Taking care of your clothes isn’t just about looking good – it’s also about prolonging the life of your garments. By following a few simple tips, you can keep your clothes looking and feeling great for years to come.
Laundry: how often to wash your clothes, and what temperatures to use
Doing laundry might seem like a no-brainer, but there are actually a few things to keep in mind if you want to get the best results. For starters, how often you wash your clothes depends on the type of fabric – delicate items like wool or silk should be washed less often than sturdier fabrics like denim or cotton. You should also use laundry mesh bags for small items of clothing, delicate clothing, and clothing with hooks, fixtures, and attachments like brassieres or sequin dresses.
As for temperatures, hot water is best for whites and heavily soiled items, while cold water is best for delicates or colors that might bleed. And speaking of colors, it’s best to sort your laundry before washing to avoid any unwanted bleeding.
Common mistakes people make when doing laundry include using too much detergent, using too much fabric conditioner, and not cleaning the lint trap in their dryer. Using too much detergent and fabric conditioner can cause buildup on your clothes. Fabric conditioner makes clothes softer, but they also cause buildup inside your washing machine. A safe, readily available alternative to keeping you clothes free from odors is adding a teaspoon of white vinegar per load. This helps dissolve fabric conditioner buildup, too. And if you don’t clean your lint trap regularly, lint will keep cycling back into the wash, making your clothes look messy out of the washer. It’s also a fire hazard if your dryer uses gas.
Next time you do laundry, keep these tips in mind for the best results!
Shrinking: how to prevent shrinking, and what to do if your clothes have already shrunk
It’s happened to a lot of people — you put our clothes in the wash, and when we take them out they’re suddenly too small. Technically, clothes that have shrunk can’t really go back to their original shape, but you can stretch them out. Here’s how to unshrink your clothes.
First, soak your clothes in warm water for a few minutes, then stretch them back into shape while they’re still wet. This can get pretty wet, so you should get ready for the dripping and the mess. Another is to put the clothes in the dryer on a low heat setting for a few minutes. This will often help to loosen up the fabric and restore its original shape. Lastly, you can soak the clothes in water and gentle soap (like baby shampoo or hair conditioner) for about 30 minutes, then stretch them out gently. You can even start stretching the clothes once they’re submerged in the mix. This works best for woven or wool clothes.
Ultimately, you should always check the care label before washing your clothes. Clothing that is made of natural fibers like wool or cotton is more likely to shrink than synthetic fibers like polyester. When in doubt, always err on the side of caution and wash your clothes in cold water. You can also try washing them in a gentle cycle or hand-washing them to further reduce the risk of shrinkage.
With a little care and effort, you can keep your clothes looking their best — even if they’ve been through the wringer.
Ironing: the best way to iron different types of fabrics, how to get wrinkles out of clothes without an iron
Ironing clothes is a necessary evil for many of us. But it doesn’t have to be a chore! There are a few different ways to iron clothes, and the best way depends on the type of fabric you’re dealing with.
For delicate fabrics, a garment steamer is a great option. It’s quick and easy, and it won’t damage your clothes. Some garment steamers such as the Philips Foldable STH3010/70 are portable too, so you can bring them with you on a trip. There is also research that garment steaming is better than using a traditional iron. If you’re using a traditional iron, be sure to use the appropriate setting for the fabric you’re ironing. Usually, the temperature dial on your iron indicates what fabric the setting is best used for. Remember to consult the care instructions on each piece of clothing, too. You should also invest in iron with advanced steam capabilities to help prevent wrinkles. Generally, the stronger the steam output, the more penetrative it can be, so irons with strong steam bursts can be used on thick denim. Finally, be sure to take care when ironing around buttons and other areas that can easily be damaged by heat. With a little care and attention, you can keep your clothes looking at their best!
Conclusion
Laundry may seem like a mundane task, but following these simple tips can help you get the best results! By unshrinking clothes properly and taking care when ironing delicate fabrics, you’ll be able to keep your wardrobe looking fresh — even if you’ve been wearing them for years.
