(NC)-Optimum fabric care depends on a protective wash-and-dry system. From fine linens, cashmere and silks to denim, here are some refresher tips for laundry day from Miele, a world leader in appliance innovation:

Sorting

• Sort articles by color, keeping whites, darks, and medium colours together.
• Separate man-made fabrics like polyester from natural fibers such as cotton.
• Wash heavily soiled, dirty, items separately from slightly soiled items.
• Sort delicate fabrics and loose knits from tougher fabrics.

• Now you can actually machine-wash cashmere, silks, linens, and other fine fabrics with the newest technology in washing machines. The specialized "Honeycomb" stainless steel drum reduces fabric wear by preventing contact with the water exit holes, and also with a constant cushion of water between the fabric and the drum. Uniquely shaped in a honeycomb design, this patented drum - with 80 percent less extraction holes - is the primary cause of snags, pilling, and the premature wear of garments. In Canada, it is featured in the Touchtronic laundry system (miele.ca). The front-loading, Full-Size Laundry Pair of washer and dryer, provides 4 cubic-foot capacity and delivers the most advanced cleaning performance, with fabric wear protection, to date.
• To minimize wrinkling with man-made fibers, wash in hot/warm water using a permanent-press cycle. If your machine does not have a permanent-press cycle, use warm/cool water.

• Lightly shake items from the washer before placing them in the dryer.
• Keep like garments together. Permanent press items should not be dried with towels, and delicate items, such as lingerie, should be dried separately.
• Fabrics should be left in the dryer only long enough to remove wrinkles and moisture. Too long will cause shrinkage and wrinkling. The Touchtronic, Full-Size Dryer, for example, will continue to tumble occasionally, for up to 60 minutes after the buzzer to prevent wrinkling.
• Keep the lint filter clean. A clogged filter increases drying time and costs more money in electricity/gas usage.

Credit: http://www.newscanada.com