Unless you want to scare all your neighbors off {and probably get the cops called on you} or go live in a nudist colony, buying clothes is a must! And unless you’re raising kids who grow out of their clothes every other week, if you treat your clothes right and follow a few simple tips, those clothes can last for years. I’ve owned some of the clothes in my closet for 10 years {but when your wardrobe consists mainly of timeless jeans and black shirts, you can get away with that!}. You don’t have that happen by accident. I’m careful with my clothes, but certainly not worried about working hard in them. Here are some of the things I do to extend the life of my clothes:
Store clothes properly: Between seasons, store your clothes. I like to store my off-season stuff, to keep it from getting moth ridden and dusty from want of use. I always wash everything before I store it, that way, when I pull it out on the first cool, crisp fall day, I can just put it right on. Washing also helps kill any insects that might have taken up residence in your sweaters. Store in bins or space saver bags.
When caring for in-season clothes, make sure you hang them properly using quality hangers so your shirts keep their shape and don’t get shoulder bumps. Also, I never hang my sweaters or bulky shirts. I fold those!
Rotate your wardrobe: Let some of your clothes rest a bit between wear. Letting them air out between wears and washes is really good for your clothes.
Wash rarely: Gag, I know! But this is one of the very best things you can do for your clothes, especially jeans. Nothing causes more wear on your clothes than a trip through the washing machine. I try to wash my jeans only when they absolutely need it. I spot clean them the rest of the time. Obviously, this is not a tip for undies and socks. I recommend washing them well and often!
Turn clothes inside out: This simple tip will help with fading and also help get all the dirt and oil in your clothes out to prevent yellowing.
Treat stains immediate: Don’t let stained clothes sit in the hamper until laundry day. Make sure you try to remove that stain ASAP. If you can’t get around to spot treating because of time, soak the item in a sink full of water and vinegar. That will prevent the stain from setting.
Wash your clothes on cold: Again, this really help with fading and color transfer.
Wash clothes by hand: Your hands are much more gently than the crazy agitator in your machine. That can cause a rapid breakdown in the fibers.
Wash on the gentle cycle: If hand washing is out of the question, try washing your clothes on the gentlest cycle possible. It’s the next best thing to hand washing.
Air dry: The dryer can also be really hard on the fibers of the fabric and can break clothes down significantly faster than if you air dry.
Mend instead of tossing: If your clothing item gets a hole, try mending it or sewing it up instead of retiring it. Sometimes it’s more cost effective to get the item professionally mended if it’s an expensive piece of clothing.
Follow those simple tips and your wallet will thank you! What tips do you use to make your clothes last longer?
~Mavis
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