With inflation putting a strain on wallets across the country, it’s more important than ever to make sure you get the most for your money. Making wise purchases is one part of this strategy. Taking good care of the things you buy – so that they continue to look good and last longer – is the other part. So, here are some strategies to keep your wardrobe in the best possible condition, for the longest possible time.

1. Protect your clothes from stains caused by personal grooming aids. Before getting dressed, apply makeup, perfume, cologne, hairspray, etc. and make sure your deodorant is dry.
2. 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.
3. Pitch those wire hangers in favor of padded ones that are kinder to the silhouette of your clothes.
4. Treat stains promptly. Keep a stain pen, a stain stick or stain wipes in your bag, your desk, your glove compartment – any place that’s handy so you can do stain first aid at a moment’s notice.
5. Read and follow the garments’ care label instructions. They are your roadmap to wardrobe longevity!
6. Use the right amount of detergent. Check the product labels to be sure. Too little detergent won’t get your clothes clean; too much detergent can leave a dingy residue.
7. Don’t over-dry. Too much time in the dryer will make clothes old before their time.
8. 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, use a clothes brush to whisk off the day’s dust and grime, and then let them air out overnight.
9. Use an in-home dryer kit for light dry cleaning. It’s usually more economical than a professional cleaner and works great for light soils and garments that need to be refreshed.
10. 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.

For more laundering facts and a guide to garment care symbols go to https://www.cleaninginstitute.org/cleaning-tips/clean-clothes.