It seems that our methods of care are what’s cutting that intended wear time short. Almost 70 percent of people polled stated the main reason they get rid of clothes is because the garment lost its shape, faded, or started to look old. To protect your investment, here are some tips to help you prevent laundry mistakes that will send your clothes from the closet to the rag bag. For specific stain removal information, check Laundry Stains A to Z for step-by-step instructions. And, don’t forget to recheck the stained area after washing. If it is not gone, repeat the treatment. The stain will be much harder to remove if it is dried at high heat. As you gain experience, you will learn that some items labeled hand-wash can be placed in the washer on a gentle cycle. Or, some unstructured garments like sweaters or knit garments can be hand-washed rather than dry cleaned. However, if in doubt, follow the care label or ask an expert. Another benefit of sorting laundry correctly is that when it is time to use the dryer, one type of fabric will not be “cooked” while others are still quite damp when you select the correct drying temperature. Your clothing will also last longer if after you’ve buttoned them up, you turn them inside out. This will prevent wear and tear on the outer finish, help prevent pilling and limit color fading. When your clothes are clean, be sure you are using the correct type of hanger. Thin, wire hangers can cause stretch marks on shoulders or even misshape clothes by allowing stretching. Remember always to fold knitted items rather than hang to prevent stretching. Begin by using half of the usual amount of detergent and 1/2 cup baking soda as a detergent booster. You will be amazed that your laundry comes out just as clean and you’ll be saving money. If you are not pleased, add a bit more detergent the next time. Commercial fabric conditioners or softeners like Downy can help clothes last longer. They work by coating fibers with lubricants that make the fabrics feel softer to the touch. The lubricants also cause fibers to slide against each other more easily to make fabrics feel softer, reduce wear and tear, increase stain resistance, and reduce static cling. Follow the guidelines and don’t overdose for the best results! Learn how to load a washer properly to protect your clothing investment. Extremely high heat in the dryer can also set stains and cause damage to fabrics. Follow label instructions carefully and select the right dryer cycle to get the best results. Bleach stains can occur when bleach is accidentally splashed on clothing, leftover bleach drips from an automatic dispenser, or a piece of laundry that has come in contact with bleach touches another item. Take extreme care to avoid these problems - especially if you are sharing a laundry space with others.
