Clothing Care Basics Chapter 14

Have you ever washed something and the stain didn’t come out??? Pulled on a pair of jeans and found a tear in the seam???

Routine Care A little knowledge and a few good habits help you to take care of your wardrobe One positive effect is to feel more confident Daily clothing care routine helps you make better use of time Set aside times to launder, hand wash, iron and med

Clothing care can also save you oney Improper care causes garments not to last long Learning to remove spots and stains yourself saves on cleaning bills

Examine Garments Take a few seconds to check your clothes Need laundered? Soil or stains on clothes? If allow clothes to get too dirty, its harder to get them clean

Place clothes that need to be washed in a location for dirty clothes If dry cleanable take them ASAP If not dirty, freshen the clothing Hang woven garments (air can circulate) Removes odors Knitted garment can be hung over chair

Remove dust, lint, animal hair gently brush the garment Use a lint brush Shoes should be cleaned and put away Damp shoes should air dry

Stain Removal Longer a stain remains on fabric it is to get out Treat stains before laundering a garment Hot water and heat sets stains

What takes out one stain, won’t take out another What caused the stain?

Basic Stain Removal 1. Rinsing – might get a fresh stain out of washable fabric by rinsing it immediately in cold water See figure 14-5 page 253

2. Soaking – stains can be dissolved or loosened by soaking in cold water for 30 minutes Works well for water based stains (fruit juice and soft drinks) Adding laundry detergent can aid also

Protein based stains (chocolate, blood, egg, grass, meat juice, milk, baby formula, perspiration) more difficult to remove Add an enzyme presoak power (special proteins that control chemical activity Enzymes break down certain soils Attack protein fibers so are not suitable for wool or silk

3. Pretreating – done just before laundering in order to give heavy dirt/stains extra attention Apply liquid laundry detergent or a paste of water and powder detergent to stain Lightly rub

Prewash soil and stain remover – is effective in dissolving oily, greasy, or heavily soiled stains Wait 1 to 5 minutes before washing allowing it to penetrate See page 254 – 255 for specific removal methods

3. Bleaching – nonchlorine bleach may be used on all fabrics colors Chlorine can’t be used on wool, silk, leather, spandex, noncolorfast fabrics Use appropriate amount of water, water temperature, and soaking time

4. Using Cleaning Fluid – on some stubborn stains Use it carefully Rinse fabric thoroughly before laundering

5. Dry Cleaning –best solution Professional attention Care for fabric

Use caution Used incorrectly, can make the problem worse or dangerous Never combine stain removal Never combine chlorine or ammonia

Checking for Repairs Quick repair keeps the rip from lengthening Place garments where you won’t forget about them Make repairs in your spare time Most can be done quickly with hand sewing Restitch a loose button, snap, hook and eye

Pressing Is raising and lowering the iron from one are to the next Quickly removes a few wrinkles Sharpens creases Heat and steam smooth fabric Press on wrong side = prevents shiny marks Use correct temperatures

Light Wrinkles Hand held steamers Hang a garment in the bathroom while you shower Can of wrinkle remover

Putting Clothes Away Prevent wrinkles by putting clothes away Hang or fold clothes up immediately Woven garments should be hung Close zipper, button top button Store knitted garments on shelves, drawers

Understanding Care Labels Inside garment Care Labeling Rule of the Federal Trade Commission Regulates information on the labels

Care Labeling Information Fiber, fabric construction, finish, color, interfacing, lining, and trims determine what care method is listed Only one method of care required on label Either machine, hand wash, or dry clean

Labels Must provide specific information Washing method Safe water temperature Method and safe temperature for drying If chlorine bleach can be used

Washing “Machine wash” means you can wash and dry the garment by any method at any temperature –hot, warm, cold Wash separately – wash alone or with like colors

Bleaching Label might not mention bleach Means any bleach may be used Will state “no chlorine bleach” If all bleaches are harmful “no bleach”

Drying “tumble dry” means garment can be dried in tumble dryer at specified setting High, medium low, or no heat “line dry” hand out “dry flat” lie it on a towel and flat surface

Ironing Indicates iron temperature settings “warm” or “cool” iron “do not iron” “iron damp”

Dry Cleaning Can’t be washed “dry clean only” Coil operated At home in your dryer Professional dry cleaner

Fabric Care Symbols 1997 manufacturers put on fabric care symbols Garments can be sold anywhere in world and people know how to take care of them See page 261 figure 14-14

Storing Clothes Stay organized Whether lots of space of not Keeps clothes neat and you know where they are See page 262 for tips

Organized Closet Unneeded garments are stored Place similar items together Hang garments of similar length together Mutiple shirt, pant hangers

Drawers and Shelves Store similar items Specific drawer for socks, underwear, t-shirts Use shelves for additional storage Stack sweaters, sweatshirts

Seasonal Storage Store what you are not using Clothing and accessories should be clean before storing Stains can turn brown and yellow during storage Stained/soiled fabrics attract insects like moths and silverfish Moth and insect repellants are available Store in large garment bags, boxes, chests Seal with tape Don’t place in plastic bags, need circulation Need a dry space Dampness causes mildew

Summary Caring for garments properly has several benefits Routine care includes removing stains, making small repairs, and storing correctly.

Different types of stains require different stain removal techniques A garment’s permanent care label tells you how to care for it

Symbols on permanent care labels are a guide to care Organized clothing storage saves time and helps keep clothes looking good

Conduct a survey and see if friends and families can identify fabric care symbols.