As Singapore is known for its hot and humid climate, it’s essential to keep your clothes looking new to look your best. Taking care of your clothes can help you save money in the long run by extending the life of your wardrobe. Here are 11 clothing care tips that every Singaporean should know.
#1 Sort Clothes by Material
The first step in taking care of your clothes is sorting them by material. Different materials require different care, and washing them all together can lead to damage or shrinking. Separate your clothes into piles of cotton, linen, wool, silk, and synthetic materials before washing.
For example, delicate clothing such as silk or lace should be washed separately from other clothes to prevent damage.
#2 Follow Laundry Instructions
Pay attention to the laundry instructions on clothing labels to prevent damage or shrinkage. These instructions include information on water temperature, washing cycle, and drying method. The laundry symbols on the label can be confusing, but they’re crucial in ensuring your clothes are washed correctly.
For example, a clothing item with a “hand wash only” label should be hand washed with a mild detergent to prevent damage.
#3 Wash Clothes Properly
Washing your clothes properly can make a big difference in how long they last. Use the appropriate water temperature for the material to prevent shrinking or damage. For example, cotton can be washed in warm water, while silk should be washed in cold water.
Delicate clothing such as lace should be washed gently by hand and not machine washed to prevent damage.
#4 Dry Clothes Correctly
Drying your clothes correctly is just as important as washing them. Air-drying is the best option for most clothes, but some materials require different methods. For example, wool should be laid flat to dry to prevent shrinking, while cotton can be hung on a clothesline.
Avoid over-drying clothes in the dryer, as it can lead to shrinkage or damage.
#5 Iron Clothes Appropriately
Ironing your clothes is an essential part of keeping them looking new. Set your iron to the appropriate temperature for the material to prevent damage. For example, cotton can be ironed on a high heat setting, while silk should be ironed on a low heat setting.
Avoid ironing clothes with embellishments, as they can melt or become damaged.
#6 Use a Garment Steamer
Using a garment steamer is an effective way to remove wrinkles and freshen up your clothes without damaging them. Steaming is gentler on clothes than ironing and can be used on most materials.
For example, a steamer can be used on delicate fabrics such as silk or lace instead of ironing to prevent damage.
#7 Store Clothes Properly
Storing your clothes properly can prevent damage and extend their lifespan. Hang clothes that wrinkle easily, such as dresses or suits, to prevent creases. Fold clothes that are less likely to wrinkle, such as t-shirts or jeans, and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.
For example, silk or lace should be hung on padded hangers to prevent damage to the material.
#8 Avoid Using Bleach and Harsh Chemicals
Bleach and harsh chemicals can damage the fibers in your clothes and cause them to wear out faster. Instead, opt for natural cleaning products such as vinegar or baking soda.
For example, white vinegar can be used as a natural alternative to bleach to whiten clothes without causing damage.
#9 Treat Stains Quickly
Treating stains as soon as possible can prevent them from setting in and becoming permanent. Use a stain remover or a mixture of water and vinegar to remove stains before washing your clothes.
For example, a red wine stain should be treated with salt to absorb the liquid and then with a mixture of water and white vinegar to break down the stain before washing.
#10 Rotate Your Clothes
Rotating your clothes can help extend their lifespan. Wearing the same clothes every day can cause them to wear out faster due to constant washing and drying. By rotating your clothes, you can give them a break and reduce the wear and tear.
For example, you can rotate your work outfits by alternating between different tops and bottoms throughout the week.
#11 Know When to Get Professional Help
Sometimes, it’s best to leave the care of your clothes to the professionals. Certain materials or stains may require specialized care that you may not be able to provide at home. Dry cleaning is an excellent option for delicate fabrics or clothes with tough stains.
For example, a silk dress with a wine stain may require professional cleaning to prevent damage to the material.
#12 Remove Pilling
Pilling occurs when small balls of fabric form on the surface of your clothes. This is common on materials like wool or synthetic blends. To remove pilling, use a fabric shaver or lint roller. Be gentle when removing the pills to avoid damaging the fabric.
#13 Protect Your Clothes from Sunlight
Sunlight can cause colors to fade and weaken the fibers in your clothes. To protect your clothes from sunlight, hang them in a shady area or inside-out. You can also use a fabric protectant spray to shield your clothes from UV rays.
#14 Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
A mesh laundry bag is an excellent investment to protect your delicate clothes from damage in the washing machine. Place delicate items like lingerie or lace tops in the bag before tossing them in the washer. This will prevent them from getting tangled or snagged.
#15 Avoid Over-Washing Your Clothes
Washing your clothes too often can cause them to wear out faster. Unless your clothes are visibly dirty or sweaty, you can wear them more than once before washing. This will save you time and energy on laundry day and extend the life of your clothes.
#16 Repair Clothes with Small Damages
Before discarding clothes with small damages like loose buttons or small tears, consider repairing them. Learning basic sewing skills can save you money on repairs and extend the lifespan of your clothes. You can also take your clothes to a tailor or seamstress for professional repairs.
In conclusion, taking care of your clothes is essential to extend their lifespan and save money in the long run. Following these clothing care tips can keep your wardrobe looking new and fresh for years. Remember to sort your clothes by material, follow laundry instructions, wash and dry clothes correctly, iron clothes appropriately, use a garment steamer, store clothes properly, avoid using harsh chemicals, treat stains quickly, rotate your clothes, and know when to get professional help.
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