Your clothes are subject to a lot of abuse. They are worn all day and exposed to harsh detergents and high heat drying. Most fabrics will fade within a year to two years depending on how often they are worn. These tips can help extend the life of your favorite clothes, so they can be worn for many more years.
PRE-TREAT STAIN
Stains are one of the most common problems with clothing. Stains can be treated immediately, or before washing. You can add a little detergent to the wash and let them sit for a while before you put them in the washer.
COLD WATER IS SUITABLE FOR WASHING FABRICS, IF AVAILABLE
The fabric can be damaged by heat. Cold water is better for clothes. It will prevent stains from forming in the fabric. Hot water will not clean your clothes as well as cold water. The results will vary depending on what detergent you use and which fabric you are washing. Some detergents perform better when used in cold water.
EXTRA DETERGENTS ARE NOT RECOMMENDED
Too much detergent can cause damage to your fabric. Use the recommended amount or the manufacturer’s instructions. It is a good idea to give the detergent a second rinse before washing it completely. Use a detergent containing natural ingredients. This will make it safer for both you and your fabric over the long-term.
AVOID BLEACH
Your clothing can be damaged by excessive or prolonged exposure to bleach. Alternatives to bleach include essential oils, borax and hydrogen peroxide. These products are very effective in removing stains and odors as well as destroying germs. To get the benefits of the sun’s natural bleaching ability, hang your white clothes outside.
DARK CLOTHES SHOULD ALWAYS BE WASHED INSIDE OUT IN ORDER TO PROTECT THEM
To protect any printing or images on the outside, wash your dark clothes inside-out. To ensure that stains are gone completely, you should pre-treat them on both sides. Also, dry them in the sun and flip them over when folding.
CHOOSE THE SHORTER WASHER CYCLE
If you have very dirty or stained clothes, a longer wash cycle is a good idea. A shorter cycle will suffice to remove odors and maintain your clothes’ best appearance. Drying your clothes is the same. The fabric may become brittle and prone to tears if it is dried for too long.
USE THE RIGHT DRYER SETTING.
It is important to use the correct dryer setting. High heat can cause damage to delicate clothing, while low heat will not work on heavy fabrics. Every time you use your dryer, adjust the setting to suit your load. This will prolong the life of your clothes and help you save money in the long-term. For the best results, line dry your clothes as often as possible.
