How To Keep Your Clothes Looking New

Wringing knits weakens the fabric; instead, gently squeeze the water out. Then, lay the item flat on top of a towel, roll it up inside the towel, and press to remove more water. Unroll it, and spread it on a flat surface to dry.

Separate color fabrics from all-white clothes before washing. In the colors pile, separate colors by intensity. Wash brights, which are more likely to bleed, pastels, and dark colors in separate loads.

Machine-wash darks in cold water on the shortest cycle, using liquid detergent specially formulated for dark and black clothing. It will keep dyes in dark fabrics from washing out and fading.

Wash all of your whites in hot water, unless the label specifies another water temperature. If you notice your whites becoming dull after a few washes, add color remover to the wash, which you can buy at the supermarket or online.

No matter what color they are, line-dry clothes whenever possible, avoiding direct sunlight. Fold clothes in half over the line and secure with clothespins. If you use the dryer, choose the lowest temperature setting for the material. High heat shrinks and warps fabrics.

Some clothes, like those made from linen or cotton, stay wrinkle-free if they’re hung up, while knits retain their shape better if you fold them. Fold long dresses, too, since hanging tends to stretch them out.