hemp yarns and fabric

Unlike many fibres, each time that you launder hemp it will usually become softer. It absorbs moisture rapidly and becomes stronger when wet, so it should not wear through washing.

Hemp and hemp blend fabrics will fray however, so if you are planning to wash them prior to making a project, it is very important to surge or zig zag stitch the raw edges before washing.

With any textile, you should always test for color fastness and remember that bleach should not be used, as it can significantly degrade and weaken the natural fibers. Natural detergents at low temperatures should be sufficient as hemp easily releases dirt and stains.

After washing, stretch the damp article to its natural size and shape before ironing. A hot iron will ensure that creases disappear, but iron only on the wrong or under side of the fabric for coloured hemp, as this will preserve the texture.

organic cotton and organic cotton / hemp blend

Mod Green Pod and FLUF design recommend:

Fabrics are machine washable in cold water with a gentle laundry detergent. Either hang fabrics to dry or lay flat to dry and iron as needed. For items such as fitted covers or long drapes, consider using a professional green dry cleaner, such as Helping Hand Cleaners in Vancouver, to avoid shrinkage.

Ecobutterfly recommends:

The Farfalla and Monarch yarns are hand brushed and similar to most textured yarns, to preserve their texture it is best to treat them gently. Hand or machine wash on a gentle cycle in a lingerie bag. Lay flat to dry and you can then brush with a soft bristled brush for a soft and lofty hand.

organic linen

Similar to hemp, the more linen is washed, the softer, more absorbent and more luminous it becomes. It can be either hand or machine washed on a gentle cycle with gentle, natural detergent. As with any fabric, stains should be laundered when fresh so that they do not set. If hand washing, rinse very thoroughly because if all soap is not removed, discoloured spots may appear.

Linen can be line dried or rolled in towels to remove excess moisture. Linen can be machine dried as well, however, with any drying method, don't wring before drying as it breaks the fibres.

Ironing may often not be required when the item is dried flat or tumbled at low heat, further, if linen is removed from drying while still damp and ironed immediately, it requires the least amount of work. Iron on the wrong side first, then on the right side to bring out the shine of lighter linens, but iron dark linens on the wrong side only. Iron linen until smooth but not dry and when the wrinkles are removed, hang the linen item.

For cleaning linen draperies or slip covers, consider finding a green dry cleaner to ensure shrinkage in long pieces or fitted items does not occur. 

organic wool

O-Wool recommends:
To take care of your wool garment remember that this complex, multilayered fiber is a protein animal product. Contrary to the frequent, agitated washing that synthetics fibers require; wool responds best to frequent airing, gentle handling, surface sponging and rest between wearing. Wool fibers will naturally resist soil, odours and wrinkles, and return willingly to their original shape. If necessary, a steam iron (without direct touching) can further encourage shaping. If you have suffered a direct spot or stain, washing the area immediately with cold water is a good first response. See the Kentucky Sheep and Wool Producers Association website for a complete listing of stain removal suggestions.
 

silk

The following instructions are recommended by Cheryl Kolander of Aurora Silk:

All natural silks can be handwashed, and all of the naturally dyed silks can be handwashed or washed on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Contrary to clothing labels, silk should not be dry cleaned. I wash all my silks in the washing machine, gentle cycle, with warm water, and a gentle detergent, such as Crystal White or Ivory dish soap. 

Additionally, silk is delicate and easily burned, stretched, or otherwise damaged on an ironing board. Consider these points when ironing silk garments:

1. Many irons have a silk setting, but if yours doesn’t, use low heat and lots of steam. It’s also important to keep the iron moving fast; lingering on a single area may scorch the fabric.
2. There’s a difference between ironing and pressing. Conventional ironing (moving the iron back and forth) can stretch a fabric. If you’re concerned about this with your silk garment, try pressing instead. Use a press cloth or any protective cloth (a thin dishtowel will do) between the silk and iron and press with high heat and pressure on a single spot with adequate steam. Repeat over the rest of the garment until you’re done.
3. Whenever possible, iron the garment inside out to minimize possible damage to the fibers, which can change the appearance of the fabric.