How to care for your clothes, shoes and accessories

I don’t know about you, but I am someone who likes to look after my ‘things’. I get frustrated when my kids destroy something they’ve had for five minutes when I have things that are over forty years old and still going strong, looking like new. Perhaps it’s because I understand the value of it? I was only bought toys at birthdays or for Christmas not constantly throughout the year like children seem to have these days. Maybe, I place too much value on items? I always think about how hard someone had to work to earn the money to buy something, or make that something. I don’t know, there’s probably a lot of psychology there somewhere but anyway, I am very much for looking after the items we have in our home and that includes what we have in our wardrobes.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know most of us already know how to look after our clothes, shoes and accessories. But, occasionally we may need a reminder.

I thought it may be helpful to put together a little guide of hints and tips on how to care for said items:

How to look after clothes

• Read the care label. This is the most important thing you can do to ensure that your clothes last as long as possible. The care label will tell you what temperature to wash your clothes at, whether they can be tumble dried, and any other special instructions.
• Wash clothes inside out. This will help to protect the fabric and color of your clothes. I’ve been the victim of a faded top many a time, even though I lived in a hard water area I could have prevented it by washing it inside out. This is also good for those items with embellishments on as it avoids them catching on other items in the machine.
• Wash similar fabrics together. This will help to prevent damage to your clothes from different fabrics rubbing together.
• Use the correct amount of detergent. Using too much detergent can actually damage your clothes, so be sure to follow the instructions on the detergent bottle.
• Avoid using fabric softener. Fabric softener can coat the fibers of your clothes and make them less absorbent, which can lead to premature wear and tear. This one is controversial because we are told our clothes will be protected if we use fabric softener, I don’t always use it, and I definitely don’t use when washing towels as it makes them less absorbent.
• Air dry your clothes whenever possible. Tumble drying can damage certain fabrics, so it’s best to air dry your clothes whenever possible. If you must use the dryer, use a low heat setting and clean the lint trap before each use. I’m such a hypocrite here as my tumbly is on almost 24/7 during the winter. I have school uniforms to get dry, I’m a realist here. I do try to ensure it’s on eco mode if that makes up for it. During the summer I do like to line dry my clothes, and it’s a good way to keep costs down too.

How to look after shoes

• Clean your shoes regularly. This will help to remove dirt and debris that can damage the material. Use a soft brush or sponge to clean your shoes, and be sure to pay attention to the soles and stitching. I used to be really fussy about this, and regularly brushed my shoes off. I also used used to wipe the soles of my shoes with a damp cloth everytime I walked in through the door, these days since having children I’m not so bad. There is always mud and dirt coming in and I don’t have the time to keep reminding them about their shoes!
• Condition your shoes regularly. Conditioning helps to keep the leather or fabric of your shoes soft and prevents it from cracking. Use a shoe conditioner that is specifically designed for the type of material your shoes are made from.
• Protect your shoes from the elements. If you’re going to be wearing your shoes in wet or snowy weather, be sure to spray them with a water repellent spray. This will help to keep your shoes dry and prevent them from getting damaged.
• Store your shoes properly. When you’re not wearing your shoes, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your shoes in direct sunlight or in humid conditions.

How to look after accessories

• Clean your accessories regularly. This will help to remove dirt and debris that can damage the material. Use a soft cloth to clean your accessories, and be sure to pay attention to any areas that are prone to getting dirty, such as the clasps and hinges. Watches are a big culprit for dirt in the nooks and crannies, so I clean mine with a cotton bud regularly.
• Store your accessories properly. When you’re not wearing your accessories, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing your accessories in direct sunlight or in humid conditions.
• Be careful with delicate accessories. Some accessories, such as jewelry and scarves, are more delicate than others. Be careful not to bend or pull on these accessories, and avoid storing them with other items that could damage them.

Here are some additional tips for looking after your clothes, shoes, and accessories:

• Repair any damage immediately. If you see a hole in your shirt or a broken clasp on your necklace, don’t wait to fix it. The sooner you repair the damage, the less likely it is to spread.
• Take your clothes and shoes to a professional for cleaning and repair on a regular basis. This will help to keep your clothes and shoes looking their best and extend their lifespan.
• Invest in high-quality clothes, shoes, and accessories. High-quality items are more likely to last longer than cheap items.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your clothes, shoes, and accessories last for many years to come.

Take care, stay safe.

Becks xo