures and follow the manufacturer's recommendations.

Items with zippers or buttons should be closed before washing, while coloured and decorative fabrics can be turned inside out. This helps reduce surface friction and keeps the product looking beautiful for longer.

Properly cared-for home textiles remain soft, functional and attractive for much longer.

Discover home textiles at SAVAS Home

If you are looking for new bedding, soft towels, bathrobes, silk products or other home textiles, visit SAVAS Home. You will find products in a variety of materials, colours and designs that are easy to match with your home interior.

Visit SAVAS Home and discover textiles for a cozier home.