To help you make the most of your wardrobe staples, save a few hundred dollars each year and build a wardrobe full of wearables, follow these quick tips and tricks.
Garment care instructions
It’s important to look after the items in your wardrobe so always read the garment care instructions before washing.
Dry cleaning
Research good dry cleaners in your area and when taking the garments to be cleaned, make sure you point out any marks or delicate features in the garment, such as beading or embroidery. Also, mention the fabric to the cleaner and make sure they’re aware of the best way to clean it.
Study your fabrics
Know the fabrics that you’re wearing. Cottons are perfect for the summer months; it’s also an easy wash-and-wear fabric and long lasting. Silks are a little more delicate, expensive and generally need to be dry-cleaned. Wool is a natural fibre, hand washable and should be laid flat to dry, to avoid stretching out of shape.
Fabric snagging
Be careful when wearing delicate fabrics not to snag the fabric on jewellery such as rings and bracelets. Also, be mindful of the handbag you’re carrying. Will it catch on the fabric?
Hanging your garments
Always refer to care instructions on your garments when hanging delicate fabrics. Knits are best not hung, as they can stretch and lose their shape easily ? they’re best folded neatly and placed in a drawer. Always handle your garments gently to avoid fabric “bruising”.
Choosing the right water temperature
Hot water is best for sheets and towels. It’s a better cleaning wash but can also shrink and fade fabrics. Most people wash in warm water; it’s perfect for heavily soiled clothing and is softer on your clothes. Delicate fabrics should always be washed in cold water, to avoid shrinking and loss of colour.
Be cautious of wardrobe mould
In places of high humidity, wardrobe mould can be common. Invest in a dehumidifier and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom on your wardrobe to save your clothing from mould and foul odours.
Colour saver
Always try and hang your clothes in a wardrobe instead of on a clothes rack. Keeping them out of natural light will help save the colour.
Clothes dryers
Try to avoid using a clothes dryer at all costs. Natural drying will prolong the longevity of your clothing. High heat and tumbling can cause shrinking and weaken the fabric.
Storing your clothes
When the warmer months start to roll around, it’s time to do a spring clean of your wardrobe and store away your winter woollies. Scarves, gloves, coats and sweaters can be stored in airtight vacuum-sealed storage bags. They’re easy to use and shrink down into small packages that can be stored away under your bed or high in cupboards. Make sure the clothes are clean before putting them in the bags, otherwise insects may have a feast on your garments.
Choosing a washing machine
If you want to prolong the life of your clothes, it’s important to choose a machine that is gentle on fabrics. As well as being energy-efficient and a great water saver, front loaders are more tender on your clothes because they don’t have the middle agitator found in top loaders, which can be tough on your clothes.
Liquid v powder washing detergent
If you’re torn between buying liquid and powdered laundry detergents, don’t be ? there isn’t any difference between the two. But liquid can be a little more expensive than powder. Just make sure you’re buying the right detergent for your washing machine. Any detergents can be used in a top loader, but for a front loader you need to buy the suitable detergents as they use fewer suds.
Do you have any handy clothing care tips? Share your gems of wisdom with other Woman’s Day readers below.
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