Can jacquard fabric be washed in a washing machine?

Jacquard fabrics are easily recognizable by their intricate patterns, dense texture, and “rich” appearance. But jacquard, like simpler fabrics, has to be washed regularly. When wet, such fabric becomes rougher and heavier, but do not worry: jacquard can be washed even in a washing machine. To prevent the material from losing its original appearance, you must adhere to certain rules during the washing process.

A little about the composition of jacquard

The homeland of the fabric is France. It was there at the beginning of the 19th century that weaver Joseph Jacquard invented a machine for making dense patterned fabric. The fabric is made from different types of threads. In most cases there are about 10, but complex designs require the use of more than 100 threads of different textures and shades. This causes the high cost of the material.

A special type of weaving - jacquard - makes the material very durable regardless of the type of fibers used, but you should know their composition for proper care.

Several types of jacquard are used in production:

• Jacquard-satin - fabric of predominantly natural origin. The base is high quality cotton fiber. Fabrics made from it are particularly durable, but when exposed to direct sunlight they become less wear-resistant. The fibers are sensitive to high temperatures (about 150 ˚C) and deteriorate when exposed to hot objects. Recommended processing temperature is up to 130 ˚С.Jacquard-satin is often used for sewing elite-class bed linen. It is silky, durable and tolerates washing well. After 200 washes, the fabric will begin to fade slightly. In home use, satin jacquard is the most common fabric.
• Jacquard satin - a shiny fabric, traditionally based on silk threads. Subsequently, no less high-quality material was obtained from synthetic fibers. Satin jacquard is most often used for sewing curtains, bedspreads, and covers for furniture made in the Baroque style.
• Stretch jacquard - obtained by adding easily stretchable threads to the fabric - elastane, spandex, lycra. Clothes made from this fabric fit well and are distinguished by original patterns. When exposed to high temperatures, elasticity may decrease, so washing in hot water is unacceptable.
• Jacquard-silk - a more expensive canvas, characterized by a glossy surface. Luxury underwear and exquisite clothing are often made from it.
• Jacquard organza - thin, translucent fabric with a printed pattern. Although the combination of jacquard weaving and organza is quite rare, products made from such fabric look very elegant and require appropriate care. Washing them in an automatic machine is not prohibited, but only in a delicate cycle.

Delicate care is considered universal for all types of jacquard.

Washing rules

You can wash satin jacquard, like other types of fabric, by hand or in a washing machine. In this case, it is necessary to take into account some nuances.

Water temperature

Some types of fibers (satin, stretch) do not tolerate high temperatures, so the optimal water temperature for washing jacquard is about 30˚C.

If the product has a label indicating the care instructions, it will have the image:

Which product should I choose?

The worst choice is regular laundry detergent. In lukewarm water, the granules do not dissolve well and become clogged between the fibers of the fabric. Chemicals have a negative effect on the paint, and as a result, the canvas will quickly fade. In addition, many jacquard products intended for frequent use (covers, upholstery) are impregnated with special substances to increase strength. The powder spoils the impregnation and the fabric wears out faster.

All this can be avoided by replacing the powder with washing gel.

It is strictly forbidden to use products containing chlorine. This is evidenced by the designation on the label:

- you can use bleach without chlorine;

- bleaching is prohibited.

Washing mode

On the machine, the washing mode can be marked with “dots”. For jacquard, select the single point mode. This means “delicate”, “hand” wash at temperatures up to 30˚C.

Spin and dry

If the drying rules are violated, the jacquard may become deformed and lose color, so you should follow the rules:

• refuse the automatic fabric spin mode - just set the “water drain” and remove the product;
• do not squeeze by hand or twist (such actions will damage the structure of the fabric);
• lay out on a horizontal surface, straightening the product with your hands;
• Avoid direct sunlight on the fabric.

The signs on the label indicate this:

- dry on a horizontal surface;

- dry in the shade.

Ironing

After washing, ironing allows you to give the product a presentable appearance. Jacquard must be ironed from the wrong side. The temperature setting is minimal, which corresponds to one point on the iron.

Steaming is possible, but not for fabrics with elastic fibers.

Immediately after the first wash, lint forms on the fabric, which can only be noticeable when magnified. This does not make the fabric worse, but it acquires a pleasant softness, which is noted by those with sensitive skin.

Jacquard is a durable fabric, but if not properly cared for, it loses its properties. If you follow the correct washing regime, magnificent jacquard products will not lose their beauty and will delight you for many years.