Care, Maintenance and Storage of Garments and Equipment
This domain tests care labels, washing and drying, stain removal, storage and routine machine maintenance. Questions ask you to choose the correct care method for a fibre or to explain a maintenance step.
Care labels and washing
Read the care label before washing. Symbols give washing temperature, bleach permission, drying method and ironing level. Hand wash wool and silk in cool water with mild detergent. Wash dark colours separately and turn garments inside out. Do not use chlorine bleach on wool, silk or elastane.
Stain removal
Blot, do not rub. Blood needs cold water because hot water sets the protein. Grease needs a solvent or dish soap because oil and water do not mix. Ink needs solvent, and tea or coffee needs cold water followed by a mild oxygen bleach if the label allows.
Storage
Store clean, dry garments on padded hangers or folded flat. Use naphthalene or cedar for wool, keep away from damp and direct sunlight, and never store damp clothes because mildew grows.
Equipment maintenance
Clean lint from the bobbin area, oil the machine at the points marked in the manual, replace bent or blunt needles, check belt tension and keep the machine covered when not in use.
Worked example
A grease stain is on a cotton shirt. Reasoning: grease is oil-based, so water alone will not lift it. Blot the excess, apply absorbent powder, then a small amount of dish soap or solvent, work gently, and rinse in cold water before washing. Hot water can spread the stain.
Traps
Hot water on blood; chlorine bleach on protein fibres; storing damp clothes; using a bent needle that causes skipped stitches; oiling without cleaning lint first.
Key points
- Read the care label before washing; use cool water and mild detergent for wool and silk.