Closet Confessionals | Natural Fabric Care Guide
Hello Everyone,
I hope all is well! In today’s closet confessional we will be discussing when and how to wash your beloved fashion pieces.
Buying natural fabrics is only half the battle—how you care for them determines whether they last for years or decades. If you’ve read my post on Building an Archival Wardrobe with Natural Materials, you already know I swear by the 90% Rule: if a piece isn’t at least 90% natural fibers, I leave it behind.
But even the most beautifully made, natural-fiber garment can lose its shape, fade, or wear out prematurely if it’s over-washed or mishandled. This guide will walk you through when to wash and how to wash the four most important fabrics in an archival wardrobe—so you can keep your closet in museum-quality condition.
The Golden Rule: Less is More
Over-washing is the single biggest enemy of natural fibers. Each wash cycle causes micro-damage: fibers break down, colors fade, and shape is lost. The trick?
Spot clean small stains instead of tossing the whole garment in the wash.
Steam to refresh between wears and remove odors.
Air out garments overnight—especially wool and linen—to naturally release smells and moisture.
Your clothes don’t need to smell like detergent to be clean. They just need to be fresh enough to wear again.
Wool
When to Clean and Condition:
Sweaters & knits: Every 5–7 wears or when visibly dirty.
Outerwear: Once or twice per season (end of season is best).
How to Care:
Hand wash in cool water with a wool-safe detergent.
If dry cleaning, use an eco-friendly service to reduce chemical exposure.
Lay flat on a towel to dry—never hang wet wool (it will stretch).
Extra Tip: Keep wool pieces moth-free with cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your closet.
Silk
When to Clean and Condition:
Blouses & dresses: Every 3–4 wears.
Spot clean immediately if you spill.
How to Care:
Hand wash in cold water with a silk-specific detergent.
Never twist or wring—roll in a towel to absorb excess moisture.
Air dry away from direct sunlight.
Extra Tip: Steam silk instead of ironing to preserve its sheen.
Cotton
When to Clean and Condition:
Everyday wear: Every 1–2 wears.
Denim: Every 6–8 wears to maintain color and fit.
How to Care:
Machine wash in cold water with like colors.
Tumble dry low or hang dry to reduce shrinking.
Extra Tip: Turn denim inside out before washing to preserve dye.
Linen
When to Clean and Condition:
Every 2–3 wears, more often in hot climates.
How to Care:
Machine wash on a gentle cycle in cool or lukewarm water.
Air dry or tumble dry low to minimize shrinkage.
Leather
When to Clean & Condition:
Wipe down with a soft, dry or slightly damp cloth after heavy use or visible dirt.
Deep clean and condition 2–3 times per year, more often in humid or dry climates.
How to Care:
Spot clean with a damp cloth—avoid soaking.
Use a pH-balanced leather cleaner sparingly.
Condition with a leather cream or balm to prevent drying and cracking.
Always air dry naturally—keep away from direct heat or sunlight.
Storage & Seasonal Rotation
The way you store your clothes between wears is just as important as how you wash them:
Use breathable garment bags for long-term storage.
Avoid plastic covers—they trap moisture and cause mildew.
Fold knits to prevent stretching.
Hang structured garments to keep their shape.
Final Thoughts
A true archival wardrobe isn’t just about what you buy—it’s about how you care for it. When you learn to wash less, store smarter, and handle each fabric on its own terms, you extend the life of your clothes by years (sometimes decades). After all, an archival wardrobe isn’t just storage—it’s a relationship with your clothes.
Bookmark this guide, share it with your fellow slow-fashion friends, and revisit my post on Building an Archival Wardrobe with Natural Materials to see how care and curation work hand in hand.
The clothes you love will love you back—if you treat them right.
💬 Do you wash less or more than this guide suggests?
