3 Tips to Extend the Life of Your Wardrobe

Store your clothes properly; they’ll last longer.

• Avoid plastic containers. They trap moisture & can result in moldy or mildewed garments.

• Avoid hanging clothes in plastic or nylon bags for long periods of time. These materials don’t “breath” and can result in musty (and often “mothy”) fabrics.

• Try not to store clothes in your attic or basement, as these places are subject to extreme temperatures. It is best to store clothes in places with relative “climate control,” such as a bedroom or closet.

• Consider using lavender in your storage containers rather than cedar. Lavender has the same moth-repelling properties as cedar, and when the lavender is squeezed, these properties are refreshed. Cedar, on the other hand, lasts only a few months before it needs to be replaced.

Treat stains promptly and properly.

• For best results, stains should be treated within 48 hours.

• Water-based stains, such as coffee, wine, even blood, can be treated at home with stain-fighter, detergent, and a white towel.

• Oil-based stains, such as spots from vinaigrettes or fried foods, should be treated by a dry cleaner. Attempting to treat these stains with water and detergent will only cause the oily area to spread.

• Perfumes, hairsprays, and lotions can cause stains on garments, particularly once the garments have been exposed to heat. Use care when applying these products to your body

Don’t overuse the dry cleaner.

• Dry cleaners use a combination of chemicals and heat to clean your garments. This combination is hard on fibers. Thus, consider occasionally hand-washing some of your garments that require dry cleaning in order to extend the life of the pieces.

• Most dry cleaners do not regularly distill their cleaning fluids, which causes harsh chemicals to become trapped in your fibers. These chemicals will eventually breakdown the fibers, abbreviating the life of your garment.

• If your garment is looking “tired” from over-pressing, ask your dry cleaner for a “soft press” on the garment.

• A Few More . . . 

  *Give your dark-dyed garments (i.e. dark wash denims) an overnight soak in a solution of cold water, 1 cup white vinegar, and 16 oz of salt or sea salt. Rinse. Wash according to label instructions.(The water may still be dingy; this is natural.) The solution will set the dye and your darks will not fade as quickly.

  *Zip your hoodies, jackets, jeans, etc. before washing. Zippers’ teeth are abrasive on other garments in the load!

   

  *Washing in cold or cool water not only helps save on your energy bill, but it is also easier on your clothes. Hot water abbreviates the life of the garment, as heat expedites fiber breakdown.