Getting the Most From Your Clothes

• Use clear nail polish to touch the center of each button on your garment. This will help your buttons stay on much longer by sealing the threads.
• Rub a sticky zipper with a lead pencil to help it slide easier.
• To get more life from each pair of shoes, alternate. Resting shoes between wearings extends their overall life.
• Before purchasing any garment, check the label and fabric care instructions. Avoid clothes that requires expensive care such as dry-cleaning.
• Wash your socks inside out; it will revitalize your old socks and allow your new socks to last longer.
• Spray the inside of your new running shoes with spray starch and let dry overnight. This will help keep the inside clean and fresher longer.
• Scuff marks can be removed from white shoes by rubbing dressmaker's chalk and polish on the marks.
• Get rid of scorch marks by using a cloth dampened with vinegar. Place the cloth over the scorched area and apply a warm iron.
• You can avoid ironing your clothes if you take them out of the dryer as soon as it stops and folding them neatly.
• To tighten stretched sweater cuffs, dip in hot water and dry with a hairdryer.
• When hand washing a wool sweater, do not pull, wring or rub it since it is very weak when wet. Lay the garment on a towel, roll it up and gently squeeze.
• To get rid of ring around the collar, rub shampoo on the ring before washing.
• Use toothpaste to remove ink from your clothing. Hairspray can also be sprayed on the ink stain prior to washing.
• If you have gum stuck to your clothing, put it in the freezer for a couple of hours and the gum should crumble off.
• Hard to clean socks can be soaked in boiling water with a slice of lemon, then washed as usual.
• Add 1/4 cup of dishwasher detergent to your load for a whiter wash.
• Using cold water in the rinse cycle will help to retain the shape and color better for your clothes.
• Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle to reduce static cling and to get all remaining detergent out of the clothes.
• Static cling can be eliminated by stroking a wire hanger on the garment.
• Dip broken shoelace tips into clear nail polish. Rethread when dry.
• Polish your shoes by putting a worn sock around your hand.
• Socks can be used as patches for thermal underwear. Especially good for elbow areas.
• Your pantyhose will last longer if you freeze them first before you wear them. Wet, wring dry, and place in a plastic bag before putting it in the freezer. Once frozen, thaw, and hang to dry.
• Use hairspray on the heels and toes of sandalfoot pantyhose to help them last longer.
• Use clear nail polish to mend small runs on your pantyhose. You can also seal the threads on your buttons by dabbing them with clear nail polish so they stay on longer.
• Old pantyhose can be used as a brush on suede.