Suggestions for the Care of Your Clothing

People spend a lot of money on clothes. From the little black dress you wear sipping Paso Robles Merlot, to the exercise clothing for the gym, you want it to last a while. If you have an important interview, you don’t want to be picking your clothes up off of the floor for this important meeting. There should be a place for everything that you wear, and that includes shoes. 

If your closet can’t hold all the clothing and accessories that you have, it probably is time to clean it out. Get rid of clothing items you haven’t worn in a while, and make sure everything you do wear is clean and hanging on a clothes hanger.

Another important thing to consider is the care of your clothing. Clothing care is an important aspect of maintaining the longevity and appearance of your wardrobe. 

Clothing Care Basics

Here are some tips for taking care of your clothing:

1. Read the care labels on your clothing before washing or drying. Different fabrics and garments require different care, and not following the care instructions can lead to shrinking, fading, or damage.
2. Sort your laundry by color and fabric type. This will prevent colors from bleeding onto lighter-colored clothing and will ensure that delicate fabrics are not washed with heavy, abrasive items.
3. Use the correct water temperature for your laundry. Hot water can shrink or damage certain fabrics, while cold water can be used for most items.
4. Use mild detergent for your laundry. Strong detergents can damage or fade clothing over time.
5. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can leave a residue on clothing and reduce its breathability.
6. Hang or lay flat to dry delicate and synthetic fabrics, while cotton and linen can be tumble-dried on low heat.
7. Ironing clothes, use the right temperature setting for the type of fabric.
8. Store your clothing properly. Fold and store your clothing in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. This will help prevent shrinking, fading, and mold growth.
9. Rotate your wardrobe regularly. This will help prevent wear and tear on certain items and ensure that your clothing lasts as long as possible.
10. Have your clothes professionally cleaned if they require it. Suits, coats, and formal wear should be dry cleaned to maintain their appearance and prolong their life.
11. Take care of stains as soon as possible. The longer a stain sits, the harder it is to remove. Use a stain remover or pre-treatment product before washing.
12. Lastly, invest in quality clothing. Higher-quality garments are often made from better materials and are constructed to last longer.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your clothing lasts as long as possible and always looks its best.

Some Fabrics Need Extra Care

Some fabrics that require extra care include:

1. Silk: Silk is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged by high heat and harsh detergents. It’s best to hand wash or dry clean silk garments and avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
2. Wool: Wool is a delicate fabric that can shrink or stretch when washed. It’s best to hand wash or dry clean wool garments and avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
3. Cashmere: Cashmere is a delicate and luxurious fabric that can be easily damaged by high heat and harsh detergents. It’s best to hand wash or dry clean cashmere garments and avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
4. Lace: Lace is a delicate and delicate fabric that can be easily damaged by high heat and rough handling. It’s best to hand wash or dry clean lace garments and avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
5. Rayon: Rayon is a delicate and delicate fabric that can shrink or stretch when washed. It’s best to hand wash or dry clean rayon garments and avoid using bleach or fabric softener.
6. Synthetic fabrics: Synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can be prone to melting if exposed to high heat, so it’s important to use a low heat setting when ironing or drying these fabrics.

It’s always best to read the care labels on your clothing before washing or drying. Following care instructions can help preserve the look and longevity of your clothes.