Your clothes take a lot of beating. You wear them all day, and they are exposed to harsh detergents when you wash them and extreme heat when you dry them. Many fabrics tend to wear out after just a year or two, depending on how they are used. The following tips will help you extend the life of your favorite clothes so you can use them for many years to come.
Pre-Treat Stains
One of the biggest problems with clothing is stains. Pre-treating them immediately is the best bet, but you can also do it before washing. Add a drop or two of detergent and leave them for a few minutes before putting them in the washer.
Use Cold Water for Washing Fabrics Whenever Possible
Heat can weaken the fabric. However, using cold water will keep your clothes in good condition while preventing stains from setting into the fabric. Cold water is just effective at cleaning your clothes as hot water. However, the results also depend on the detergent you use and the type of fabric you are cleaning. Many detergents work better in cold water.
Don’t Add Extra Detergent
Adding too much detergent can damage your fabric, so use the right amount as required or directed by the manufacturer. Using a second rinse to rinse the detergent completely is beneficial. Use a detergent containing natural ingredients. This makes it safer for you and the fabric in the long run.
Avoid Using Bleach
Over or prolonged use of bleach can damage your clothing. There are alternatives to bleach, such as essential oils, borax, hydrogen peroxide, and white vinegar. These are extremely effective at minimizing stains, eliminating odors, and destroying germs and bacteria. Hang your white clothes outside to gain the effects of the sun’s natural bleaching abilities.
Always Wash Dark Clothes Inside Out to Protect Them
Wash your dark clothes inside out to protect any images or printing that may be on the outside. Pre-treat stains on both sides of the fabric to ensure they are completely gone. Additionally, dry them inside out but turn them right side out when you fold them.
Choose the Shorter Washing Cycle
A longer washing cycle works well when you have extremely dirty or stained clothes. Otherwise, a short cycle is more than sufficient to eliminate odors and keep your clothes looking their best. The same is true for drying your clothing. Prolonged drying breaks down the fabric and may weaken it so that it tears easily.
Use the Right Dryer Setting – Not Too High, Not Too Low
Using the right dryer setting is a must. High heat can damage delicate clothes, and low heat is ineffective on heavy fabrics. Change your setting to fit the load each time you use your dryer. It will increase the lifespan of your clothing and save energy in the long run. Line dry your clothes whenever possible for the best results.
Have more questions about how to keep your clothes looking brand new? Contact us today at Fresh and Clean Laundromat! Our staff can effectively answer many of your laundry-related questions. We also offer a variety of laundry services you can rely on to keep your hard-to-handle fabrics fresh and clean.
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