How to wash clothes...?

Question

Everytime I let my mom wash my clothes, they shrink and look really worn out. I wash them now, and they don't shrink anymore, but they still look warn out. I think it is because we have a SUPER OLD washing machine...the stupid delicate cycle doesn't even work!! What can I do to make them still look new?

Answer 1

hang them to dry instead of putting them in the dryer. it will make your clothes last a lot longer. also when hanging them, dont do it by the sleeves or it could stretch. just hang the middle of the shirt or whatever on the bottom bar of the hanger.

Answer 2

If you buy bright colored clothes, soak them in a sink or bucket of ice cold water and 1 cup of salt........this will set the dye....works for jeans too.

Wash those colored items in cold water........tumble dry on low.

Don't wash fluffy, furry, or soft fabrics (like sweaters and towels) with anything else.  If you wash them with your t-shirts or slacks, they will transfer that 'pilling' to those items and that's soooooooooooo inconvenient!  Buy a clothes shaver......run it over a nice fabric that loosened some fibers to keep your items sharp and crisp looking.

I bought the Downy ball and use the liquid softener now - it makes a nice difference - better than dryer sheets cuz your fabrics just seem to wrinkle less in the dryer and lay better on your frame.

For whites, warm water - not hot (that sets dirt stains it seems) and add 1/2 bottle of peroxide to soap and water before adding clothes - let them soak for about 15 minutes and then (downy ball in!) and wash on a good agitating setting for medium time.

I also keep Spray and Wash with Resolve on hand for when I cook and that grease always seems to touch my shirt.   Spray it on and set 5 min then wash as normal.

Hope this helps.......you are the only one that will truly care for your own clothing investment.

Call it independence.

Answer 3

They look owrn do to the hard water that frays tyhe fiber. One product to soften water and will help your clothes get cleaner is Borax and it is very cheap aditive. I promis you your clothes will last longer and will get cleaner.

Answer 4

Short of mom buying a new washing machine, nothing.  You could start taking your clothes to a laundromat, but unless it is a well maintained one, those machines may not be much better than what mom has at home.  One thing you could try is washing all of your clothing in cold water and a mild detergent like Woolite.  I also suggest that you dry your clothes and take them out while still slightly damp and hang up to dry the rest of the way.  Over-drying can be damaging to clothing.