Clothing care tips to keep your wardrobe looking new Posted on October 12, 2020 under Blog, Cleaning Tips. | no comments.
Most of us have invested quite a bit of money in our wardrobe so we want to do what we can to protect our investment. Following some simple clothing care tips can make your clothes last longer and look their best.
Here are three clothing care tips to get the most out of your wardrobe.
Cleaning methods
Not only do you need to read the label but also follow it! If the label says, “dry clean only,” don’t throw it in the washer. That might sound obvious but you’d be surprised how many people turn to a dry cleaner after they tried washing it. By then, it’s usually too late.Dry cleaning uses solvents instead of water to clean delicate fabrics. It helps prevent shrinking, color fade and fabric and embellishment damage. In addition, dry cleaning dissolves grease and oil so it can help with stain removal.
Fabrics such as silk, acetate, velvet, wool and taffeta should be dry cleaned. Although many clothes made of cotton, linen, polyester and nylon can be washed at home, they may need a little extra care. If there are embellishments or bright colors you want to keep vibrant, dry cleaning is a better option.
For clothes that can go in the washer and dryer, make sure you use the right temperature and settings. Some fabrics should be washed in cold water and should be dried with low (or no) heat, for example. Some labels suggest hand washing items. Those are usually delicate fabrics or have embellishments that could be damaged in a washer.
If you are unsure if something can be washed, dry cleaning is always a safe choice.
Stain removal
Who hasn’t spilled something on their clothes? It even can happen to your most expensive clothes during a fancy soiree. We do our best to avoid a spill but somehow, red wine seems to seek out light colored clothes.When it happens, take your stained clothing to a dry cleaner as soon as possible. It is tempting to try club soda or some other suggestion a witness to your accident may suggest. However, you could make it worse. It will also likely set the stain or otherwise damage a “dry clean only” garment. The sooner you can get it to the dry cleaner, the better chance they have to remove it.
Fabric/Color protection
When you get dressed in the morning, some of the products you use could damage your clothes. Perfumes, after shave, lotions, deodorants, antiperspirants, and other toiletriescan affect the garment color. To avoid stains, let them dry completely before getting dressed.
Another potential threat to your wardrobe is light. Don’t keep your clothes where they are exposed consistently to sunlight because they can fade. Strong fluorescent lighting can cause damage, too.
If you have vibrant colors you want to preserve, a dry cleaner can better protect them. They know what can be washed and what needs dry cleaning, and they know the best way to do it. They’ll keep your colors — and your whites — bright.
There are a variety of ways you can protect your clothes. If you are in doubt, the best choice is to use a dry cleaner. In Naples and Estero, call Champion Cleaners and we’ll even pick up your dirty items and return them ready to wear! Call 239.598.1555.