A neutral, English-language reference on common fabric types and how they are washed, dried, ironed and stored in everyday German households — built around care-label symbols and practical routines.
Most laundry decisions follow from the fibre. Natural fibres such as cotton, linen, wool and silk each behave differently with water, heat and friction, which is why care labels and the GINETEX symbols printed on them matter.
Absorbent and hard-wearing. Tolerates warm water and machine drying, but is prone to shrinkage on first hot washes and creases readily.
Made from flax, strong and breathable. It softens with use, creases visibly, and is usually washed cool and ironed while still damp.
Warm and elastic. Sensitive to heat, agitation and alkaline detergents, which can cause felting, so it is handled gently and often laid flat to dry.
A fine protein fibre with a natural sheen. Delicate when wet, sensitive to high heat and best handled with mild, dedicated detergents.
Polyester, polyamide and elastane blends dry quickly and resist creasing, but hold odours and can be damaged by high ironing temperatures.
The standard wash-tub, triangle, iron, circle and square symbols indicate temperature, bleaching, ironing, professional cleaning and drying.
A consistent routine reduces wear and keeps colours intact. Sorting by colour, fibre and care temperature before loading the machine is the simplest way to avoid dye transfer and accidental shrinkage.
Breaking the routine into clear stages makes it easier to match each step to the fabric in front of you.
Three focused guides covering the fabrics and tasks that come up most often in German households.
Temperatures, shrinkage, and why linen is easier to iron slightly damp.
Read the guide →
Felting, hand-washing, flat drying and low-heat care for delicate fibres.
Read the guide →
Keeping linens dry, ventilated and protected from moths over the seasons.
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Last updated: 2026-05-28