Ten Ways to Ensure Long Life for Your Clothing

Whether you prefer dazzling sequence, leather and suede or soft cotton and polyester,
how you care for your garments will affect the life length of your clothes tremendously.   You
can also save money on future clothing purchases by taking the proper measures to care
for your clothes.

Below are ten ways to extend the life of your garments and keep them looking new,
longer.

1. Read Care Labels

Believe it or not, failure to follow the care instructions on clothing is the number one
reason an item gets ruined in the wash.  These instructions are included by the
manufacturer for a reason.  Here are some of the most common wash/dry instructions
and how to apply them to your garment.
o Machine wash (cool, warm or hot):  Wash the garment in your washing
machine with the temperature of water the label recommends.
o Machine wash (normal, permanent press or delicate):   Wash in your
washing machine with the type of cycle the label recommends.
o Hand wash:  Soak and scrub only by hand.  Item is probably too delicate
for harsh machine cycles.  These items usually have to be laid out flat to dry
also.
o Bleach (any, non-chlorine or no bleach):  Bleach according to the
instructions.  Some items might be too delicate for even non-chlorine bleaches.
o Tumble Dry:  Dry in dryer with the setting on the label.  Temperature and
delicacy levels should be considered.
o Ironing:  Iron according to the instructions.  Steam or dry iron, and
temperature setting should be considered.  Many newer models of irons have
settings labeled by the material type as well.
o Dry Clean:  Some materials are suitable for dry clean only, and some
should not be dry cleaned.  The label will usually show this.
2. Hang Clothes to Dry
Because dryers can wear out garments in a hurry, it's good to hang your favorite
items to dry whenever possible.  In the spring and summer, you can hang them
outdoors.  During cold months, hang them by hanger in an area of your home where
air is free flowing for quick drying. Hanging clothes to dry also helps prevent
shrinking.
3. Don't Wash Clean Clothes
If you wear a garment for a few hours only and it still appears clean and smells fresh,
there's no need to wash it again.  Wear an item a couple of times before washing to
preserve its life.  For example, a dress you only wear to church on Sundays might
last longer if you take it off and hang it in your closet when you get home.
4. Teach Your Kids to Take Care of "Good" Clothes
Have a set of good clothes for school, church and special occasions, and then have a
separate set of play clothes for your kids.  Teach them to change clothes before
playing outdoors.  Their good clothes will last much longer!
5. Take Immediate Action
When a clothing item gets stained from food or a spill, take immediate action and
clean the stain right away.  Waiting allows the stain to settle into the cloth, and you
might not be able to clean it later.  This is especially true with greasy foods and
colored drinks.

6. Wear Aprons
Ever wondered why your grandmother wore aprons every time she entered the
kitchen?  She understood the importance of taking care of clothing.   While cooking,
grease and food tend to get splashed on clothes easily.   Wearing an apron might not
be fashionable, but it's worth the trouble if you're planning to keep your clothes a
while.
7. Buy Fabrics that are Durable
If you have a choice, buy fabrics that are naturally durable and require very little
care.  Some fabrics are more durable than others.  A cotton/polyester blend is easier
to care for and tends to last longer than pure cotton fabrics.   Rayon/polyester is more
durable than pure rayon.  Acrylics, silk, acetate and suede require more detailed care
or dry cleaning.  Materials that are difficult to care for often get neglected, especially
when you're very busy.
8. Avoid Bleaching when Possible
If you have no reason to bleach an item, leave out the bleach.   The harsh ingredients
in bleach along with your normal detergent can cause clothing to become worn out in
a hurry.  Only bleach when you want to brighten whites or remove stains.
9. Starch as Needed
Starch only those garments that need stiffening for appearance.   Avoid starch if it's
not necessary because the tiny crystals left in the material as a result of starching
can wear the garment out quickly.
10. Sewing Buttons
Learn a few sewing techniques so you can make small fabric repairs to your clothing
 as needed.   For instance, learn to sew on buttons or repair small tears in seams.  
Many people simply throw away a garment when a button falls off.   What a waste!   A
simple five-minutes of sewing could have saved the garment and the money spent to
purchase it.
Why spend money on new clothes when you can keep your clothes in great shape and
enjoy them for many years?   Use these ten tips to keep your clothes looking great longer,
and reduce your clothing budget dramatically.

By Candice Pardue
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