Laundry Tips for Clothes and Bedding: How to Protect Your Wardrobe and Keep It Fresh
- Andrej Ivanovski
It has probably happened to you at least once, you pull a sweater out of the wash that’s two sizes smaller, a T-shirt with ruined print, or white clothes that turned gray after mixing with jeans. Even though laundry seems simple, it requires a bit of attention and a few rules that make a huge difference. Follow them, and your clothes will last longer, look better, and smell fresh after every wash.
1. How to Save a Shrunken Sweater
If your favorite sweater ended up in hot water or the dryer and now looks like it belongs to a child, there’s still hope. Mix vinegar and water in a 1:2 ratio, simmer the sweater for about half an hour, then gently stretch the fabric and let it air dry. The fibers will loosen, helping the sweater return to its original shape.
2. Washing Printed T-Shirts and Hoodies
To keep prints intact, always wash printed items at temperatures up to 40°C. Turn them inside out before washing and drying, and do the same before ironing, always iron from the inside. This prevents the print from sticking and extends the life of your clothes. Also, avoid using too much detergent or softener, and skip bleach altogether.
3. Sorting Your Laundry
Throwing everything in one load may seem convenient, but it’s the fastest way to ruin your wardrobe. Always separate clothes by fabric type, sportswear on its own, towels separately. White T-shirts should never be washed with colored or dark items, and heavily soiled or greasy clothes should never end up in the same cycle as underwear or children’s clothing. Following these rules keeps clothes in better shape, colors more vibrant, and makes the washing machine itself more efficient.
4. Bedding Care Rules
Wash bedding once a week at 60°C to kill bacteria and dust mites. Silk bedding is more delicate and should be washed at 40°C. Each time you change your bedding, vacuum the mattress thoroughly, and wash pillows occasionally to freshen the filling. A duvet only needs washing every three months on a gentle cycle. This way, your bedroom stays fresh and hygienic, which is just as important for health as it is for comfort.