fabricare

Fabricare refers to the set of practices involved in the care and maintenance of textiles to preserve their strength, appearance, and usefulness. The term is used in consumer guides, professional laundry services, and textile science to describe activities that extend fabric life and maintain performance.

Core activities include cleaning, stain removal, drying, ironing or steaming, storage, and periodic maintenance such as lint removal and mending. Cleaning may involve machine washing or hand washing with detergents, while professional options include dry cleaning or professional wet cleaning using water-based systems with specialized detergents. Stain treatment strategies vary by fiber and dye, and improper treatment can set stains or damage fibers. Drying methods range from air drying to machine dryers, with safeguards to minimize shrinkage and wear. Correct ironing and pressing, together with proper folding and garment storage, help prevent creasing and fiber fatigue. Routine fabric care also includes conditioning or softening when appropriate.

Care labeling is a key component of fabricare, providing instructions on washing temperature, solvent use, drying method, and ironing settings. Since textile fibers differ in their tolerance, care recommendations typically distinguish natural fibers (such as cotton, wool, silk) from synthetics (such as polyester or nylon), and blends require careful interpretation.

Environmental considerations have driven enhancements in fabricare practices, including energy- and water-efficient washing, the use of low-toxicity detergents, and the adoption of professional wet cleaning as an alternative to traditional dry cleaning. See also textile care, laundry, garment care.