When you invest in high-quality clothing, you want it to last for years to come. No one wants their favorite T-shirt to fade after just a few washes. With a few helpful laundry care tips, you can preserve your clothing for as long as they serve you. 

How Can You Preserve Clothing?

1. Know When to Fold Them

While hanging up all your shirts seems like the most convenient solution, some items should be folded, including heavier knits. Hanging them can cause misshapen shoulders and sagging. For clothes that you do want to hang up, invest in quality hangers that won't bend or break. 

2. Read Care Labels   

Never assume that all your clothes can be washed the same way—always read the label. Some items will need to be dry cleaned, while others must be washed in warm water instead of cold. Also, follow the instructions carefully for how to dry the items. High heat could cause the fabric to wrinkle or shrink. 

If the label only has the symbols and not written instructions, you can easily look them up online and print them out. 

3. Fasten Garments Before Washing

Have you noticed your T-shirts have developed holes or your garments get all bundled up and can't figure out why? It's likely because buttons and zippers are causing snags and hooking onto each other. 

Fasten buttons and zippers before putting them in the wash to keep them from getting tangled together. You can also try turning garments inside out after fastening to protect the color from fading. 

4. Don't Wash or Dry Clean as Often

While you don't want to wear dirty clothes, you also don't need to wash each item after every wear. Washing and drying too frequently can be harsh on clothing, causing fabrics to stretch and discolor. Excessive dry cleaning will expose clothing to harsh chemicals. 

Jeans, in particular, can be worn two to three times before being washed. This same rule can be applied to many other garments, such as pajamas and other pants. If there aren't any spills or stains and it doesn't smell, you can wait to clean it. 

If you’re looking for a laundromat in Lithonia, GA, stop by Evans Mill Laundry. The locally owned and operated laundry facility offers 22 efficient washers, folding tables and arcade games for the kids. Please don’t bring quarters. You can pay with convenient dollar coins, or use the Dexter Pay App to pay with your credit or debit card or Apple Pay or Google Pay. As you’re waiting for your clothes to wash and dry, you can enjoy the facility’s free Wi-Fi, and television. For more information about their services, call (770) 484-9974 or visit their website.