Living alone, doing exchanges, leaving our nest are activities that require, in addition to financial stability, some skills, including the right way to wash clothes so they don't spoil. But the big problem is that our generation and also the younger ones simply haven't learned how to wash their own clothes without causing damage.
And that's how white clothes end up getting, let's say, a little more colorful, or how our favorite blouses get full of stains, or that expensive dress of ours ends up shrinking and most of the fabrics get frayed.
Our daily lives are rushed, but the first commandment for those who need to wash their own clothes is to do it with care and dedication. After all, when we buy a new piece, one of our biggest desires is that it last as long as possible, right?
So, if you are also a beginner in this activity, here are some essential tips.
1. Separate
With the lack of time in our daily lives, we end up gathering all the dirty clothes and throwing them in the machine anyway. And you will probably only realize it when you find that white blouse in pink. So remember the first basic rule for washing clothes: separate. Separate the colored pieces from the white ones and the black ones from the colored ones. Another tip is to separate bedding from personal use. It is also valid to separate them according to the specific washing mode. But, how do I know which fabric needs to have a heavier or more delicate washing process?
2. Pay attention to labels
The best way to prevent damage to your favorite garments is to pay attention to the tags. So think twice before cutting and throwing the tag away. Okay, fine they are huge and itchy, but have you ever looked at the symbols drawn on it? Well then, in addition to informing about the composition of the piece, the labels indicate the ideal way to wash it.
3. More durable colors and prints
But how to make colors and prints last longer? A good tip is to put these pieces inside out to wash. And that extends to jeans.
Another very simple tip is to use white vinegar. Place two spoons of the product in half of the water and let the garment soak for about 15 minutes. Never place too many pieces, as they may end up smearing each other. The safest thing is to do this process individually. If you prefer, use table salt. But be careful, don't let the piece soak for more than twenty minutes, because it can be damaged.
4. Watch out for white pieces
It's worth remembering: never mix the white pieces with the colored ones, okay?
However, white clothes eventually turn yellow over time. Therefore, I always pay attention to the label and especially to the washing method.
Most modern washing machines have an option for white items, which removes dirt and deeper stains easily. But if your machine doesn't have this option, you can soak the clothes in hot/warm water. That way, the dirt will come off more easily.
5. Watch out for black parts
Black clothes eventually fade over time. But there is a way to prevent this.
Do not wash black items in hot water, as they will not only fade, they may shrink. Opt for a gentle cycle and preferably place them inside out.
Ah, another good tip is to dry them directly outdoors, in a shady and windy place. Never expose it to direct sunlight.
- Text written by Flávia Faria from the Eu Sem Fronteiras Team.
