The average American will throw away 600 pieces of over the course of their lifetime and the main reasons for discarding include damage to , shrinkage, and discoloring. So, to avoid these issues and extend the life of your wardrobe?
The answer to this question really depends on a variety of factors, including how often you an item, the type of , and the level of dirt or on the . A good rule of thumb is to most items before the first and then after every 1-5 wears (depending on the ). If you are someone that sweats profusely or if you tend to your with makeup, , or deodorant then you should your more often.
New Items Before You Them
By your new items before wearing them, you give the a chance to relax and release any additional wrinkles from being packaged. In addition, this will help remove any sizing or treatments that may have been applied during the manufacturing process.
How to
There are a number of ways to , but the most common methods are via or hand .
Machine :
When using the to your , use the gentle or delicate cycle on your washer and always use . Be sure to read the care instructions on the before , as some fabrics should not be washed in a machine.
Hand :
Hand is a more delicate process and can be more time-consuming, but it is the best way to clean certain types of fabrics. Fill a sink or basin with and a tiny bit of . In the basin of , swish the around, being careful not to wring or stretch them, and then rinse with cool . Hang the to dry or lay them flat on a .
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Daily Items
Wardrobe staples such as t-shirts, tank tops, and camisoles should be washed after every . If you a lot or your tends to easily, your favorite pieces more often. Pants and jeans should also be cleaned after each if they are part of your daily uniform. The dirtier the item, the more often it should be washed.
Undergarments
Undergarments such as bras, panties, and socks should be washed after every . They tend to get sweaty, dirty, and stinky more quickly than other items in your wardrobe. This is especially true for individuals that a lot or who do not use deodorant.
If you are a regular exerciser, then you know that your can get pretty stinky. To avoid bacteria build-up and the funky smell, your gym after each use. If you have multiple sets of , you can rotate them and them every other time you work out.
Special Occasion
If you only your special occasion once or twice a year, then you do not need to them after each . However, it is still a good idea to give them a quick clean before storing them away. This will help prevent any unwanted smells and keep the in good condition.
How to Keep Clean and Fresh at All Times
The best way to keep your clean, fresh, and in good condition is by taking them to the dry cleaner or using an experienced service. Most items only need to be taken in about once every 3-4 wears. However, if you tend to a lot or you are prone to stains, then you may need to take them in more often. There are also a few other simple things you can do to help keep your clean and fresh between washes.
- Avoid leaving in the sun or in a hot car. The heat can cause the to fade, shrink, and wrinkle.
- Do not the same piece of two days in a row. This will allow it to air out and will help reduce any funky smells.
- Store in a clean, ventilated bag. The more open space there is, the better. If you are not able to store your right after the gym, then avoid throwing them all together in one big pile. This will help reduce any bacteria build-up on the and prevent the smell from transferring to other items.
- Hang to dry when possible. This will help keep them from getting wrinkled and will help them last longer.
- Use a freshener to help get rid of any unwanted smells. These can be purchased at most drugstores or grocery stores.
When It Is Time for a New Wardrobe
No matter how well you take care of your , there eventually comes a time when you need to invest in a new wardrobe. If your are starting to look faded, stained, or suffering from shrinkage, then it is definitely time for some new pieces. Before you go out and spend a fortune on new , take a look at your current wardrobe and see what can be salvaged. There are many ways to stretch the life of your and make them last longer. Here are a few tips:
- in whenever possible. The colder the , the less likely it is to fade, shrink, or stretch the . This also helps save on energy costs and keeps looking much newer for longer.
- Use a color-catching in your dryer. These sheets catch any color that may transfer from one to another during the drying process. This will help prevent colors from transferring between items and will save on costs.
- Hang to dry whenever possible. Many people are tempted to use the “quick” setting on their dryer, but this can cause fabrics to shrink and stretch over time. If you do not have the space to hang your , then at least take out any items that may wrinkle while drying, such as t-shirts and jackets.
- Be careful when storing . Dark, enclosed spaces are never the best option. It is also a good idea to avoid stacking any delicate or thin pieces of material on top of each other. This can cause the to stretch over time, which leads to unwanted wrinkles.
- Use an effective protectant. There are many products on the market that can help protect your from spills and stains. If you are someone who tends to have accidents, then this may be a good investment for you.
- Use a professional delivery service or a . This is the best way to keep your in good condition and looking their best. A good or service will be able to get rid of any tough stains or odors that you may have trouble getting rid of on your own. They will also help preserve your fabrics and prevent them from stretching or fading over time.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can help keep your in good condition and avoid having to discard them prematurely due to shrinkage, damage, or discoloration. your regularly will also help keep them smelling fresh and looking new for longer. So, ? The answer really depends on the individual, but again, a good rule of thumb is to them before wearing and after every 1-5 wears. Happy laundering!