Hey there, fashion enthusiasts!
Ever feel that the gears of your favourite clothes start to get boring all too quickly?
You want that newly bought beautiful dress or the relaxed fit of the newly purchased jeans to look pre-worn. Fear not! We are going to check out ten simple and easy hacks to keep your wardrobe looking fly for longer.
How to care for your clothes?
In the following, some tips on how to properly take care of your clothes will be provided to you that will not only help you keep those clothes durable but also be easy on your pocket.
Let me share with you some ways on how to care for your clothes.
1. Read the Wash Care Labels
These tags are like secret codes, guiding you on how to keep your clothes happy and hygienic.
For example, instructions like "machine wash cold" or "dry clean only" are there to help you take care of your garments.
Tip: If you cut off the tags because they itch, take a picture of the washing instructions first.
It is essential to understand these labels as manufacturers provide explicit information concerning the fabric and sewing. Failure to do this can lead to shrinking, fading, and damage.
What do all these symbols refer to?
Machine Wash Cold: Wash with cold water, if it is to be washed in a washing machine. This is normal for dark or light-coloured clothes and any delicate fabric.
Dry Clean Only: It is high time you took it to the dry cleaners. Home washing can develop awful effects on the material or even the form of the piece of clothing.
Hand Wash: This packaging category can be disposed of by washing by hand in a very gentle manner. For smaller and more delicate items like lingerie or wool materials, people normally do this.
Do Not Bleach: It is advisable to break the habit and specifically prevent its usage, including non-chlorine bleach. This keeps colours vibrant.
Tumble Dry Low: Tumble dry preferably on a low heat setting to avoid damaging the material of the garment. Even when closed, high heat can eventually shrink the fabric or even cause harm to it.
Line Dry: Hang to dry naturally. Often recommended for items that could shrink or lose shape in the dryer.
2. Separate Your Laundry
I know washing clothes may not be an exciting activity nonetheless, sorting them out can make a significant difference. Bring whites together with whites and coloured clothes with other coloured clothes, and delicate fabrics on their own.
This ensures that colours and materials are well protected in garments respectively.
Pro Tip: Avoid washing these items together with other clothes, for this reason, purchase one or two laundry bags for such clothes.
It is overwhelming to write as if it is like giving them a protective bubble bath! Imagine your favourite silk blouse idling in a hammock; it does not have to worry about life’s everyday rough and tumble.
Why is this important?
Experts say that different colours wash off each other when washed together, especially when a dark-coloured cloth is washed with a lighter one.
Sorting your laundry into different loads also enables you to use the right water temperature and the right washing powder for every load of clothes.
Whites: It is preferred that hot water as well as a quality detergent is used. Hot water has a beneficial effect because it effectively washes the products removing dirt and germs.
Darks: One should avoid using hot water on clothes to avoid shades running and colour bleeding on the fabrics.
Delicates: Synonymous with gentle cycle with a mild detergent. Among them, there are underwear, nylon and silk materials and fine knitted wear.
3. Use the Right Detergent
This means that there are a varying bunch of detergents in the market. Select one according to the requirements of your clothes. The detergents which we find in our stores today can be categorized as delicate colours and those that have been stretched to touch the environment.
Fun Fact: It is even stated that washing your laundry with too much detergent could make your clothes dirtier in the long run.
Less is more!
When it comes to choosing a detergent, consider the following.
Sensitive Skin: Select an all-temperature hypoallergenic detergent especially if you and members of your family are allergic to certain laundry detergents.
Delicates: Wash using a liquid detergent that has been formulated to be used in washing delicate clothes. These are gentle for the fabric and do not weaken the fabric even after several washes.
Eco-Friendly: Use environmentally friendly detergents that are non-toxic to aquatic organisms. These are less likely to harm your garments and the planet as well.
Colours: Select a detergent that is designed to protect the colours of the garment from running.
4. Wash at the Right Temperature
Warm water can be so destructive to clothes and other fabrics since it can make them shrink or fade. Usually, people wash garments using cold or lukewarm water. Since then, they can rate the washing temperature of most garments as moderate.
Remember: This comparatively uses less energy and does not harm your garments or the earth as hot water does. So one could think of it as a wash on a hot summer’s day, when he dips his clothing in water from a lake, for the clothes to cool off.
Different fabrics have different temperature requirements.
Cotton: Hot or cold. Steam can also lead to shrinking.
Linen: Cold water. Linen fabric causes shrinking and fading of colour on the fabric.
Wool: Cold water. It should also be noted that when in contact with warm or hot water, wool tends to shrink and feel.
Silk: Cold water. Hot water can shrink and damage the fibres.
Synthetic Fabrics (like polyester, and nylon): Hot or cold water. Raw materials like fabrics that are included in these garments can be damaged by hot water.
5. Air Dry When Possible
Washers are convenient for doing away with your laundry chores but they can be quite brutal on your clothes. The special procedure of air drying avoids shrinkage so that no alterations are inflicted on the shape or the fabric.
Easy Hack: Every sweater should be laid flat to dry since folding will make it shrink. It is advisable to use hangers for shirts and dresses although it is advisable not to hang items that are tightly stretched.
Just think how it feels to have your clothes laid out to slowly tan with no effort at all or just the breeze to complement them.
Why air dry?
Some clothes are exposed to excess heat from the dryers and this means the fibers become degraded and break rather quickly.
This can also lead to shrinking and fading of garments as well. Some commodities that need a lot of air drying include; delicate fabrics and items made of elastic like summer wear, swimwear, etc.
Sweaters: Lay flat on a clean dry towel would be the response I would give to the above-mentioned question. Stretch them back to the proper size.
Shirts and Dresses: They should be hung on padded hangers to give them a proper shape.
Denim: Don’t use heat as it removes the beauty of the fabric colour and dries the fabric naturally. Hang jeans either by the waist by the button or just above it.
6. Iron with Care
Some fabrics do not require much heat while others will require much heat when drying. To wash an iron-on embroidered garment, examine your iron settings and adjust them according to the fabric of your garment.
Quick Tip: Some fabrics are very delicate and should not be exposed directly to heat when ironing so one should lay one cloth on the other. This is like putting a buffer between your delicate wear and the iron.
Here’s a quick guide to ironing different fabrics.
Cotton and Linen: High heat with steam has been defined as an occupational exposure of the second degree because it is something hazardous which is likely to affect the people exposed to it in the course of their duties.
These fabrics can also resist heat as it is one of the characteristics that was considered in choosing the fabrics.
Silk: Steam is not utilized here and its heat level is relatively low. In production, the silk fabric is very sensitive; it can burn and hence has to be handled carefully.
Wool: Medium heat with steam is used. To avoid shiny marks when polishing the chairs, one should use a pressing cloth.
Synthetics: Low heat. Heat should be avoided as it leads to the melting of the synthetic fibres which are used in the manufacture of fabrics.
7. Store Smartly
Where you put them if not properly can make a whole lot of difference when making up a dress code. Hang blouses, dresses and jackets on hangers. Rubberband PGM jeans and knitwear so that its stretch characteristics do not distort.
Storage Secret: Cedar blocks or lavender sachets, placed in the closet, will help to keep moths away and your clothes smell nice. It’s just like designing a SPA for your clothes.
Proper storage helps maintain the shape and condition of your clothes.
Hanging: Select high-quality hangers which assist the shoulder areas of garments that are to be hung. Do not use wire hangers as their ability to bend distorts the final shape.
Folding: It helps you maintain the shape of the clothes. Each garment should be folded neatly, for example, sweaters should be folded to avoid stretching. Put them inside drawers or on shelves.
Seasonal Storage: This is a good time to pack away garments that are not worn regularly because of the climate; clothes should be kept in soft garment bags or boxes that allow proper air circulation.
Do not use plastic bags because they are unable to breathe and the pile can get damp and mouldy.
8. Handle Stains Immediately
Accidents occur and they are very destructive, especially to our clothes; however, there is always a way of acting and this action can help save the day. Do not rub the stain, just blot it with a clean cloth, and treat it as soon as possible with proper stain remover.
Life Hack: In case of oily stains it is advisable to dust the material with baby powder or cornstarch to help in absorbing the oil. Suppose Clothing as visitors at a sophisticated black-tie affair and the person wearing it as the gracious host who makes a beeline for any spills.
Different stains require different treatments.
Grease and Oil: Take a small quantity of dish soap place it on the stain and then start massaging the area. Leave the mixture to stand for 5-7 minutes then wash.
Wine: The first step in attending to this problem is to ensure that the excess liquid is wiped off using a clean piece of material. Then, dust the affected area with salt to dry up the remainder of the moisture. Wash as usual.
Ink: Rub using rubbing alcohol or ink removing the solution on the stain. Rinse and wash.
9. Be Gentle with Delicate Garments
Lingerie, silk, and lace require extra attention. Wash them by hand or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine with mild soap.
Pro Move: When washing delicate clothing, spread them on a towel and leave them to dry. Imagine your lacy intimates and silk scarves enjoying a relaxing spa session.
Hand washing is the safest method for delicates. Here’s how to do it:
Fill a Basin: Use warm water and a minimal amount of gentle soap, like a professional would choose.
Swirl Gently: Submerge the garment and move it slowly back and forth in the water.
Rinse Thoroughly: Use cool water to rinse the item until all traces of soap are gone.
Press (Don’t Wring): Lightly squeeze the garments to remove water without twisting them.
By following these tips, you can keep your delicates in pristine condition, ensuring they remain beautiful and intact.
10. Rotate Your Wardrobe
Repeating the same clothes damages them, that is why it is said that old clothes should always be changed. Wash some of your clothes or change looks to reduce pressure on your clothes and shoes.
Fashion Forward: Use this as your golden opportunity to mix and match your wardrobe. Play dress-up and experiment with different combinations!
Imagine it's like hosting a daily fashion show, with new star arrivals taking the spotlight every day.
If you find your outfits becoming boring, it's time to rotate your closet. Consider developing a seasonal strategy where certain items are highlighted during spring, others in summer, and so on. This approach keeps your wardrobe fresh and extends the lifespan of your clothes.
Bonus Tip: Invest in Quality
While fast fashion often tempts us with cheaper options, it is better to buy clothes that last longer. High-quality garments do not fade or wear out as quickly and maintain a better appearance over time.
Think of this as accumulating treasures that become more valuable with each passing year.
Good taste is not about having a large number of clothes and outfits but about choosing pieces with excellent workmanship, high-quality fabrics, and timeless styles that do not change often.
This investment ensures you have a wardrobe of timeless pieces that can be worn stylishly and comfortably on any occasion.
Take Care of your Clothes
If you need to dress nicely you have no reason to consider washing your clothes a herculean task. Using these easy and practical recommendations on taking care of your clothes, it will be easy to maintain order in the closet and maximize the use of clothes.
Further, you will be an agent of change, which will go a long way in combating pollution and being friendly to the environment. Have a happy caring time, and don’t forget to dress up fabulous!
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