No matter how carefully you might take care of your clothes, there will always be something that comes along to ruin your favorite fashion pieces. Here’s the list of common clothing problems that people wanted “quick fix” advice on, so keep on reading for the best solutions.
Problem #1: How to fix shrunken clothes?
Have you mistakenly thrown something in the dryer that shouldn’t been there, and saw it shrink to nearly doll-size? Remember, natural fibers are more flexible than synthetic ones—so if the piece of clothing is made from wool, cashmere, or mohair, there’s a good chance of saving it. As a quick fix, soften the fabric with a solution of cold water and two tablespoons of conditioner or liquid fabric softener, and soak it for two hours. Gently stretch it back to its original shape, and lay flat to dry. The conditioner can relax the fibers of the clothing and makes it easier to reshape.
Image by Free People
Problem #2: How to remove mildew smell from clothes?
You want to feel fresh and clean when you get dressed in the morning, but sometimes a mildew smell from clothes can make you feel like you’re wearing a dirty outfit. If you’ve noticed signs of mold that causes mildew smell, remove it by washing your clothes in the highest temperature possible. You may even soak your clothes with some baking soda or vinegar overnight to get rid of the mildew smell. When drying your clothes, it’s best to dry them outdoors in the sun, so you’ll make sure they’re completely dry before storing them in your closet.
Image by Free People
Problem #3: How to get rid of bad smell from clothes after washing?
Sometimes, when clothes smell bad as soon as it comes out of the washing machine, it’s not them that are extra-dirty, but likely your machine needs a good cleaning—the damp environment is the perfect breeding ground of mold and bacteria. If you leave your clothes in the washer too long before putting them in the dryer, it would result to sour-smelling clothes. Simply rewash them with a cup of ammonia in the hottest setting that’s safe for the fabrics you’re washing. On the other hand, clothes with smoke odor can beremoved by stashing them in a large bag with some baking soda and scented fabric softener for several days, then wash them with detergent and a cup of vinegar.
Problem #4: How to remove pink stains from white clothes?
Have found your white clothes distinctly pink after wash? Do not let the garment dry until you get the pink stains out of it—you’ll have the chance of eliminating the stain by working on the garment while it is still wet. Simply rewash the stained garment with one cup of non-chlorine bleach or one cup of white distilled vinegar. If the pink stain is still there, soak the garment overnight in a solution of oxygen-based bleach and cool water. After enough washing and rubbing, the stain should be gone.
Image by Free People
Problem #5: How do you get pills off a sweater?
No matter how well you take care of your sweaters, they’re so prone to pilling and can still get those pill balls. As a quick fix, shave the pills carefully with a razor or use a pumice stones until they’re gone. Simply lay the garment on a flat surface and pull the fabric to prevent you from cutting through your favorite sweater. If you’re afraid to make holes on it, use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb that will remove the pills without damaging the fabric.
Image by Kayture
Problem #6: How to whiten yellowed clothes?
Greasy stains, improper storage of clothes, and body salts can cause fabrics to yellow. The quick fix you may be thinking is to use a chlorine bleach to whiten yellowed clothes, but do you know it can also cause yellowing if overused? The strong bleach is very good for removing stains, but it can weaken the fibers, especially synthetic ones, and bring them back their original color that’s yellow. Instead of chlorine bleach, use oxygen bleach that can be less damaging to fibers; then dry the clothes outside in the sun to whiten them. Or, use laundry bluing—a fabric whitener, not a stain remover—to make your white clothes appear brighter. If none of them worked, you may use a commercial color remover to strip away any color from the clothing.
Image by Hapa Time
Problem #7: How do you keep dark clothes from fading?
Dark clothes are harder to maintain, because they’re so vulnerable to fading. Generally, faded dark clothes are the result of washing them in warm water, so make sure to wash your darks in cold water and put them in the dryer on a low setting. If your dark clothes are already faded, you may use a fabric dye to make them look new again. To avoid dark clothes from fading, add a cup of distilled white vinegar to the rinse cycle the first time you wash a piece of clothing. The vinegar will help set the dye and remove detergent residue.
Problem #8: How to remove lint from clothes?
There’s nothing worse than putting together the perfect outfit, only to find out that you’re covered in lint. Generally, fabrics made of natural fibers give off more lint than fabrics made of synthetic materials. Depending on your garment, you may grab a piece of tape to remove lint from small areas, or pick a pumice stone that can de-pill a sweater, and also take lint with it. However, if your piece of clothing is already covered in lint, simply dampen a clean dryer sheet and rub it gently on your lint-covered piece, while blasting your hairdryer.
Problem #9: How to get rid of static cling?
Is static stopping you from looking chic? Remember, clothes made from synthetic fibers are more likely to produce static, especially when there is less humidity in the air, so you have to balance the dry conditions. As a quick fix, you may simply wet you hands with water and then lightly run them over the garment to lessen the static electricity. If your clothes still cling to your body, you can try to use bodylotion to make your skin less dry. Also, spraying some hairspray on your stockings or leggings can also help to reduce static cling.
Problem #10: How to keep the sparkle of your sequined clothes?
Sequined clothes make a bold statement, but they also need some care to keep them shiny and bright. Some sequined ensembles are hand washable, but others require dry clean, so it’s essential to check the label of your garment. Depending on the stain of your sequined piece, you may use a cotton swab dipped in the solution of dish washing detergent and water, or use a dry cleaning solvent. Never spray the sequined areas with fabric freshener as it can dull the sequin finishes. Keep in mind that the base fabric of your garment can be ruined by washing, especially the inner-facings of your jacket that can lose its structure when wet. Also, never put the garments in a dryer as the sequins could melt. Some sequined clothes must be dried flat using a vented mesh stand or thick towels.
Image by Kayture
Apart from these clothing solutions, you may also create a complete journal of your wardrobe though Closet Love App. This app will allow you to create a virtual closet, organize your outfits, and keep a guide on taking care of your clothes. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to take a good care of your clothes and you’ll know how to deal with fashion emergencies when they come around.