How to Take Good Care of Your Clothes
No matter how much you invest in clothing, they will eventually wear out if they are not cared for properly. However, most of us don’t take enough care when it comes to preserving the life of our clothes. Here are a few tips on how to properly look after your wardrobe.
Washing and Drying Your Clothes
- Always check for labels before washing – some delicate items may need dry cleaning or hand washing.
- Always separate whites from dark colours, and wash at the correct temperature.
- Where possible, avoid using the dryer machine to air dry your clothes once they are washed. This helps keep the colour and shape of your clothes intact.
- When you need your clothes to dry quickly, use a gentle tumble dryer instead.
- Hang certain items on their hangers after washing, such as shirts and tops.
Caring for Your Clothes
- Do not overload your washing machine – the clothes can’t move around freely which reduces their longevity.
- If you’ve spilled anything on an item of clothing, act fast by using a stain remover or soak it in cold water for a couple of hours.
- At all costs, avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach to clean your clothes. These can damage the fabric or reduce its lifespan.
- If you need to iron any items, always check the labels first. Some materials may require specific low or high heat settings.
Storage
- Store your clothes in a cool, dry space, away from direct sunlight.
- Keep bags and hats tucked away in drawers and away from moist areas like bathrooms.
- Avoid storing clothes in plastic containers as this makes them more susceptible to mould and moths.
- Do not hang bulky items like jumpers and coats on wooden hangers – this can stretch out their shape.
- Use pegs to hang delicates and stockings to prevent damage to elastic fibres.
By putting in a bit of extra effort, you can keep your clothes looking and feeling fresh all year round. With proper care and maintenance, you can extend the life of your clothing and make it last much longer, helping you save money in the long run.