Everyone has a favorite sweater, skirt, or pair of pants in their closet. You likely wear your favorite pieces quite a bit, which means they need to be laundered more frequently. This process can actually cause fabrics to break down at an accelerated rate unless you use the right cleaning practices. The following tips help preserve garments for longer, whether they're to be laundered in a washing machine or require dry cleaning.

How Can You Get the Most Out of Your Favorite Clothing?

1. Wash Clothing Inside Out

No matter how hard you try, repeated washings will have an impact on garments over time. You can reduce the effects of wear by turning clothing inside out before washing. This way, the interior of your garments, which no one sees except you, will bear the brunt of the wear instead of the outer portion. 

2. Store Your Clothes Properly

With seasonal garments, make sure they’re clean before storing them since stains caused by food or drinks will attract bugs, which can chew through fabric. Also, avoid plastic bags when storing quality items, like coats and dresses. Moisture in plastic bags increases humidity, which can leave your clothing with a musty, mildew smell. Breathable mesh bags are a much better option since they allow the free flow of air. 

3. Always Follow the Instructions on the Label

Care labels provide explicit instructions on best practices when laundering clothing. If a label indicates dry cleaning only, placing the item in the wash can lead to shrinkage, tears, and discoloration. Care labels may also list the types of detergents that can be safely used on fabric or the water temperature the item should be laundered in. 

4. Don’t Let Stains Linger

The longer a stain sits on fabric, the worse the damage will be. Red wine, coffee, cooking oils, and other stain-causing agents will become absorbed by fabric fibers over time, which might make them a permanent fixture on your favorite item of clothing. However, if dry cleaning is needed, leave the stain removal process to your dry cleaner to prevent damage. 

Choosing the right dry cleaner is also crucial to preserve your favorite clothing for as long as possible. Martinizing Dry Cleaning - Denver in Colorado offers a variety of services to local customers. You can drop off your items at their counter or schedule pick-up and delivery service for maximum convenience. In addition to clothing, they’re also equipped to dry clean shoes and purses. Visit them online to download their helpful scheduling app, or call (303) 504-9855 for more information.