Take Good Care With These Laundry Tips

Just because you’ve worn your favorite tee for years doesn’t mean it has to look old. Here are four laundry tips for keeping clothes looking newer longer.

Be Cool. Cold water not only has the same cleaning power as hot water, but it can help extend the life of your clothing. Cold water helps preserve color brightness because it doesn’t break down textile fibers or fade hues like hot water does. Cold water can also keep certain fabrics from shrinking. Bonus: Cold-water washing also saves utility costs because you don’t have to pay for the energy necessary to heat the water.

Bag It. Place delicates in a pillow case (or mesh bag) before washing to keep fasteners and embellishments from being loosened or pulled. The layer of protection will also keep hosiery and silk from snagging. Bonus: You can use this trick to keep track of socks.

Zip and Pull. Before you place items in the washing machine, zip zippers and button buttons. These simple steps will go a long way in retaining the silhouette of shirts and dresses. Bonus: Tying ties keeps them from getting tangled, ripped off, or caught on other items.

Inside Out. Washing clothes inside out is another way to protect color brightness, and it also helps buffer buttons, appliques, and decorations that could otherwise come off. Bonus: Items that are inside out are easier to identify, and since many embellished pieces aren’t dryer friendly, this quick visual saves you time when moving clothes from the washer to the dryer.

You worked hard to build a wardrobe that reflects your personal style. Treat it nice.