We all have that favorite shirt, pair of jeans, or jacket that we want to last forever. But as much as we love our clothes, they won’t stand the test of time without a little help from us. Proper Clothing Care Tips are the sure way to go if you want to make your wardrobe last longer. Follow these seven cardinal rules for clothing care, and your clothes will remain fresh and look new, even after several years.
Read and Follow Care Label Instructions
Perhaps one of the easiest and most underrated routines for taking care of your clothes is understanding and following the care labels on your garments. There must be an excellent reason they are there: these little labels give special instructions on washing, drying, and ironing your clothes to maintain their quality.
Understanding Common Care Symbols
Care labels often use universal symbols to indicate recommended care methods. For example:
- Washing: A basin of water generally indicates whether to hand-wash or machine-wash your apparel.
- Drying: A square with a circle inside represents tumble drying. The dots inside indicate the temperature setting.
- Ironing: An iron symbol shows if it is safe to iron your garment. Dots inside indicate the heat level for ironing.
Why You Should Follow Care Labels
These symbols can lead to shrinkage, discoloration, or even fabric damage if not followed. Check your care label before you throw that garment into the washer, and do exactly what it says so your garments remain in top condition.
Sort Your Laundry Properly
Sorting laundry can be a bit of a drag, but it’s absolutely necessary to avoid bleeding colors and fabric damage. Plus, it’s a sure way to ensure your clothes come out at their best.
How to Sort Your Laundry
- By Color: Whites, darks, and colors should go into their respective piles to avoid color transfer. A white shirt and some dark jeans in the same wash? Absolutely not!
- By Type of Fabric: Heavier items like jeans should be washed separately from delicate ones, such as silk blouses, to protect the more sensitive fabrics from coarse ones that can wear them out.
- By Soil Level: Heavily soiled clothes may need to be separated from others to prevent the spread of mud and grime during washing.
Why Proper Sorting is Important
Proper sorting will not only protect your clothes but also make your detergent more effective. Keep whites bright, colors unchanged, and your delicates free from wear and tear.
Wash in Cold Water When Possible
Hot water is brutal on fabrics; it shrinks, fades, and weakens fibers over time. Washing your clothes in cold water is a much gentler alternative that is just as effective in most instances.
When to Use Cold Water
- For most everyday loads, cold water is quite sufficient for washing jeans, t-shirts, and synthetic fibers.
- Delicates require cold water to protect the integrity of lace, silk, and wool.
- To Avoid Color Bleeding: Cold water is vital for preventing colors from bleeding, especially if the item is new or bright.
The type of detergent you use will significantly affect the lifespan of your clothes. Not all detergents are created equal, and using the wrong kind can be detrimental in the long run.
Choosing the Right Detergent
- For Colors: Look for detergents that are color-protective. These will prevent colors from fading and keep your clothes vibrant.
- For Delicates: Use mild detergents specifically designed for delicate fabrics to maintain softness and integrity.
- For Stains: A stain-fighting detergent is important for removing tough stains without damaging the fabric.
Dosing Appropriately
Overloading the washer and using too much detergent can dull clothes and irritate the skin. Conversely, using too little won’t clean your clothes effectively. Always follow the recommended dosage on the package for maximum effect.
Do Not Overcrowd the Washing Machine
It’s tempting to overload the washing machine to save time, but cramming in too many clothes can be harmful.
The Downside of Overloading
- Poor Cleaning Performance: Overloading prevents clothes from moving freely, affecting cleaning performance. Poor water and detergent circulation leads to poorly cleaned and rinsed clothes.
- Increased Wear and Tear: Clothes packed too closely together rub against each other, causing pilling, fraying, and other signs of wear.
- Wear and Tear on the Machine: Overloading puts stress on the washing machine, potentially shortening its lifespan and leading to costly repairs.
How to Load Your Machine Properly
To ensure your clothes are clean and safe from damage, fill the washing machine only up to three-quarters of its capacity. This allows ample room for clothes to move around during the wash cycle.
Air Dry Whenever Possible
While tumble drying is convenient, it’s harsh on fabrics and can cause shrinkage, fading, or even damage. Air drying is much gentler and extends the life of your clothes.
When to Air Dry
- For Delicate Fabrics: Lingerie, silk, and cashmere are best air-dried to avoid exposure to dryer heat.
- For Dark and Bright Colors: Air drying helps maintain the vibrancy of dark and bright-colored clothes. In contrast, tumble drying can cause colors to fade quickly.
- To Reduce Wear and Tear: Tumble dryers create friction that can lead to pilling and fabric weakening over time.
How to Air-Dry Clothes
- Drying Clothes Properly: Use a hanger or a drying rack to dry clothes. Avoid hanging them on furniture, as this can cause uneven drying and wrinkles.
- Dry Clothes Inside Out: Turn garments with prints or dark colors inside out before drying to protect them from fading.
Store Your Clothes Correctly
The secret to keeping your clothes in shape, color, and good condition lies in proper storage. Improper storage can cause wrinkles, stretching, and even damage from pests.
Storage of Different Types of Clothes
- Fold Knitwear and Sweaters: Knitwear and sweaters tend to lose their shape when hung, so fold them and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
- Hang Dresses, Shirts, and Jackets: Use padded or wooden hangers to support the shoulders of these items. Wire hangers may leave marks and distort the shape of your clothes over time.
- Store Seasonal Clothes in Breathable Containers: Use breathable fabric storage bags or bins for seasonal clothes. Avoid plastic containers, as they trap moisture and cause mildew.
Additional Storage Tips
- Keep Clothes Away from Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to sunlight causes discoloration and weakens fabrics. Store your clothes in a cool, dark place for protection.
- Use Mothballs or Cedar Blocks: Place mothballs or blocks of aromatic cedar wood in storage areas to ward off moths and other insects that can damage clothes.
Taking care of your clothes is more than a chore; it’s an investment in your wardrobe. By following these seven cardinal rules for textile care, you can extend the life of your clothes and keep them fresh, lively, and new. From reading care labels and sorting laundry to choosing to air dry, every step plays a critical role in maintaining the quality of your clothes. Follow these tips next time you do your laundry or store your clothes, and your wardrobe will be given the importance it deserves.
