Purchasing the latest fashion can be expensive, especially if you’re constantly buying new clothes. But, if you take care of your clothes, keeping them clean and hygienic, they can last for a long time. The only problem is that many people do not properly care for their clothes. However, there are a few simple tips and tricks to keep them fresh, germ-free and clean.
Sort clothes before the wash
It may seem like a no-brainer, but this is a commonly skipped step. For longer-lasting colour, careful clothing separation is key. Darks, reds, whites and delicates should always be washed separately. Now, for many, it may seem like a waste of time. But, separating colours prevents bleed or washing out. Clothes remain far more vibrant if they are washed with similar colours.
Similarly, delicate clothes should be separated from everyday clothes like jeans and T-shirts. Delicates can’t handle the same cycles and heat. Putting them in the same wash as hardier clothing will only be detrimental for the delicates over the long term.
If you want to maintain a hygienic clothes system, it’s also sensible to separate dirty and clean clothes in the house. This is especially sensible if you have kids. Throwing all clothes together can end up causing cross-contamination and worsening hygiene.
Pay attention to care labels
Although they may seem useless, care labels are there for a reason. They provide us the ultimate way of looking after our clothes. If the item requires a lower spin cycle or a reduce temperature, it’s a good idea to follow this. This is because failing to do so can actually result in shrinkage, damage and colour fading on a wider scale.
Use low washing temperatures
Low temperatures will not damage your clothes as much as too hot. Additionally, by using lower temperatures, you can reduce your impact on the environment. Lower temps don’t use so much energy in your washing machine and still will keep your clothes clean and fresh.
Conversely, if you’re really concerned with germs and hygiene, then higher temperatures are better. Hotter washing temperatures are better at killing germs too. However, not all clothes, especially more delicate fashion items can’t be washed in hot temperatures. Again, the care labels must be checked to ensure the clothing item can actually handle the hotter temperatures.
Keep them away from smokey environments
If you are looking to protect your clothing, smokey environments are never good. The smoke can become cloying and stick to clothes resulting in more washing required. Not only that, but it can cause discolouration, fading and shrinkage. If you’re in an environment with lots of smoke, it can be hard to consistently remove the odour from the clothes without causing them some damage.
So, if you’re a smoker, it can be a good idea to switch to nicotine pouches. This gives you the chance to get your nicotine hit, but reduces the smoke around your clothes. There are a range of different flavours available like this taste of mint or fruit.
Wash inside out
Another method to keep clothes clean and well-looked after is to turn them all inside out. By being inside out, the fibres of the clothes don’t rub together as much. Reducing the friction it can lessen damage to the items of clothing. Fashion items are usually made from more delicate materials and thus need this additional level of care.
Quick stain removal
If any of your fashionable clothes get stained, the best way to attack this issue is to do something about it instantly. This way you can get to it before it sets and permanently damages the item of clothing. If it’s a solid, carefully lift it off with an implement. However, if the stain is more liquid, blotting it carefully with a white cloth is essential. Blotting helps to prevent the stain from spreading further around the fabric.
Stains should always be removed before washing. Heat can make the stain fully set in and you’ll never get it out.
Clean and neat
Following these tips, you can keep your fashionable items in good condition, using them for a lot longer without having to replace them. Storing them well will also increase their longevity, preventing holds and musty smells, keeping them hygienic.
