Republic of the Philippines

Commission on Higher Education

University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

CLOTHING CARE, PURCHASE AND CARE (HE8)

Chapter III “Information and skills useful in the care and repair of clothing”

I. Preparing clothes to wash

o sort according to - color
o check pockets
o fasten fasteners
o turn clothing inside out
o make repairs
o pretreat stains
Methods on cleaning clothes
✓ Handwashing
practical skill that can be useful in situations where a washing machine is not available or for
delicate or handwash-only items
✓ Washing Machine
convenient and efficient way to clean your garments
✓ Dry cleaning
Dry cleaning is a specialized cleaning process that uses a chemical solvent (instead of water) to
clean clothes and other textiles that may be damaged by water or regular washing. It's commonly
used for delicate fabrics, garments with complex designs, and items that have specific care
instructions.

Laundry Products
1. Soaps
2. Detergents
3. Fabric softeners
4. Bleachers
5. Stain remover
II. 6 powerful stain removal products you should always have on
hand
1. Chlorine Bleach and Color-Safe Bleach
Diluted household bleaches are among the most effective stain removers for
clothing and linens.
Always check clothing labels for directions on the use of bleach. When diluted
properly, bleaches are safe for fabrics including cotton, linen, rayon, and
synthetics such as nylon and polyester. Be sure to use color safe bleach on
anything that isn't white.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

2. Color remover
Color-removal products are designed for situations when a color runs onto a
nearby lighter color on the same garment or transfers to other items in the
laundry. Although bleaches are included in this family of products, color
removers, such as those from the Rit brand, are designed lift out dye stains on
clothing without damaging the fabric. They are also sometimes used to lighten
the color of a garment before it's redyed. These products typically contain
sodium hydrosulfite or sodium carbonate anhydrous. Always work with transfer stains or discoloration
before drying or ironing the garment. Heat typically sets the color.
3. Mild Dishwashing Detergent
For hand-washing-stained fabrics, turn to dishwashing liquid (not dishwasher liquid). Some dishwashing
liquids can help break up grease and separate it from the fabric. This cleaning product is also effective for
loosening food stains (such as those from fruit). Dishwashing liquid is sometimes combined with glycerin
(1/4 cup each) and 1-1/2 cups water as a general stain-removing mixture.

4. Paint Remover
Select the type of paint remover you need based on the type of paint that caused the stain.
For latex paints: Treat the area while the stain is wet. Soaking in cold water can help remove
water-based latex paint. Latex-specific spot removers are available for stubborn stains.
For oil-based paints: Treat the stain while it is wet. Use a paint thinner recommended for the type
of paint.
Petroleum-based solvents can be used as a pretreatment before laundering.

5. Rust remover
Rust is one of the most difficult stains to remove. As with many other stains, it is important not to set the
stain. Do not subject the fabric to a dryer or other heat. Most rust-removing products, such as Whink stain
remover, contain oxalic or hydrofluoric acids, which are poisons. Because the products suspend the iron-
oxide particles in the water, it is especially important to rinse the fabric well because those particles can
be toxic. Most rust removers should only be used on white or colorfast fabrics.
6. White vinegar

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

Common white vinegar offers a number of solutions for stains in the laundry room. Here are some handy
recipes to keep on hand to fight specific stain problems.
Collar rings: Make a solution of 1/4 cup salt, 1 cup vinegar, and 3 quarts warm water. Soak the stained
garment for an hour.
Cough syrup: Use a solution of 1-quart warm water, 1/2 teaspoon liquid dishwashing detergent, and 1
tablespoon white vinegar. Soak the stain for 15-30 minutes, then rinse and launder as usual.
Salt stains: Mix one part vinegar with three parts water, and wipe salt stains off shoes and leather
garments with a cloth dipped in the solution.
Urine stains on mattresses: Sponge the area with a mixture of water and detergent. Rinse with a mixture
of vinegar and water; let dry. If an odor remains, sprinkle with baking soda and let stand for 24 hours.
After the mattress is dry, vacuum to remove the baking soda.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
A. pollutants (from some laundry products)
a. Detergent waste contains chemical compounds such as phosphate, diethanolamine,
alkyl benzene sulfonate, and alkyl phenoxy. Those compounds are very difficult to
decompose organically by water microorganisms. Detergent waste is not only
generated from home laundry
B. use of resources (water, energy, chemicals, time)
III. Day-to-Day Care of Clothing·
1. Hang up garments as soon as taken off:
a. Coats, dresses, blouses keep shape best if hung on coat hangers that fit the garments.
b. Bias-cut skirts, or skirts with 'bias seams, sweaters, and other loose knits are best kept in
boxes.
c. Cover garments seldom used with protectors.
2. Wear an apron over dress at home.
3. Look over clothing before retiring.
a. Remove spots that need early attention.
b. Brush woolens and silks (brush with nap-silk cloth for silk).
c. Air in breeze (by window) or leave closet door open; sun occasionally.
d. Place undergarments in laundry bag (hamper in room keeps closet from retaining stale
odor of soiled garments).
e. Make simple repairs (hooks, buttons, rips, new collar, and cuffs).
4. Rinse hose nightly.
5. Wipe off shoes.
6. Closet and dresser-drawer suggestions:
a. Window and electric light.
b. Hangers padded.
c. Others
-Racks -Garment covers

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

-Boxes -Drawer pockets

-Shelves -Shoe bags, boxes, or rack
Weekly Care
1. Mend clothing before laundering.
2. Darn stockings.
a. Darn on right side, smooth, diamond-shaped to permit stretching.
3. Tears in woolen, use unraveled thread or hair.
4. Spot garments-USDA bulletin "Spot and Stain Removal."
5. Launder clothes.
Basic Rules for Laundering Better Garments. -Manny fabrics in garments in the present-day
wardrobe are washable if basic rules are followed. However, some finishes are removed by laundering,
and styles render garments difficult to iron.
1. Lukewarm soft water-98° F. Soft water should be used for laundering better garments.
Tetrasodium pyrophosphate is a good "water softener.
2. Neutral 'soap or sulfonated alcohol.
3. Quick, gentle handling (squeeze suds through garn1ellts); handle by lifting.
4. Rinse until water is clear-at least 2 rinses.
5. Remove moisture quickly.
6. Press with moderate iron.

Cotton. -Follow basic rules.

1. Most kinds of cotton are washable; read the label for facts about colorfastness.
2. Colored kinds of cotton need to be tub and sunfast.
3. Cotton should not shrink more than 2 percent to retain the fit of the garment.
4. Cottons that are not colorfast may "bleed" onto other garments as well as fade, so handle
quickly, wash in warm water, do not soak, dry quickly. Place paper between folds to prevent
further bleeding during drying.
5. There is no point in soaking clothes in a salt solution to set color.
a. Waste of salt
b. May soak out some of the colors.
6. The Bureau of Home Economics of the U. S. Department of Agriculture recommends ways to
keep cottons attractive after washing.
a. To restore crispness to voile, batiste, and organdy, dip in gelatine solution after washing.
Buy cheap, unflavored, unsweetened gelatin. Soak 1 oz. in 1/2 cup water to soften. Add
11/ 2 cup boiling water. If not dissolved, boil. Add a little borax if mixture is to 'be kept on
hand. Add 1 part gelatin to 5 parts waters. Dip fabric and dry. Dampen and iron. Do not
use too hot an iron or too much pressure.
b. Sizing. One-third cup oil added to 1 cup starch and 5 parts water gives required softness
and excellent finish. Turkey-red oil, palm oil, coconut oil, or cottonseed oil are all good.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

d. Gum Arabic can be used to size dark garments. Pour ½ pint boiling water on 1 oz. gum
Arabic; let stand, stirring frequently, then strain.

Fine Fabrics. -Follow basic rules. Spun rayons can be treated like fine wools. Not all rayons and silks are
washable. Observe label and washing instructions.
1. If washability is questioned, m a k e color and shrinkage test.
2. Slight shrinkage can be overcome by stretching back to shape during drying and ironing.
3. When rolling in towel to blot moisture, protect contrasting colors by fold of towel. (Don't wring).
4. Crepes need stretching; jersey speed blocking.
5. Do not soak.
6. Dry on hanger or roll in towel.
7. Use moderately hot iron. Try first on back of hem.
8. Use lower temperature for acetates. Avoid pressing nylon. If it must be pressed, use a warm iron.
Do not try to press viny-on ties.
9. Seams on rayon may fray; buy wide or finished seams, or finish them yourself.
10. Don't dry silks, rayon, or nylon in sunlight or over artificial heat.

Foundation Garments. -Worn next to the skin, these garments absorb perspiration which injures
fibers and elastic.
1. Wash frequently to prevent deterioration and restore shape.
2. Follow basic rules for washing of fine fabrics.
3. Pull into shape after blotting out moisture.
4. Layout flat or hang evenly to dry. Do not place near artificial heat.
5. Press only lace or fa1bric, part with moderately hot iron.

Lingerie. -These garments are mostly made of rayon, silk, or nylon in plain, crepe, or satin "reaves, or
knitted jerseys.
1. Wash frequently.
2. Follow basic rules for washing.
3. Turn satins inside out to prevent fuzzing.
4. Be careful with colored bindings.
5. Knitted garments pulled into shape need no ironing.
6. Press lace over Turkish towel.

Gloves. -Wash gloves, leather especially, before they become too soiled. Hard scrubbing will injure
surface of glove.
1. Wash only those gloves marked or sold as washable.
2. Do not wash-leather gloves that have been dry-cleaned.
3. Follow basic rules for washing for both fabric and leather gloves.
4. Wash leather gloves inside and out. Use sponge or soft brush on spots.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

5. A void rubbing, wool gloves.

6. A, light suds rinse for doeskin and chamois. Otherwise rinse thoroughly.
7. Blow in gloves after rolling in to\vel to remove excess moisture.
8. Stuff glove with tissue if various colors are used on same glove.
9. Dry away from heat.
10. Before entirely dry, work leather, with fingers

Press and Iron Garments. -

1. Iron dark colors and piques on wrong sides.
2. Iron cotton garments and hang on hanger to keep slope.
3. Brush and remove stains before pressing woolens. (Fine sandpaper followed by a soap-suds-and
ammonia rinse will remove shine.)
4. Use woolen pressing cloth on woolens.
5. Hang woolens to dry don't press completely dry!

Accessory Care. -
1. Save your shoes.
a. Have at least two pairs, of shoes; don't wear the same pair every day. Nylon hose does not absorb
perspiration but the leather of shoes does. They need time to dry thoroughly before wearing
again.
b. Improve their good appearance with regular polishings. This also helps preserve and keep the
leather soft.
c. Place shoe trees which do not stretch shoes out of shape, in shoes immediately after wearing.
d. Stuff shoes with paper when wet.
e. Dry wet shoes away from heat.
f. Wear rubbers and galoshes to protect shoes from rain or snow.
g. Use shoe bags and, shoe racks to protect shoes from dust.
h. Watch soles for ·breaks. Resole only if the uppers justify the expense.
i. Retip soles before they are too run-down.
j. Have heels straightened as soon as they begin to wear unevenly.
k. Run-down heels may twist shoes out of shape and shorten their life.
2. Brush hats (keep in covered box).
3. Stuff purses with paper.
4. Wash and starch collar-and-cuff sets and other lingerie touches.
5. Keep gloves neat.
6. Keep hankies spotless

Seasonal Care
1. Inventory wardrobe to determine condition of clothing and changes needed that might involve:
a. Dry-cleaning.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

b. Dyeing.
c. Remodeling.
2. Wash summer clothes
a. Do not starch or iron but fold or roll to store for winter.
b. Soft, crepe-like fabrics should be folded with layers of tissue paper and placed in boxes.
3. Winter clothing or woolens
a. "Out flank" the moth.
b. Collect all, winter items.
c. Inspect for soil, then dry clean, or launder.
(1) Two or three inches of soap suds increases efficiency of suds.
(2) Don't leave soap in woolens.
(3) Dry-clean garments. Air, but do not press when preparing for storage.
d. Brush and hang on line to air and sun, all garments not soiled enough to clean.
e. Clean felt hats before storing. Ca.re as for woolens.
(1) Carbon tetrachloride is safe to use as solvent.
(2) Store hats in separate -boxes.
f. Shake fur trim, turn out pockets, turn up collars, inspect seams and hems, and brush or sha.ke.
g. Pack carefully and lightly in mothproof box with large amount of paradichlorobenzene between
folds.
h. Place in dustproof containers.
(1) The right hangers are important.
(2) Stuff sleeves with tissue.
(3) Tape folds of cardboard dress boxes.
i. Store in cool, dry spot.

4. Care of fur.
a. Hang on hanger.
b. Don't perfume.
c. Wear away from neck.
d. Air frequently but not in strong light.
e. Clean frequently.
f. Storage in refrigerator vaults is best.
g. GU111 camphor discolors fur.
h. Wet fur should be "ripped, with Turkish towel along flow of fur.
(1) Hold hen1 and shake.
(2) Dry so air can circulate.
(3) If drenched take to furrier.
i. clean fur by:
(1) Sawdust, redcedar dust or sifted cornmeal mixed with solvent can be rubbed into the
fur and then brushed out.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

(2) Sprinkle fullers earth on garment and leave for 24 hours. Beat out. Glaze fur with
water.
(3) Clean in naphtha and treat with paraffin.
5. Protect rubber clothing, overshoes, boots, raincoats.
a. Clean with soap and water.
b. Wash with clear water.
c. Dry thoroughly away from heat.
d. Never use oils or solvents.
e. Stuff overshoes and boots with crumpled paper.
f. Pack loosely in boxes.
g. Store in cool, dark place.
6. Care of leather
Increase wearing qualities by keeping articles clean, pliable, and water resistant.
a. Shoes should be cleaned, oiled, sunned, and dried before storing.
(1) Saddle soap or neutral soaps may be used on washable leathers.
(2) Waterproof dressings such as unsalted tallow or fat or recommended oils may be
applied when the leather is dry.
(3) Clean good shoes with shoe cream.
(4) Soles may be oiled with castor oil to keep them pliable.
b. Calfskin belts and purses may be cleaned in the same manner.
c. Unlined leather jackets may be cleaned out-of-doors as follows:
(1) Dissolve 2 T. Vaseline or 4' T. finely shaved paraffin in one pint of solvent Stoddard
specifications.
(2) Wipe smooth side with dry cloth, and brush unfinished side to remove dust.
(3) Use one-half of Vaseline or paraffin mixture in solvent sufficient to 'cover coat.
(4) Soak one-half hour.
(5) Scrub inside and out with brush.
(6) Rinse in two solvent baths, each containing one·· half the remaining solution.
(7) Blot solvent from coat.
(8) Put on hanger and dry. Polish when dry; brush nap side.
d. clean kid gloves in same manner.

IV. 10 Ways to Take Care of Your Clothes and Make Them Last Longer

1. Start with the quality

Decide where to allot your clothing budget. Set some money aside for trendy, fun items, and reserve
some cash for pieces that are bound to stand the test of time. Some of the clothes and items you should
be investing include the following:
a. Two-piece business suit

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

b. Classic trench or pea coat

c. Comfortable, well-made shoes
d. Well-fitting jeans
e. A few crisp button-up shirts or blouses
When clothes shopping, look for clues that an item is made to last – and remember, price isn’t the only
indicator. Instead, try to spot attention to detail, as well as tight seams and buttons. If the material is
overly thin, or you see loose threads, buttons, or snags, those are clues that an item may not be very well
made.

2. Pay Attention to Laundering

That tag found on the neck or down the side seam of your shirt is not for decoration: It gives you a
garment’s laundering instructions, which are designed to ensure that it stays in great shape.
If you know you hate hand-washing and line-drying, avoid buying clothes that require special care. You’d
be better off spending your money on sturdier items. In fact, looking at laundering instructions is part of
my shopping process. Even if it’s a steal, a piece that requires dry cleaning could cost more in the long run
– especially if you choose to ignore care instructions and end up ruining it. Some other laundering tips can
help keep your clothes in great shape. While you should always check the instructions on the tag, these
are some general techniques to keep in mind as you hang out in the laundromat or laundry room.
o Wash Dark Clothing Inside-Out. Dark-wash jeans, black blouses, and other darker material
can become faded in the wash, particularly as it rubs up against other garments. Always launder
your washer-safe dark clothes inside-out to ensure they hold their color.
o Invest in a Clothesline or Drying Rack. If you don’t have a place to line-dry your clothes,
they usually end up in the dryer – a death knell for line-dry-only garments. A clothesline only
costs a few dollars and it can also help you save on energy costs. If you don’t have the yard or
the climate to dry clothes outside, a drying rack for your laundry room is only about $20.
o Wash Metal Separately. Buttons and zippers often find their way into the wash, but can
become seriously hot in the dryer, which can lead to scorching and melting on your other
clothes. Wash clothing with metal components separately and never with delicate clothes, such
as silks or knits.
o Go Color-Safe. Is there anything more frustrating than ruining clothes with bleach? While it
helps make your whites whiter, it can also stain colored clothes and damage delicate fibers.
Swap your regular bleach for a color-safe alternative, which is also gentler on fabric.
o Wash Your Clothes Less. The washing process is famously tough on clothes. Agitating,
tumbling, and coming in contact with other garments can leave garments faded, stretched,
pilling, and damaged. Unless your outerwear is visibly dirty, you probably don’t need to wash it
after each wearing. See if you can extend washing to every other wear, or even three wears,
before you toss your garments in the laundry.
o Get to Know Your Settings. While each make and model of common: They come with
instruction manuals. Read up on your model so you know when to use “wrinkle release” as
opposed to “delicate.” Delicate settings traditionally work well for lingerie, but they’re also

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

effective for clothes that you want to preserve and treat gently. The delicate cycle uses less
agitation, so there’s less wear and tear. This setting is perfect for lightly soiled stuff that requires
a little extra care, or for items that specify the “delicate” setting on the tag.
3. Practice Good Hygiene
It may sound simple, but practicing good hygiene – such as showering daily, wearing deodorant, and using
proper undergarments – can help keep your clothes cleaner and in better condition.
Don’t forget that sweat also causes stains. By insisting that your family members treat their
clothing with cleanliness and care, you should get some extra uses out of each piece. It also pays to make
sure you wear the right clothes for the right events. If you know things are going to get messy at a
birthday party, don’t send your daughter wearing an expensive lace dress. Or, if you’re going out to a bar
where people smoke, opt for your cheaper wardrobe items.
4. Learn Basic Repairs
Learning to complete basic repairs on your clothing – such as replacing a loose thread or a missing button
can make them last longer and save you a ton of money. Even if you’re perfectly careful with your
garments, fallen hems and buttons that pop off can take shirts and pants out of commission. You can
always bring your clothes to a tailor for a fee, but why spend the money if you can do the repair on your
own?
A simple sewing kit which you can find at many big box retailers’ costs just a few dollars and contains
scissors, a variety of needle sizes, and thread. Even if you’ve never sewed before, online videos can teach
you everything you need to know, from buttonhole stitching to repairing a zipper. If you can tie a knot in
the end of the thread and weave the needle in and out of the fabric, that’s enough to get started.

5. Iron With Care

When you iron, you’re using heat to loosen fabric fibers and press them flat. Unfortunately,
there’s also a good chance you can end up burning or yellowing the fabric if you’re not doing it
properly. Using too much heat on delicate fabrics can completely ruin them, so make sure you always
use the right heat level for the type of fabric you’re ironing.
Many irons have different levels for various fabrics on the heat dial, but here’s a general guide:
✓ Linen: 445° F

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

✓ Cotton: 400° F
✓ Viscose/Rayon: 375° F
✓ Wool: 300° F
✓ Acrylic: 275° F
✓ Polyester: 300° F
✓ Silk: 300° F
✓ Acetate: 290° F
✓ Lycra: 275° F
✓ Nylon: 275° F
Another option is to invest in a steamer. It uses moisture and heat to release wrinkles while clothes are on
the hanger, and it can be a lifesaver for the perpetually time crunched. Because you don’t have to
continually reposition your clothes like you do when ironing, steaming can save a lot of time. I love
steamers for items that need to be deodorized and straightened, but don’t require clean creases.

6. Rotate Your Clothes

The idea of “last in, first out” doesn’t only apply to produce, but to clothes as well. We all have
a favorite pair of jeans that are snatched out of the dryer as soon as they’re clean, but rotating your
clothes means less wear and tear. One way that I track my garments is by rotating them in my closet. After
laundry day, the clean stuff goes to the back, while the items still in the closet are moved forward where
they’re easier to see and grab. Eventually, my favorite items rotate from the back to the front of the
closet, where they can be seen and worn again. This can be especially helpful for kids’ clothes. Children
are traditionally pretty hard on their gear, so rotating it can mean fewer holes in their jeans and less fading
on their shirts. Unless, of course, your little one has a “favorite shirt” – in which case, you might just be
out of luck.

7. Practice Good Storage Habits

Whether you have a walk-in closet or a couple of shelves, the way you store your clothes can
make them last for years or, alternatively, leave them looking misshapen and damaged in just a few
months. Here’s how to store your clothes to make sure they last as long as possible:
o Fold Heavy Sweaters on a Shelf. While you might think that hanging is best for your
expensive sweaters, heavier garments such as wool sweaters can actually stretch out when you
hang them in your closet. Your best bet is to stack them folded on a shelf so they keep their
shape – and save that precious hanger space.
o Button Buttons and Zip Zippers. I can’t count the number of times a wayward zipper on one
garment has snagged or scratched the fabric on another while hanging in my closet. Sharp zipper
teeth, studs, and even buttons can catch on clothes and result in damage, so make sure they’re
fastened when you hang them in your closet.
o Invest in Better Hangers. Sure, you can score wire hangers from your dry cleaner for free, but
they’re not made for long-term storage. Wire and plastic hangers can stretch out the shoulders of
your garments, which means they won’t lay nicely on your body. Consider investing in better

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

hangers with wood or plush arms, which help garments keep their shape.
o Give Clothes Some Breathing Room. Even if you’re short on space, resist the urge to pack
your closet full of clothes. Squishing a ton of items next to each other can result in wrinkling and
fading as the fabrics are constantly mashed together. If you’re having to squish hangers and
garments just to squeeze in another shirt, it may be time to look into other storage solutions. For
example, a standalone armoire can help reduce some of the pressure on a bulging closet.
o Think Cool and Dry. Excess moisture and heat can encourage mold growth – even on clothes.
The mantra for your closet should be “cool and dry.” Never store clothes in a humid bathroom or
moist basement closet.

8. Dye Faded Clothes

I have a pair of black skinny jeans that fit like a glove. Of course, after near-constant wash and
wear, those black jeans are beginning to look gray and worn-out. While looking for laundry soap at my
local grocery store, I came across some easy-to-use clothing dye for just a few dollars. Simply add it to
your sink or a bucket, add water, and follow the package directions for getting the best color. It usually
takes 20 to 30 minutes of stirring to ensure even coloring. After the garment has been colored, rinse it
with cool water and hang to dry. Typically, garment dyes work best on solid colors, and can help to bring
faded or stained clothes back to their former glory. A box of dye costs around 25pesos and contains two
treatments. Just make sure that you wash your newly dyed item with like colors the first time you run it
the dye can come off on other items.

9. Dress After Your Hair and Makeup

Women’s clothing often takes more of a beating when compared to men’s. Why? Because
women use cosmetics that can stain and fade garments. By doing your hair and makeup before you get
dressed, you can avoid those pitfalls. Buy a robe to wear while you go through your daily routine to
prevent things like lipstick and bronzer from getting on your garments.

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

Unfortunately, hair dye and hairspray can seriously damage clothes. Hairspray is a main culprit for fading,
so resist the urge for a final spray before you head out the door. Also, if you dye your hair at
home, make sure to wear old shirts while you’re doing it. Hair dyes are generally permanent and can
easily ruin a favorite shirt. You can also wrap a thin towel around your shoulders to protect your
clothes from your various cosmetics products if you don’t want to mess up your hair by putting on a
shirt after it’s done.
Don’t forget about deodorant and antiperspirant. When you apply, make sure it’s completely
dry before putting on a shirt. The aluminum contained in many antiperspirants can turn clothes yellow
and cause brittleness.
10. Adjust Your Dryer
If you were to name the appliance in your home most damaging to clothes, it would definitely be the
dryer. The heat can scorch clothes and cause shrinking, fading, and even pilling. However, it’s hard to
argue with the convenience it offers – you use the appliance because it saves you time.
If you want the best of both worlds, check your dryer settings – many allow you to configure
temperature, timing, and dryness. You can try lowering the overall temperature and keeping the same
dry time, taking clothes out while they’re still damp. Or, if you don’t have temperature settings, you
could just set the timer for 15 minutes fewer than normal, then transfer your clothes to dry on a laundry
rack. Taking clothes out of the dryer before they’re done also minimizes shrinking in many fabrics such
as denim – so your jeans might actually fit better.

V. Ironing and Pressing

THE IMPORTANCE OF IRONING & PRESSING YOUR SEWING CREATIONS
Ironing is hugely important in determining your creations to inevitably look polished & professional or
home sewn & amateurish. There are many gorgeous designs that never lived up to their potential – that
looked homemade rather than amazing. If you don’t like ironing, sewing probably isn’t the craft for you.

Important to note that ironing and pressing are different actions – and as such have different
uses.

• Ironing is when you slide your iron back & forth on the fabric to removed wrinkles
• Pressing is when you place your iron on the fabric and then lift it repetitively, rather than pushing
or sliding it.
Reasons why sewing & ironing/pressing go hand in hand:
1. It’s impossible to make your items look polished without a good pressing. Especially when
making tailored pieces and using fabrics like wool or tweed. Seams simply will not lie flat unless
pressed, and you cannot achieve clean lines if your seams & hems are bubbling.
2. Not ironing your fabric before cutting can result in inaccurate cuts, and as a result affect the
overall fit and of course appearance of the garment.
3. There are some techniques and projects you will never master if you refuse to iron. For

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 Republic of the Philippines
Commission on Higher Education
University of Rizal System
Morong, Rizal
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
SY 2023-2024

example replacing darts with ease can only be done properly if you press, and you will not get a good
pleat if you don’t press it.
4. Manipulating fabric. You can permanently change the shape of fabric through ironing &
pressing. Of course, this could be good or bad, depending on whether you meant to do it or not!
For example, ironing your fabric too much, can stretch it out, but ironing can help fix your
mistakes.

Reference:
fs/523483571-Module-4-Care-of-Clothing
k12_curriculum_guides_homeec_clothing2.pdf (gov.nl.ca)

Prepared by:

Ericka Aimee A. Cequeña, LPT

Subject Instructor

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