The latest laundry detergent innovations mean that you can take better care than ever of your clothes and get the most out of your clothing purchases. With careful cleaning and storage, you can care for your clothes and continue to keep them looking better, longer. Here are some strategies to keep your wardrobe looking its best: 

• Protect your clothes from stains caused by personal grooming aids. Before getting dressed, apply makeup, perfume or cologne, and make sure your deodorant is dry. 

• Fold knit garments and store them on a shelf or in a drawer. Hanging them puts strain on the fabric which can distort their shape. 

• Pitch those wire hangers in favor of padded ones that are kinder to the silhouette of your clothes. 

• Treat stains promptly. Keep a stain stick or stain wipes in your bag or desk – any place that’s handy so you can do stain first aid at a moment’s notice. 

• Read and follow the garment care label instructions. They are your roadmap to wardrobe longevity. 

• Use the right amount of detergent. Check the product labels to be sure. Too little detergent won’t get your clothes clean; too much can leave residue. Laundry pods or sheets can also help with dosage. 

• Don’t over-dry. Too much time in the dryer will make clothes old before their time. 

• Don’t overdo the dry cleaning. Many dry-clean-only garments, particularly wools and wool blends, don’t require cleaning after every wearing. Hang them up and let them air out overnight. 

• Use an in-home dryer kit for light dry cleaning. It’s more economical than a professional cleaner and works great for light soils and garments that need to be refreshed. 

• Rediscover the art of mending. By repairing a hem, replacing worn or broken buttons, or re-stitching a popped seam, you’ve put the garment back into wardrobe circulation.