There’s absolutely nothing wrong with relying on professionals to care for our everyday laundry and specialty garments because that’s their job, and they do it well. But since our clothes spend most of their time with us and not at the dry cleaner, a little effort on our end can do so much to keep our clothes fresh and well-maintained between those professional cleanings.
In this post, we share six easy ways to keep your clothing pieces wrinkle free and smelling nice until your next dry cleaning appointment.
Brush Off Dirt and Dust
A quick brush-off can go a long way to maintain your clothes between dry cleaning visits. By taking just a few moments to remove dust and dirt from your garments, you not only help them look better but also extend their lifespan. This simple practice keeps your clothes fresh and polished, ensuring they stay in great shape until your next professional cleaning.
Use the Right Brush for the Job
Use a soft-bristled garment brush made for clothing to gently remove dust and dirt without damaging fabrics. Choose a softer brush for delicate items like silk or cashmere, and a stiffer brush for wool or heavier materials.
Brush After Every Wear
Brush your clothes after each wear, especially jackets and coats, to prevent dust and dirt buildup. This keeps your garments looking fresh and reduces the need for frequent dry cleaning, saving both your wardrobe and your wallet.
Brush in Short, Gentle Strokes
Use short, gentle strokes along the fabric’s weave to avoid wear and protect its texture, especially for delicate materials.
Focus on High Traffic Areas
Focus on areas that gather the most dirt – like cuffs, collars, and hems. These spots tend to collect grime throughout the day, especially in dusty environments or around pet hair. By targeting these areas, you keep your clothes looking fresh and clean.
Shake Out Excess Dust
After brushing, shake your garment briefly to remove any lingering particles and refresh the fabric, especially for heavier items like coats and jackets.
Spot Clean for Minor Stains
You don’t always need to rush to the dry cleaners when you spill something on your clothes. Spot cleaning is a quick and effective way to tackle minor stains at home before they set in. By addressing stains immediately and with the proper techniques, you keep your favorite pieces looking fresh without the need for frequent professional cleaning.
Blot, Don’t Rub
Always blot, never rub, when spot cleaning. Rubbing can push the stain deeper and damage the fabric. Use a clean cloth or paper towel to gently blot and absorb the liquid before proceeding.
Use Cold Water for Most Stains
For stains like coffee, tea, or wine, cold water is your best ally. Dab it on right away to dilute the stain and keep it from setting. Avoid heat, as it can make these stains permanent.
Treat Oil-based Stains with Powder
To tackle grease or oil-based stains, sprinkle baby powder, cornstarch, or baking soda on the stain to absorb the oil. Let it sit, brush it off, and blot gently with a damp cloth – no harsh chemicals needed.
Test Stain Removers on Hidden Areas
Always test stain removers or detergents on a hidden area of the fabric first to avoid discoloration or damage. Once confirmed safe, apply to the stain with a cotton swab or cloth.
Handle Delicate Fabrics with Care
For delicate fabrics like silk, satin, or lace, gently spot clean with mild soap and water, avoiding harsh cleaners. When stains are tough, it’s best to leave it to the professionals to prevent damage.
Use Cedar Blocks or Lavender Sachets
Cedar blocks and lavender sachets provide a gentle, natural fragrance that refreshes your closet without chemicals, combining warm woodsy notes with calming floral scents for a chemical-free way to keep your clothes fresh. These natural solutions not only add a subtle fragrance to your wardrobe but also provide an extra layer of protection against moths and other insects that can damage your clothes.
Replace as Needed for Maximum Effectiveness
Cedar blocks and lavender sachets lose effectiveness over time – lightly sand cedar blocks or squeeze lavender sachets to refresh them, and replace sachets every few months for optimal results.
Place Strategically Around Your Closet
To protect wool garments from moths, place cedar blocks or lavender sachets near them. Hang sachets on hooks or tuck them into jacket pockets, and position cedar blocks on shelves or hangers for added protection.
Air Out After Wearing
Airing out clothes after wearing them helps remove any lingering odors, moisture, and body oils that may have accumulated throughout the day. Instead of tossing your garments straight into the closet, take a few minutes to air them out to extend their lifespan and keep them smelling better for longer.
Hang Clothes in a Well Ventilated Area
Hang your clothes in a well ventilated area, like near an open window or on a hook in a breezy room. This helps moisture evaporate and allows odors to dissipate naturally, especially for heavier fabrics like jackets and coats, reducing the need for frequent dry cleaning.
Give Clothes Time to Breathe
Allow your clothes to breathe by airing them out for a few hours before returning them to the closet, especially delicate fabrics like linen and wool that absorb sweat, body oils, and odors.
Avoid Overcrowding During Airing
Avoid overcrowding when airing out clothes and give each garment its own space. This ensures proper airflow, which helps eliminate odors rather than trapping them.
Use a Garment Rack for Convenience
Using a garment rack or clothesline offers a quick, efficient way to air out items while keeping them organized and reducing closet clutter. If you have the space, it’s a practical addition that can make a big difference.
Air Out Items Before Storing Long Term
Before storing seasonal clothes, air them out to prevent moisture and odors that attract pests or cause mildew. This quick step keeps your clothes fresh and ready for the next season.
Hang Clothes Properly
How you hang your clothes has a huge impact on their longevity. Proper hanging helps maintain the shape, prevent wrinkles, and reduce wear on your garments. By taking a few simple steps to hang clothes the right way, you not only save yourself time on ironing but also keep your wardrobe looking fresh and new.
Here are some tips to effectively store clothes:
Choose the Proper Hangers for Each Garment
Choose hangers wisely: use wooden or padded hangers for structured garments like suits and jackets to maintain shoulder shape, and opt for slim, felted hangers for lighter pieces like dresses to prevent slippage. Avoid wire hangers as they can stretch fabrics and leave marks.
Hang Heavy Items with Care
Use sturdy hangers for heavy items like coats to avoid bending, and clip hangers for pants and skirts to prevent creases. Supporting garments properly keeps them in shape and looking their best.
Button and Zip Up Clothes Before Hanging
Zip up pants and button jackets or shirts before hanging them to help maintain their shape, prevent fabric bunching, and keep your closet neat while reducing the risk of snagging on other items.
Leave Space Between Hangers
To keep your clothes wrinkle free and easy to find, avoid overcrowding your closet. Leave space between hangers for air circulation, and store seasonal items elsewhere if needed.
Use Hanging Techniques for Specific Fabrics
To protect your garments, fold knits to prevent stretching, and use padded hangers for delicate fabrics like silks to avoid snags. Adjusting your approach to each fabric type reduces wear and tear.
Use Fabric Protectors
Fabric protectors are sprays that create an invisible shield on your garments, helping to repel spills, dirt, and even some stains before they set in. If you’re looking for a simple way to extend the time between washes or dry cleaning, fabric protectors are a smart and effective solution.
Choose the Right Protector for the Fabric
When choosing a fabric protector, make sure it’s suited for the type of fabric you’re treating. Heavy duty protectors work best for outerwear and everyday items, while delicate fabrics like silk or cashmere need gentler options. Always check the label to ensure it’s safe for your garment.
Test on a Small, Hidden Area First
Always perform a spot test in a hidden area before applying a fabric protector to ensure it won’t cause discoloration or damage. Spray, let it dry, and check for any changes. If the fabric looks the same, you’re good to treat the entire garment.
Apply Evenly in a Well Ventilated Area
Apply a fabric protector in a well ventilated space, holding the bottle six to eight inches from the garment. Spray lightly and evenly across the surface, ensuring full coverage without oversaturation for optimal breathability and protection.
Focus on High Traffic Areas
Focus on the areas most prone to dirt and stains like cuffs, collars, and the front of shirts. Apply extra fabric protectors here to prevent stains before they set. For pants and dresses, prioritize areas exposed to spills or friction.
Reapply as Needed
Fabric protectors wear off over time, especially with repeated use or washing. To keep your garments well protected, reapply the protector every few wears or after laundering. Regular reapplication helps maintain the product’s effectiveness and keeps your clothes looking their best.
Stop By Clean’n’Press and Experience High Quality Dry Cleaning!
Get ultra-clean and crisp clothes, minus the mess and stress, right here at Clean’n’Press! As the dry cleaning and laundry value leader in the Twin Cities, including all across Minnesota, we take pride in embracing environmentally friendly practices in all areas of our business.
Not only do we offer expert dry cleaning, we also provide a variety of garment care options like wash and fold laundry, wedding dress care, leather cleaning, and even area rug cleaning – all with the same attention to detail and quality.
And if you’re tired of washing machines breaking down or simply want to save time, try our FREE Pickup and Delivery Service. Head over to our website and create your Clean’n’Press account. It only takes a few minutes! If you have other inquiries, you may also call our customer service team at 651-413-3635.