Ch. 14 ~ Clothing Care Basics Objectives: -Explain how to care for clothing on a routine basis -Choose the best methods for removing specific stains -Give examples of the information on care labels -Describe how to store clothing effectively

Routine Care Taking care of your wardrobe = benefits & rewards How do you feel when you know your clothes look clean and presentable? “confidence” Set aside a day each week to do laundry (regular) Set aside a day to do hand washing, ironing, mending Clothing care will save you $$$ Improper care will cost you $$$

Examining Garments Check your clothes after being laundered before putting away Separate clothing based on washing instructions/colors Some garments can be worn again – freshening dry cleaned garments that are not soiled is very practical Have a lint brush on hand Keep a shoe cleaning kit

Stain Removal Take care of stains asap! Hot water/heat will set a stain Techniques for stain removal: Rinse immediately with cold water Soak in cold water for up to 30 minutes – adding laundry detergent can help remove stain Pretreating – done just before laundering in order to give stains extra attention Apply liquid detergent or a past of water and powder to a stain and lightly rub Use a store bought stain remover before laundering

Stain Removal Methods Depending on the type of stain on a garment, you may need to treat is differently – see page 254-255 for specific types of stains and effective removal methods.

Stain Removal Continued Bleaching Add a small amount of bleach to water for presoaking or laundering Make sure to use nonchlorine bleach on all fabrics and colors Using cleaning fluid Cleaning fluid helps remove stubborn stains – rinse fabric thoroughly before washing Dry cleaning Dry cleaners can sometimes help remove stubborn stains if you haven’t added more damage to the fabric

Checking for Repairs Place all garments that need to have minor repairs made to them in a special place In Ch. 16 we will learn how to make simple repairs

Pressing Pressing – raising and lowering of iron from one area to the next Steam is very helpful in getting out stubborn wrinkles Press on the wrongside of the fabric whenever possible = prevents shiny marks being made to fabric If you can’t iron inside out – press gently or use a cloth between iron and garment for protection

Steamers Hand held steamers are an alternative to ironing Eliminates wrinkles while the garment stays on the hanger Try hanging wrinkled garments in the bathroom while taking shower for slight steaming effect Wrinkle removers are beneficial for knits and natural fibers (cotton especially)

Putting Clothes Away Put clothes away immediately to avoid wrinkles Hang up and fold neatly Close zippers/fold in pockets Store sweaters/loose knitted garments flat on a shelf or in a drawer

Understanding Care Labels Care labeling rule of the Federal Trade Commission – regulates information put on care labels. Fiber, fabric consruction, finish, color, interfacing, lining, and trims determine what care method is prescribed for a garment Follow those care instructions to avoid damaging clothes

Fabric Care Symbols Symbols that represent a proper care procedure in a visual way See page 261

Storing Clothes An organized closet/drawers will help keep your clothes neat and easy to find See page 262 for organization ideas Look for hidden places where storage of clothing can be used Use multiple hangers/boxes/labels Find space for seasonal clothing – large garment bags, boxes, chests, etc. Make sure the place is dry and the storage container is sealed with tape