How to Extend the Life of Your Clothes

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Whether you're obsessed with fashion or just want to go as long as possible without shopping, taking good care of your clothes can help keep them looking newer, longer.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Clothes
Hangers
Laundry detergent
Dryer sheets
Fabric softener

Step1

Follow the care directions on your clothes as closely as possible. It may be tempting to throw a "dry clean only" shirt into the wash, but remember--those directions are there for a reason.

Step2

Conversely, be careful of what you dry clean. Dry cleaning uses harsh chemicals on clothes, and may leave some items feeling stiff or looking discolored. Talk to your dry cleaner about any items you are concerned about.

Step3

Do not leave clothes crumpled on the floor or mashed into your hamper for weeks. Clean your clothes regularly--this will give you the best chance at removing any stains, odors or discolorations before they totally set in.

Step4

If you stain an item of clothing, pre-treat it right away. Use a diluted detergent or pre-treater righ on the spot, and rub gently. Launder as soon as possible. You may also want to pre-treat problem spots such as underarm areas.

Step5

Be aware of what kind of detergent you are using. Most detergents are pretty harsh. Choose a gentler detergent made with more natural ingredients.

Step6

Use the coolest water temperature possible. Hotter water may clean better, but it can lead to shrunken clothes and washed out colors.

Step7

Use fabric softener and dryer sheets--always!

Step8

Certain items should be hung up, and not folded. These include button-down shirts, suits, linens and any other item that wrinkles easily.

Step9

However, some items should definitely not be hung up. Sweaters and other clothes made out of soft, pliable material need to be folded. Hanging up will leave these clothes misshapen and stretched.

Tips & Warnings

Be careful how you use bleach. Always pour bleach into into a washing machine full of water, and then add clothes. Do not pour bleach directly onto clothes. If you have a stain on a white item of clothing, you may spot-treat it with a small amount of diluted bleach.