(StatePoint) Winter is dirty, and unfortunately, all that slush, salt and mud coincides with the use of the delicate and expensive part of your wardrobe, from wool and cashmere sweaters and scarves to swanky party wear.
But you can keep your clothes looking their best this winter, without breaking the bank at the dry cleaners, using the following tips:
• Use garment bags: Get a head start on looking your best by ensuring your clothes look good before you even put them on for the day. Store suits, dresses, sweaters and other delicate items in garment bags to keep them safe from dust, moths and other closet hazards at home and when traveling.
• Waterproof: On wet days, consider wearing waterproof shoe covers and tucking your pants into them to protect shoes, as well as the hems of your pants, from puddles and slush.
• At-home dry cleaning: Slash your dry cleaning expenditures by up to 90 percent and skip the hassle and harsh chemicals by opting for at-home dry cleaning using your own dryer. With the right product, it will be an effective way to safely and thoroughly clean your special care clothes at home.
For no fading, shrinking or stretching of your winter weather gear like scarves, hats, sweaters and more, consider using Dryel, a quick three step process which works in the convenience of your dryer in as little as 15 minutes. The heat of the dryer activates a cleaning solution to release a steam that removes body soils and odors from clothes, and a fabric protection bag maintains the optimal balance of cleaning agents and heat, allowing the steam to work thoroughly through the clothes, and then slowly vents the vapors out of the bag and dryer.
• Act fast: When clothes get soiled, it’s important to act fast, particularly when dealing with salt and slush- related stains, which can be difficult to treat. The sooner you deal with stains, the greater the likelihood you’ll be able to restore your clothing to mint condition.
• Landing area: Create a mud room. This can be just a few square feet of space by the entrance to your home and ideally located near the washer and dryer for quick transfer of clothes that need to be laundered. This is also the place to immediately remove boots and outerwear to avoid tracking mud into your home.
This winter, protect your wardrobe from seasonal elements. New tools and old tricks can help your favorite winter gear survive the season in great condition.
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Photo Credit: (c) Africa Studio / stock.Adobe.com
