Home Living Extension: Clothing Care and Laundry Tips

Extension: Clothing Care and Laundry Tips

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Megan Burda York/Polk Extension Educator

Clothing Care and Laundry Tips

The best way to save money when it comes to your wardrobe is by properly caring for the clothes that you already have.

Remove scuff marks on patent leather shoes.

Supplies: Cotton Balls or Soft Cloth, Nail Polish Remover

Instructions: Drop a small amount of nail polish remover on a cotton ball. Dab (not rub) the saturated cotton ball onto the shoes until the scuff mark disappears. Let dry completely.

Note: Do not let too much of the polish remover sit on the shoe because it could compromise the shoes finish and shine.

Eliminate Pit Stains
Supplies: Baking Soda, Hydrogen Peroxide, Water, Rag and Toothbrush

Instructions: Make a solution that is a one-to-one mixture of baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and water. Then rub about a quarter of a cup of the solution into the stains of one shirt. Let it sit for 30 minutes. Finally use an old soft toothbrush or bristle brush to loosen any residue and wash as usual.

Care for Delicates

Panty Hose or Tights

Tips for washing in a machine:

Use a mild detergent that does not contain bleach.

Place the panty hose in a washer bag. These bags protect the hosiery from becoming tangled and damaged when placed in the washing machine, like that on https://www.theapplianceguys.com.au/collections/front-load-washing-machines.

Use a delicate cycle to wash the hosiery and select a cold water wash. This protects the texture and the color of the hose.

You may choose to wash the panty hose by hand. Wash them in your sink if you don’t have a washer bag.

Dry the panty hose on a towel. You should not hang dry panty hose because this can cause the fabric to stretch. Panty hose should never be placed in a dryer.

*Hint: To prevent runs and snags, freeze you panty hose in a freezer bag 24 hours before wearing!

Strategies to Reduce Static Cling

Dampen a used dryer sheet and rub it on your panty hose.

Use hairspray on the go. Just lightly spray the charged area under your dress, skirt or blouse. Wait a minute or two for the hairspray to dry.

Dry your clothes with safety pins! Pin a safety pin to the seam of your slip, skirt or pants. Tumble dry on low.

Use vinegar in place of fabric softener. Measure ¼ cup of white vinegar to your rinse cycle or fabric softener dispenser.

Rub a wire hanger inside pant legs and under skirts, dresses or slips. This will neutralize the charge.

Washing Machine Care

Another good way to make sure that your clothes are really getting clean is to clean your washing machine. Fill the washer with hot water. Add 1 quart of chlorine bleach – no detergent. Allow the washer to run through its longest wash and spin cycle. Immediately fill the washer with hot water again and add 1 quart distilled white vinegar. Run the longest wash and spin cycle again.

Using the bleach and vinegar will clean away bacteria, soap scum and mineral deposits from the wash basket and hoses. This is especially important if you live in a hard water area and should be done every three months. Every washer should be cleaned at least twice per year.

Upcoming Events:

We Are Hiring!

Extension Assistant 4-H Youth Development

Plan and implement effective teaching and educational programming for 4-H and youth. Train and manage 4-H volunteers. Expand and market the 4-H program. Work with local schools and other youth serving organizations on related issues in the community. Criminal background check and driving record review will be conducted on the successful candidate. Bachelor’s Degree required. Experience with youth programming and strong organizational skills necessary. Expertise in STEM education and/or Animal Science is recommended. Knowledge of the 4-H program is helpful. Excellent interpersonal communication and leadership skills essential. Computer skills required. Position is funded through York County with the office located in York, NE. This is a full-time position. Application review begins February 4. Employment applications available at the York County Extension Office (2345 Nebraska Ave York, NE 68467). Contact 402-362-5508. York County Extension is committed to EEO/AA and ADA/504.

RED LETTER DAYS – EXPLORE UNL

Excited to make your college decision? Red Letter Days are an opportunity for you to explore college life at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during your senior or junior year of high school. At this open house event, you’ll get to:

  Explore campus with a current UNL student as your guide

 Attend academic informational sessions

See what it’s like to live in a residence hall

 Learn about ways to get involved on campus

Find out important admissions, scholarship and financial aid information

If you are interested in any health-related fields, check out our Pre-Health Red Letter Day COST $10.00 per person. – Sorry, no refunds on program fees.

EVENT DATES

February 12, 2016

February 26, 2016

March 4, 2016

March 18, 2016

April 1, 2016

April 15, 2016

View a sample schedule and register at: http:// admissions.unl.edu/visit/on-campus/red-letter-days.aspx