1. Ch. 14 ~ Clothing Care Basics
Objectives:
-Explain how to care for clothing on a routine basis
-Choose the best methods for removing specific stains
-Give examples of the information on care labels
-Describe how to store clothing effectively

2. Routine Care Taking care of your wardrobe = benefits & rewards
How do you feel when you know your clothes look clean and presentable?
“confidence”
Set aside a day each week to do laundry (regular)
Set aside a day to do hand washing, ironing, mending
Clothing care will save you $$$
Improper care will cost you $$$

3. Examining Garments
Check your clothes after being laundered before putting away
Separate clothing based on washing instructions/colors
Some garments can be worn again – freshening dry cleaned garments that are not soiled is very practical
Have a lint brush on hand
Keep a shoe cleaning kit

4. Stain Removal Take care of stains asap!
Hot water/heat will set a stain
Techniques for stain removal:
Rinse immediately with cold water
Soak in cold water for up to 30 minutes – adding laundry detergent can help remove stain
Pretreating – done just before laundering in order to give stains extra attention
Apply liquid detergent or a past of water and powder to a stain and lightly rub
Use a store bought stain remover before laundering

5. Stain Removal Methods
Depending on the type of stain on a garment, you may need to treat is differently – see page for specific types of stains and effective removal methods.

6. Stain Removal Continued
Bleaching
Add a small amount of bleach to water for presoaking or laundering
Make sure to use nonchlorine bleach on all fabrics and colors
Using cleaning fluid
Cleaning fluid helps remove stubborn stains – rinse fabric thoroughly before washing
Dry cleaning
Dry cleaners can sometimes help remove stubborn stains if you haven’t added more damage to the fabric

7. Checking for Repairs
Place all garments that need to have minor repairs made to them in a special place
In Ch. 16 we will learn how to make simple repairs

8. Pressing
Pressing – raising and lowering of iron from one area to the next
Steam is very helpful in getting out stubborn wrinkles
Press on the wrongside of the fabric whenever possible = prevents shiny marks being made to fabric
If you can’t iron inside out – press gently or use a cloth between iron and garment for protection

9. Steamers Hand held steamers are an alternative to ironing
Eliminates wrinkles while the garment stays on the hanger
Try hanging wrinkled garments in the bathroom while taking shower for slight steaming effect
Wrinkle removers are beneficial for knits and natural fibers (cotton especially)

10. Putting Clothes Away Put clothes away immediately to avoid wrinkles
Hang up and fold neatly
Close zippers/fold in pockets
Store sweaters/loose knitted garments flat on a shelf or in a drawer

11. Understanding Care Labels
Care labeling rule of the Federal Trade Commission – regulates information put on care labels.
Fiber, fabric consruction, finish, color, interfacing, lining, and trims determine what care method is prescribed for a garment
Follow those care instructions to avoid damaging clothes

12. Fabric Care Symbols
Symbols that represent a proper care procedure in a visual way
See page 261

13. Storing Clothes
An organized closet/drawers will help keep your clothes neat and easy to find
See page 262 for organization ideas
Look for hidden places where storage of clothing can be used
Use multiple hangers/boxes/labels
Find space for seasonal clothing – large garment bags, boxes, chests, etc.
Make sure the place is dry and the storage container is sealed with tape