Finding bargains on clothing is one of the primary goals of
                        frugal  living. 

                        But, making that clothing last and look good for as long as
                        possible is sometimes a real challenge, given today's high
                        prices on laundry products. 

                        Here are a few tips to help you keep your clothes looking
                        their best without spending a fortune! 

                        1. Buy good quality.  If you are buying new clothing, it is
                        especially important to get the best quality you can afford. 
                        Poor quality  garments just won't last no matter how
                        carefully you care for them. 

                        2.  Wash as directed on the label.   If it says wash in cold
                        water, then  be sure you do.  One sure way to ruin an
                        article of clothing is to use an improper cleaning method. 

                        3.  Wash everything you can in cold water.  Most experts
                        say clothes get just as clean in cold water as in warm or
                        hot.  For sure, there will be less shrinkage.  And if there's
                        a stain you didn't see and pre-treat, it won't be set in by
                        hot water and maybe you can still get it out! 

                        4.  Always rinse in cold water; hot water sets wrinkles.  

                        5.  Turn T-shirts and sweatshirts inside out before
                        washing.  This will cut down on the "pilling" on the fabric
                        caused by the clothes rubbing together during the wash
                        cycle. 

                        6.  Hang those T-shirts and sweatshirts to dry instead of
                        throwing them in the dryer.  The decals or printing on the
                        front and back will stay looking nice much longer. 

                        7.  In fact, hang dry everything you can.  Especially if it's
                        100% cotton. 
                        Heat sets wrinkles and shrinks cotton.  Smooth the
                        garments out as you hang them, whether you're hanging
                        them directly on a hanger or on the clothesline outdoors. 

                        8.   If you accidentally leave a load of clothes in your
                        washer   overnight and they have that sour smell, just add
                        about 1/2 cup white  vinegar and run through a rinse
                        cycle.  They'll smell sweet again! 

                        9.  Here's a recipe for homemade pre-treatment:  
                        mix equal parts of  water, ammonia ( maybe
                        lemon-scented), Wisk and water.  Put in 
                        a spray bottle and keep it handy in your laundry room. 
                        Spray on spots just like you would the expensive kind! 

                        10.  Instead of buying an expensive specialty product for
                        your fine washables--try using a small amount of baby
                        shampoo.  Works just as good! 

                        But, of all the things you wear, your expression is the
                        most important. 
 
 
 

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        Discover More Ways You can 
        "live the good life"...frugally!