At Rose Cleaners, we've been helping San Antonio residents keep their wardrobes in top shape since 1981. From everyday wear to special-occasion garments, we take pride in helping our customers protect their clothing. A few simple care habits can dramatically extend the life of your clothing. Whether it's a favorite blouse, a tailored suit, or a delicate evening dress, these professional tips will help keep your garments looking their best.
Wash Less Frequently
Many people tend to overwash their clothes, but frequent washing does not always equal cleanliness. In fact, overwashing can cause colors to fade, fibers to weaken, shapes to stretch, and fabric to pill. Instead, consider alternatives like spot cleaning and airing out garments. Spot cleaning is a practical way to address minor stains without subjecting the entire piece to a full wash. Airing out clothes between wears can help keep them fresh and odor-free. However, it's important never to store clothes with stains or lingering body oils and acids in the fabric, as these can cause long-term damage and odors. Being more mindful of your laundry habits can help preserve your wardrobe while saving water and energy.
Use Cold Water and Gentle Techniques
Hot water can shrink fabrics, fade colors, and set stains. Cold water and a high-quality detergent will clean effectively while minimizing wear. This is especially important for delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and lace. Some gentle techniques to help protect your clothes consist of detergent types, load volume, laundry bags, and steaming. An eco-friendly detergent helps keep the harsh chemicals away from your clothing. While large load sizes increase efficiency, overloading can increase the friction between items and damage the fibers. Mesh laundry bags are essential when washing delicates to prevent snagging and stretching. Lastly, when it comes to getting wrinkles out, steamers get the job done more gently and effectively than an iron.
Air Dry When Possible
Dryers can be harsh on clothing fibers, leading to shrinkage and reduced lifespan. The high heat breaks down the fibers and causes fading. Instead, hang clothing to dry or, for heavier items like sweaters, lay them flat to dry to prevent stretching. Air drying your clothes helps preserve their shape, integrity, and energy.
Follow Care Labels
Most clothing comes with a care label or tag attached. These care labels provide the recommended instructions for washing, drying, and ironing your clothes. Following them can prevent shrinking, color bleeding, or fabric distortion. Understanding and following fabric care labels is fundamental to extending the life of your clothes.
Store Clothes Properly
Proper storage is crucial for maintaining your clothes. Use padded or wide hangers for garments to help preserve the shape. Thin wire hangers can leave indentations and stretch out the shoulders. For heavier items like sweaters, fold them carefully to prevent stretching. It is also important not to overcrowd your closets. Good air circulation between clothes helps prevent moisture from getting trapped and causing dust buildup and mildew. Ensure that the clothes are kept away from direct sunlight, as this can cause the color to fade. Proper storage of your items can help maintain the quality of your clothing.
Handle Stains the Right Way
Stains are very common in clothing, and with the correct treatment, they can be eliminated. A common mistake made in stain treatment is rubbing them in aggressively. It is important to blot the stains to prevent the stain from setting in and spreading. Additionally, do not apply heat to the stain. Heat can make the stain permanent; instead, use cold water when working on it. As soon as the stain is identified, it is recommended to work on it immediately. The longer the stain sits, the more time it has to penetrate the fibers. For large, tough stains, bring it to a professional cleaner, especially on luxury materials like silk and wool. At Rose Cleaners, we use specialized techniques and solvents to safely remove stains that home remedies can't handle.
Invest in Professional Care
Dry cleaning is ideal for certain garments and fabrics such as wool, silk, suits, and dresses. Our team at Rose Cleaners knows how to treat each item based on its material, construction, and special requirements. Dry cleaning helps prevent shrinkage, fading, and preserves the structure and texture of the garments. It is important to check care labels. To prevent permanent damage, if the label says, "Dry Clean Only," don't risk home washing and take it in to be professionally washed.
Keep Your Wardrobe Looking Its Best
By following these tips, you can extend the life of your clothing, keep your wardrobe looking new, and save money over time. At Rose Cleaners, we're here to help you with all your dry cleaning, laundry, and stubborn stains. We also offer recommendations on the best products to use based on your wardrobe's needs.