01 Aug 7 Laundry Rules Every Well-Dressed Person Follows
Overview
- Dry cleaning may seem like a hassle- and an expensive one at that. Fortunately, these 7 simple yet effective care tips can help you save time, money, and avoid unnecessary damage during laundry and drying.
- Legendary American actor Cary Grant, ranked among the greatest male film stars of all time, once revealed he never dry-cleaned his suits. While most tailors wouldn’t recommend skipping dry cleaning entirely, it’s true that frequent dry cleaning can dull fabric dyes and weaken fibers over time.
Laundry Tips To Extend The Life Of Your Garments
Prevent stains before they happen
- No matter how good your laundry methods are, prevention is key. Avoid wearing delicate or easily stained items when eating, drinking, or doing outdoor activities.
Act quickly on stains
- When a spill happens, respond immediately: scrape off any residue gently, then blot the stain with club soda or a piece of white bread.
Spot-test delicate fabrics like silk
- Before hand-cleaning a silk item, apply a small amount of water and detergent to an inconspicuous area to test for colorfastness
Use ice cubes in the dryer to smooth wrinkles
- Toss a few ice cubes in the dryer with your clothes- the steam they produce can help relax wrinkles more effectively than heat alone.
Eliminate odors with three smart methods
- Air it out: Fresh air and sunlight help kill bacteria and neutralize odors.
- Spray vodka: A light mist of vodka kills odor-causing bacteria without leaving a smell.
- Freeze it: Place garments in a sealed bag in the freezer overnight. This kills bacteria and neutralizes lingering odors
Use a pressing cloth when ironing
- A pressing cloth acts as a protective barrier between the iron and your clothing, preventing shiny marks, seam stretching, or scorching, especially on delicate tailoring.
Conclusion
Quality garments are a long-term investment. Preserve their structure, softness, and style with a little thoughtful care, starting with these simple yet powerful laundry and drying habits.
Source: Mr Porter, Real Simple Magazine


