04 — Care

Care without
making it worse.

A useful guide should offer an action, say what to avoid and acknowledge what it cannot guarantee.

THE FIRST RULE

The care label sets the strongest treatment allowed. Always start with the gentlest compatible method.

Never mix household products.
01

It yellows

Deep guide · Treat locally before washing again.

  1. 01

    Check the care label and the bleaching symbol.

  2. 02

    On contact zones, apply a compatible textile stain remover, following its instructions and dwell time.

  3. 03

    Then wash at the maximum authorised temperature, with the dose required for your water hardness.

  4. 04

    Air dry and check the result before any further attempt.

Open the detailed guide →
02

It turns grey

Practical record · Correct the wash before adding a product.

  1. 01

    Really separate whites from colours, even light colours.

  2. 02

    Respect the detergent dose: too little washes poorly, too much can leave residues.

  3. 03

    Do not overload the drum so laundry can move and rinse properly.

  4. 04

    Clean the drawer, seal and filter according to the machine instructions, then wash again.

ADEME: dosing, loading and washing-machine maintenance.
03

It is stained

Deep guide · Identify before heating.

  1. 01

    Remove excess without spreading it; blot liquid with a clean white cloth.

  2. 02

    Rinse from the reverse side with cold water if the stain type allows it.

  3. 03

    Use a stain remover adapted to the mark and textile, after testing on a hidden area.

  4. 04

    Check before tumble-drying or ironing: heat can make some marks harder to remove.

Open the detailed guide →
04

It shrank

Practical record · Stop heat and measure the change.

  1. 01

    Compare width and length with an earlier measurement or an identical item.

  2. 02

    Lay the damp T-shirt flat and gently reshape it without pulling the collar.

  3. 03

    Let it dry flat and in the open air.

  4. 04

    For future washes, stay below the label’s maximum temperature and avoid tumble-drying unless authorised.

ADEME: heat and frequent washing encourage wear and deformation.
05

The collar waves

Practical record · Reduce stress on the rib.

  1. 01

    Wash on a gentle cycle, inside out, without overloading the drum.

  2. 02

    Take it out quickly and reshape the neckline flat by hand.

  3. 03

    Dry flat or according to the care symbol, without hanging the wet garment by the collar.

  4. 04

    If ironing is authorised, use moderate steam without stretching the rib.

GOOD HABITS

Prevention beats recovery.

  • Wash only when needed.
  • Separate whites and colours.
  • Dose according to product, load and water hardness.
  • Prefer 30°C when the label and use allow it.
  • Air dry whenever possible.
  • Maintain the washing machine regularly.

REFERENCE SOURCES

ADEME · Laundry care →GINETEX · Care symbols →Poison Control · Never mix cleaners →

General advice checked on 13 August 2026. The garment label and product instructions remain the priority.