There have been many times when I’ve needed to get out the door in a flash. I’ve reached for what I know is a failproof outfit only to remember – aaaaarggghh I haven’t gotten that stain out! Whether it’s a stain that’s set or a button that’s lost forever and now you have to replace them ALL, it’s a good reminder that taking some time out to care for your clothing will save you both time and money in the long run… that’s time and money you can spend on new clothes (hurrah!).
Here are a few handy tips and tricks to keep your clothes looking pristine and save you from any last minute disasters:
 | Always take a minute before you pop your clothes in the washing machine to do up zippers and button up buttons. This stops items from snagging one another. I learned this the hard way – zippers and soft knits don’t mix! |
 | Try not to use the dryer for your clothing. The heat will damage fabric and fade colours quicker than sunlight, so always to try to hang outside to dry when possible. |
 | Take the time to fold garments neatly in drawers, it may take you an extra couple of minutes but it will help keep fabrics from stretching out of shape. For cashmere, fold the garment in thirds, so that you avoid getting a fold line right down the middle. |
 | Always pop clothes back on hangers when you’re not using them, especially jackets and coats. These heavier items need sturdy hangers, so as not to stretch out the shoulders. Coats also need room to breathe in order to remain crisp, so make sure you don’t squeeze them into an overly crowded closet. Dry-clean your wool coats before and after winter to preserve their quality. |
 | Take immediate action on stains. Don’t let them set as most of the time you won’t be able to get them out. For wool, blot with soda water. For suede, as weird as this sounds, you can use the crust from stale bread to gently rub away stains. Another handy tip is to use white wine to remove red wine stains. |
 | To remove smells from denim, place into a ziplock plastic bag and pop into the freezer for a couple of days. Always wash denim inside out on a hand-wash / delicate cycle. Add half a cup of white vinegar to the cycle to preserve the colour of dark jeans. |
 | Always hand wash silk, satin and lace lingerie. Add a mild detergent to a tub of cold water and swoosh and swirl the items around, before rinsing each one. It’s important to make sure you rinse well as otherwise, the detergent will break down and weaken the fibres in the garment. Lay flat to dry. |
 | Most of the time buttons are only sewn on with a simple stitch. It’s a good idea to sew them on properly with several additional stitches before you wear the item, to prevent losing any buttons. |
