Step 1: Understanding the Concept: The way a fabric must be washed, dried, and ironed depends entirely on its physical and chemical properties.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation: Two major aspects that dictate fabric care are:
1. Fibre Content: The fundamental material of the fabric (e.g., natural fibres like cotton and silk vs. synthetic fibres like polyester). Cotton can generally withstand hot water and vigorous washing, while delicate silk requires mild detergent and gentle handling.
2. Fabric Construction: How the yarn is put together (e.g., woven, knitted, or blended). Knitted fabrics are prone to stretching and losing shape, so they often need to be dried flat, whereas tightly woven fabrics are more stable during standard washing and hanging.
Step 3: Final Answer: Care is primarily affected by the fibre content and the construction of the fabric.