Chicago Home and Lifestyles – 6 ways to keep your clothes looking better longer

Clothing is expensive (especially nowadays) and we all want to get our money’s worth! Here are a few ways to extend the life of your garments by preventing or repairing damage:

Preventing pantyhose runs. You buy a pair of tights or pantyhose, and boom, the first time you wear them you get a run! This may make you want to choose a less expensive brand, but in reality you need slightly higher weight and reinforced toes. More Lycra/elastane will give longer wear, which is what you find in higher end hosiery.

However, we don’t all have the same price-points, so whatever kind of tights you wear make sure your nails and shoes are smooth before putting them on. Put on any hand jewelry after. Either handwash them, or use a mesh bag on a cold gentle cycle.

Keeping your whites bright. It’s as simple as separating whites in the laundry. No exceptions. For clothing that’s mixed colors, if white is more than half, put it in with the whites. Use the hottest water safe for the fabric. Don’t overuse detergent as that can cause greying. Do a presoak for whites including lemon juice and half cup of white vinegar.  

Stopping dark clothes from fading. Believe it or not, this starts with the purchase. Of course, it’s always better to buy clothes with quality fabric, as cheaper ones tend to have bad pigments. But regardless of what one can afford, over washing is the main cause of fading in dark clothes. Spot clean marks with a damp cloth and stem clothes in the bathroom to refresh. When laundering, turn garments inside out. Use cold water and detergent made for dark colors. Air dry if possible and avoid tumble drying.

Treat stains right away. Stains can be tough, especially when you’re on the go. If you can, remove the garment immediately and run the stain under water. Don’t rub, blot. Rubbing can spread the stain. Anything oil based like food and makeup, sprinkle on baking soda to absorb the grease then pre spot with dish detergent and launder. For deodorant and sweat, make a baking soda paste and apply directly, then let sit for 30 minutes. Wash in cool water. For many stains an oxygen based pre spot works well. 

Reviving the shape of tailored shirts. Tailored shirts can look a bit ragged after many wears. You can spray a little hairspray on the inside of the collar just before wearing. This prevents sweat being absorbed and the collar becoming worn. Save the inserts that come with the shirt and put them back in when you hang the shirt. Do up the top button when hanging also, it will help maintain the shape and structure of the collar. Avoid over washing, and dry clean if possible. 

Pilling on woolens. This is better prevented than repaired. Wash woolens inside out in cold water on a gentle cycle, hand wash when possible. If you need a fabric shaver use it on a flat surface and be gentle, they can cause holes on fine knits. For lightweight garments it might be best to use a wool comb.

Do you have any other hacks to keep garments looking better longer?

Kathleen Weaver-Zech and Dean’s Team Chicago