Keep your clothes looking new longer
Some of these tips are strange but they work. This isn't rocket science but caring for clothes takes some actual care and attention. Find out how I care for my new clothes, to keep them looking new for a long time.
Freeze Jeans
Why? Because when your jeans were made, manufacturers professionally treated them to an exact look and feel. Freezing sounds crazy but it’s the best! Fold and place jeans in a ziplock bag, suck the air out and freeze overnight. The cold kills bacteria and maintains the color of your denim. If you must wash, do this sparingly. Wash your jeans inside out on the delicate or hand wash cycle. Only use the dryer if they’re really stretched out (10-15 minutes) then air dry.
Steamer is your pal
This is my actual steamer. I got it at Target years ago and its my go to. Why? Unlike an iron, steamers blast hot water particles through the fibers of your clothes, gently loosening wrinkles. The steam evaporates quickly into the air leaving your garment fresh and ready to wear in seconds. They don't leave blotchy wet stains like some irons do. Steamers are great for blouses, skirts, dresses. even curtains and bedding. Steamers are really handy and will save you many unnecessary trips to the dry cleaners.
Dry clean Myth
Don't let that tag trick you into lugging your week's laundry to the cleaners. Some garments that read "dry clean only" can actually be washed at home if you know how. Check the fabric content tag; it indicates what fibers the garment is made of. Google for the best cleaning techniques. For example, I hand wash many of my silky blouses with gentle detergent in cold water. They’re hung to dry. For sweaters, I lay the garment on top of a dry towel and roll the garment tightly inside the towel. Each time, releasing water from the sweater into the towel.
Love your dryer
First, invest in a quality dryer. One that wont shred your clothes. Be sure to clean out your lint trap BEFORE running the dryer. Have a technician calibrate your dryer settings annually. This way, the temperatures are correct. Dryers that are not calibrated, are harsh and can change the fibers on your clothes beyond repair. Dont convert your home into a cluster of drying racks, get acquainted with air dry setting.
Bring out the Big Guns
A quality iron is important for putting structure back into starched parts of garments like sleeve cuffs, collars, and waistbands. This is because collars, cuffs, and waistbands are made with interfacing. Its a secondary material that manufacturers insert inside the garment which helps hold shape. Heat from a flat heavy iron can help reactivate the life of the starchy materials in your clothes. Just don't leave the iron in one spot for more than 2 seconds. If you have a stubborn wrinkle, make several passes but never leave the iron on long. Ive had the same iron since college and I stand by it. My iron still works very well considering its not an industrial.
Tailor swift
If you're not good with a needle and thread thats ok. Visit a tailor; they are like fairy godmothers. Tailors can alter your clothes to fit you better. Shop around, ask for price and time quotes before committing to someone. An experienced professional should be able to provide both. Also realize that although the alteration may seem minor to you, tailors tend to work with a small team so expect at least a week waiting period. At your own risk, its not a good idea to leave your clothes in someone else's shop for long. Ive heard horror stories of items getting lost or mixed up. So if the wait is longer than a week, ask if you can drop off the garment when a tailor becomes available. Stop by to see the progress and be on call to answer questions that could arise during alterations.
Overall, invest in quality garments. Try these tips to help them last for a long time.