Keeping Clothes Like New

Vinegar is a natural brightener that won’t wear out the fibers of your clothing the way chlorine bleach will. Plus, it’s better for the environment—we love that.t

Protect the important part of a garment—the outside—by simply turning it inside out before you toss it in. It may not seem like much, but embellishments on the outside of a garment, even screen printing, can be worn away or snagged by the inside of the washer. Items with beading, embroidery, appliqués and other details should always be washed inside-out.

Most Americans use top-loading washers, which have an agitator inside that pulls your clothes around. Front-loading washers use gravity to tumble clothes in and out of the water, much like the motion of a dryer. This is much gentler on your clothes and helps prevent to prevent snags and tangling.

Hot water wears out fabrics more quickly. Save the hot water for really soiled loads—kids’ baseball uniforms, gardening clothes, dirty sheets—and wash everything else in cold. Even if a garment says wash in hot water, washing in cold won’t hurt it (washing a cold water garment in hot, however, can be damaging). Your clothes will be just as clean, and the threads will stay strong. Check out Tide Coldwater, a specially formulated liquid detergent for cold water washing.

When changing out of your clothes, be sure to let suits, coats and shoes air out for at least 30 minutes before you store them in your closet. Hang them up on a clothes rack or on a hanger outside your closet before putting them away. Do not throw them over a chair as this can create new wrinkles. It’s also important to rotate your sweaters and jackets like you do your shoes, to give them a chance to breathe and regain their shape. Turn off the closet light and don’t leave garments near the window. Sunlight can fade the colors on your clothes just like it does drapes. Dyes are sensitive to prolonged sunlight or even to a light left on in a closet. In summer, be careful with lotions and sunscreen as it can fade or stain your clothes. Spray perfume and hairspray on before you get dressed. The alcohol in the spray can fade, discolor or stain clothes. Always clean your clothes before storing them for the season. Untreated food and beverage stains can attract insects! Never hang wet or damp clothes in your closet. This can attract mildew. Never store your clothes in plastic bags. It can trap in humidity that attracts mildew. Use breathable cotton sheets or bags. Brush off any salt before cleaning clothes or taking them to the dry cleaner. Salt can cause damage during cleaning. If you have come into contact with salt (e.g. pant cuffs brushing up against winter street salt), wipe with cold water and air dry. Always point salt treated areas out to your dry cleaner. Shoes are especially prone to salt damage during winter. When you come home, wipe off any salt residue with a cold damp cloth.