If you stop for a teeny second to think about how much your wardrobe cost, you'd realize that it's quite an investment. Now times that number by the rest of your household— crazy, right!? Clothes are expensive, and it's to our advantage to keep them looking new for as long as possible (this is one of the reasons I'm OK with spending a little more to get better quality stitching and fabric).
This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks/P&G. All opinions are my own. © tinabelle - stock.adobe.com
Keeping your clothes looking new doesn't take a lot of work if you follow these simple laundry tips.
Laundry Tips to Keep Your Clothes Looking New
Wash in cold water - Washing in cold water not only saves you money, but it keeps your clothes looking bright and new. Also use the gentle cycle on your best items.
Hang dry or use the lowest dryer setting - Drying clothes on high heat puts a lot of wear and tear on fabric. Anything that is the tiniest bit delicate should be hung out to dry. More durable clothes should be put on the lowest dryer setting. We routinely use the delicate-eco dryer cycle for clothing.
Wash like colors - One of the most basic laundry tips to keep clothes looking new is to wash dark colors with other dark colors and lights with other lights. It only takes one bleeding clothing item to learn not to mix these fabrics. Additionally, wash all denim together in one load.
Keep washing & drying to a minimum - I don't condone wearing "dirty" clothes, but I have come to realize you don't need to wash every piece of laundry immediately after wearing. As long as there are no stains and your clothes don't smell like sweat, you should be able to re-wear certain items, which keeps clothes looking new.
Wash bras in a mesh bag - Bras and other intimates can get tangled in clothing and ultimately stretch fabric - wash in a mesh bag to keep separate. Also, air dry these items to keep looking like new.
Turn embellished garments inside out - Anything with a button or intricate stitch-work should be washed and dried inside out. This keeps clothes from snagging and stretching in either cycle.
Treat stains right away - There is nothing worse in the laundry world than having to throw away a good item due to a stain. Treat spots and stains as soon as possible by rinsing with warm water and then applying a stain remover product. After washing, check to see if the stain is still there — if it is, repeat the process. DO NOT put any item with a stain in the dryer.
Use a good liquid fabric softener - Just a cupful of liquid fabric softener can protect clothes from stretching, fading, and pilling. I use Downy Fabric Conditioner in every load of laundry because it strengthens and lubricates each fiber to protect clothing from the friction and agitation of a typical washing cycle ... plus it helps reduce wrinkles and keeps clothes smelling fresh!
Downy protects clothes:
- Instead of losing their shape, clothes bounce back to their store-bought form.
- Colors stay true and resist fading.
- Towels are protected from pilling and fuzz.
- Fabrics are softened for added comfort.
Downy Fabric Conditioner is available at Walmart and Walmart.com for everyday low prices. Learn more and shop for it here.
What is your best laundry tip to keep your clothes looking new?
Laurie
I wash all my clothes on delicate and dry them on the lowest heat setting - unless the tag specifies a line dry or to lay flat to dry. Great tips, thanks so much for sharing.
Skylar Williams
I'm glad I've been doing it right and washing it in cold water. I heard a tip recently to every once in awhile wash in hot water to get rid of bodily oils. My washing machine broke recently so I'm going to try and find a laundromat.
Burt Silver
I don't have a washer and dryer in my home, so I frequent the laundromat. I am always looking for ways to make my clothes last longer and look better, so this list was really helpful! I never knew that washing in cold water could keep your colors looking bright. I will have to start doing this.