Clothing Care and Laundry Tips
This past week, I have been going through the process of cleaning out my closet to transition my wardrobe to Fall/Winter. A change in the weather is a great reminder to update your wardrobe. Cleaning out the closet can be a good indicator of what you might be missing or even, what might needs some TLC. 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.
- 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.
