DIY Network

Clothing Tips Clothing Tips From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-118

Caring for clothing is really just a matter of taking the time to do the job right! Here are some final hints and reminders to help you keep your wardrobe in great condition.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C

• The most important thing you can do to prevent laundry mishaps is to read the clothing label. If the label comes out, be sure to save it, along with a description of the garment, for future cleaning reference.

• Test for colorfastness before laundering colors with whites. Dip a cotton ball in water and rub over an inconspicuous place on the fabric (figure A). If it comes away clean, go ahead and launder with whites. If it comes away with color, wash separately.

• To fold sweaters so they don't leave a line down the center, lay the sweater face down, fold the sleeves at angles to meet in the middle on the back, then fold back the top front half of the sweater over the lower half (figure B). Sweaters can also be rolled.

• In-home dry-cleaning kits are not meant for clothing that needs a crisp press. They are good to use on clothes that are delicate or hard to hand-wash and that need to lie flat to dry. They work best for velvets, knits and sweaters. And always follow directions carefully (figure C).

• If you swim in a chlorinated pool, rinse your swimsuit in cold water after every swim to lengthen the life of the fabric. If you have been in the ocean recently, soak the suit in cold water for 15 minutes before washing. Wash swimsuits before storing, since chlorine residue can damage fibers: wash, using the gentle cycle and cold water, along with your favorite detergent. Do not dry swimsuits in the dryer: the heat can break down the elastic and spandex that keeps the shape of the suit. Air-dry away from the sun.