8 Exceedingly Simple Ways to Care for Clothes ...

How often do we lose a button from a shirt, or find some loose stitching, and think to ourselves ´oh, I must fix that´ - but never get around to it? I´ve done it many times! The problem gets worse and the garment becomes unwearable. So always fix any necessary repairs quickly, or take it to someone who can. Shoes, for example, will last a lot longer if you get them reheeled regularly.

Most modern garments don´t need special treatment in the washing machine, but some items should be washed with care. Delicate items should either be handwashed, or put in the machine safely enclosed in a net bag.

Are you a bit lazy like me when it comes to hanging up clothes? Do you toss them over chairs or leave them in a pile once they´ve been laundered? This is not the perfect example of how to care for clothes, is it? So always hang your clothes properly; they will be less vulnerable to accidental damage and the fabric won´t get creased.

Wooden hangers are generally recommended rather than the plastic version. They aren´t really that expensive, so buy enough for all the clothes that you need to hang up. If you´re short on closet space, there are some great hanger designs that allow you to store several skirts or pants on the one hanger.

Nobody is going to wear their best clothes when doing messy jobs, but it´s always worth protecting what you are wearing when cleaning or cooking, for example. It´s easy to splash your clothes with bleach or food; food stains can be removed if dealt with quickly, but bleach ruins clothes!

An often overlooked issue when it comes to caring for clothes is our use of deodorant. Now, obviously that´s an essential part of daily hygiene, but it does tend to leave those pesky marks on tops that are impossible to remove. So either select a deodorant that doesn´t leave marks, or make sure it´s dried before you get dressed.

When putting clothes on or taking them off, always take care not to stretch or damage the garments. It´s all too easy to rip a seam or snag a delicate fabric with your fingernails, and it´s usually your favourite garment that can´t be easily repaired! So take a few moments extra, even if you´re in a rush, and you´ll save yourself time in looking for something else to wear.

It´s also important to remember that caring for clothes means dealing with stains or marks as soon as they occur – leave it, and the stain will be more difficult or impossible to remove. Result – one ruined garment in the bin. Soak them immediately – and if it´s blood, use cold water and NOT hot!

Caring for clothes will pay off in the long run. We´ve become accustomed to buying disposable fashion, but even cheap garments can last longer if properly laundered and stored. It makes both economic and environmental sense to look after our wardrobe. Do you know how to care for clothes; did your mother or grandmother teach you how to darn? Or do you just throw clothes away when they need repairing?

Top Image Source: Printemps Breeze