For shirts, gently straighten the collar and seams.
For trousers, straighten the legs.
For towels, unfold them before drying.
This takes only a few seconds but can improve the final result.
18. Don't Over-Dry Your Clothes
Drying is another stage where clothing can experience significant wear.
A dryer uses heat and mechanical tumbling, which can gradually affect certain fabrics.
Some clothes can shrink.
Some elastic materials can deteriorate faster.
Some garments can lose their shape.
Whenever appropriate, remove clothing from the dryer while it is slightly damp and allow it to finish air-drying.
Of course, not every garment should be treated this way. Follow the care label.
19. Air-Dry Delicate Clothing
For delicate garments, air-drying is often preferable to high-heat drying.
However, even air-drying needs to be done correctly.
Heavy wet clothing can stretch when hung from a narrow hanger.
Knitted sweaters are particularly vulnerable to stretching.
For these items, laying the garment flat to dry may help preserve its shape.
Avoid placing delicate fabrics under intense direct sunlight for prolonged periods because some dyes can fade.
20. Don't Leave Clothes in Direct Sunlight for Too Long
Sunlight can be useful for drying laundry, but prolonged exposure can cause fading in certain fabrics.
Dark clothing is especially vulnerable to visible fading.
If possible, turn darker clothes inside out while drying.
For delicate or brightly colored clothing, choose a shaded, well-ventilated drying area when appropriate.
The goal is to let clothes dry thoroughly without unnecessarily exposing them to intense heat and sunlight.
21. Clean the Washing Machine Regularly
A washing machine also needs cleaning.
It may seem strange to clean something whose job is cleaning clothes, but detergent residue, body oils, dirt, hair, and moisture can accumulate inside the machine.
Pay attention to:
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Detergent drawers
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Door seals
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Lint filters
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Drain filters
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The inside of the drum
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Areas where water can remain trapped
If these areas become dirty, your freshly washed clothes may develop an unpleasant odor.
Follow the machine manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance.