Keeping Clothes Like New

No one likes it when colors fade, fabric wears out, and hems come undone.  To keep your clothes looking as good as new, follow these tips to preserve washable and dry clean only garments.  Your clothes will last longer with regular cleaning and care.
General care tips

• When changing out of your clothes, be sure to let suits, coats and shoes air out for at least 30 minutes before you store them in your closet.  Hang them up on a clothes rack or on a hanger outside your closet before putting them away.  Do not throw them over a chair as this can create new wrinkles.
• It’s also important to rotate your sweaters and jackets like you do your shoes, to give them a chance to breathe and regain their shape.
• Turn off the closet light and don’t leave garments near the window.  Sunlight can fade the colors on your clothes just like it does drapes.  Dyes are sensitive to prolonged sunlight or even to a light left on in a closet.
• In summer, be careful with lotions and sunscreen as it can fade or stain your clothes.
• Spray perfume and hairspray on before you get dressed.  The alcohol in the spray can fade, discolor or stain clothes.
• Always clean your clothes before storing them for the season.  Untreated food and beverage stains can attract insects!
• Never hang wet or damp clothes in your closet.  This can attract mildew.
• Never store your clothes in plastic bags.  It can trap in humidity that attracts mildew.  Use breathable cotton sheets or bags.
• Brush off any salt before cleaning clothes or taking them to the dry cleaner.  Salt can cause damage during cleaning.  If you have come into contact with salt (e.g.  pant cuffs brushing up against winter street salt), wipe with cold water and air dry.  Always point salt treated areas out to your dry cleaner.  Shoes are especially prone to salt damage during winter.  When you come home, wipe off any salt residue with a cold damp cloth.