Do you find that your favorite clothing articles fade too quickly? Keep your garments looking bright and fresh by following this guide on how to keep clothes looking new.
No matter how great clothing looks on the department store rack, items can fade and begin to look worn after only a few weeks if you do not take proper care of them. Follow the steps below to preserve the colors and structure of your garments, so that you may wear them for years to come.
Keeping Colors Bright
Step 1: Wash Less
Many people think that clothes must be washed after every wear. This is simply not true, and washing after each use is a sure way to make your new clothing age quickly. Socks and underwear are the only items that require washing after a single wear. Shirts, pants, skirts and dresses should only be laundered if they smell unpleasant or they are soiled.
Step 2: Avoid Harsh Chemicals
The products you use to keep your clothing fresh may actually be eroding them and causing damage. First of all, avoid using bleach unless it is absolutely necessary. This harsh substance eats away at fabric, and will thin your clothing with regular use.
Fabric softeners are another culprit. You may like the way they make your clothes smell and feel right out of the wash, but these products are quite damaging to fabric (not to mention the fact that they harm the environment). It is best just to avoid fabric softeners, as the benefits do not outweigh the costs.
Step 3: Wash Gently
- Use gentle detergents, such as Woolite
- Wash with cold water
- Dry on as low a setting as possible, or hang dry
- Wash by hand when you are able
- Dry clean delicate items
