Clothing Care 101
Your closet is a treasure, treat it as such! Taking care of your clothes is so important. It helps your overall appearance and makes your clothes last longer. It’s true, proper garment care can make your favorite pair of jeans last forever. Your style is a form of self expression and that is something to be cherished. When you take care of your clothing, you’ll have a wardrobe that stands the test of time. Plus, it’s likely that you’ll discard clothing less frequently too. True Cost estimated that the average American throws away nearly 80 pounds of clothes each year. Textile waste makes up a significant portion of landfill material. Following these simple tips can help you achieve long lasting clothing.
-
Proper Storage
Like people, clothes need proper shelter to survive. Where and how your clothes are kept will affect its lifespan. Keep your clothing in a cool and dry environment. Overexposure to light can ruin a garment’s color. Space can be a good thing in your closet as well. Keep clothes wrinkle-free by not storing them in a jam-packed closet. Use the right hangers for each piece of clothing. For example, don’t put dress shirts on hangers that surpass the width of the shoulders. Using the right hangers will prevent clothing from getting stretched out. For heavier garments like bulky sweaters skip hanging and try folding them instead. These items do better when folded because hangers can cause the fabric to sag. Protect your clothing by from moths storing them in garment bags or using repellents. Lastly, keep your closet organized. A neat wardrobe saves time and frustration.
-
Careful Laundry Practices
Washing clothing properly is the key to keeping it in good condition. When doing laundry be sure to read the care instructions on a garment’s tag. Also make sure to sort your laundry into different groups such as darks, lights, denim and delicates. Refrain from washing fragile clothing like knitwear with clothes that have zippers. Make sure to wash clothes at recommended temperatures. Cold water washing is less likely to shrink or fade clothing while washing with hot water is best for removing germs and heavy soil. Instead of tossing clothes into the dryer machine, try air drying as an alternative. The dryer machine can cause wear and tear on garments. If possible avoid overwashing. The wash cycle can be taxing on a garment.
-
Safe Ironing Techniques
While the iron is your friend, it can also be your clothing’s enemy. Clothing experts urge people to avoid dry ironing. Spray a little bit of water onto the garment or use steam. It’s much easier to remove wrinkles with this practice too. For more delicate items try using a clothes steamer to avoid damage.
-
Repair, Repair, Repair!
Fixing the little things can go a long way and it’s important to act fast. Repairing clothing as issues come up prevents further damage from happening to the garment. Sew up any holes or rips as soon as you notice them. If something has a stain treat it right away. If stains are still present after treatment, re-treat it again. If you happen to lose weight and your clothing starts to fit loosely on you, take it to a tailor for alterations.
-
Secondhand Care
Some secondhand pieces require a little TLC. Love your pre-loved items a little extra by tending to any needs they might have. For vintage pieces that come with a stubborn scent, try using DIY sprays with household items like baking soda, vodka or white vinegar. These are great deodorizers that can help eliminate any unwanted odors. Spot clean any little stains. This is a more gentle approach to correcting any blemishes on the garment.
There are plenty of benefits from taking care of your clothes. Preserving your style will help you save money. When you have long lasting clothing, the need to buy more clothes becomes unnecessary. In addition, you’ll always look great because your clothing is in perfect condition. Also the longer you keep your clothes, the more valuable it becomes to you. Special memories can be created with certain pieces. Ultimately, you can give clothing a legacy of its own. Whether you decide to pass it along to someone else, donate, or resell that piece of clothing continues its story in someone else’s closet.