Care in detail
Of course, washing your clothes regularly is essential to keeping them fresh and clean. But there's more to it than that. Did you know that the way you iron and store your clothes can also make a real difference to their condition?
Lose the wrinkles
First, make sure you follow the instructions on the care label, choosing the right temperature for the fabric. The more delicate the fabric, the lower the temperature you'll need. It stands to reason that your precious silk and wool items need a particularly delicate touch.
Storage secrets
Throw out your wire hangers and stock up on wooden ones instead – they'll keep your garments in much better shape. And hang your clothes in a well-ventilated cupboard: fabrics need to breathe to stay in great condition.
Pampered & perfect
Why not give the extra-special items in your wardrobe some star treatment, and keep them perfect for as long as possible? A favourite evening dress or tuxedo can be stored in a cloth garment bag, protecting it from dust, damp and moths. And for your most treasured lingerie, surely only a spotless drawer lined with tissue paper will do?
Lose the change
If you keep heavy items in pockets when you hang up a garment, this could strain the seams and eventually cause the fabric to sag. Remember to empty pockets before you hang up a jacket or pair of trousers, so that the fabric can return to its original shape.
Shirts
Shirt collars can be kept in shape by padding them out with socks or underwear.
Any gaps should be filled with small items to avoid clothes moving about while you are travelling.
Cover the contents with a beach towel and soft items to form the top layer. The two layers of soft garments should now protect your easily creased items and the padding inside will help them to keep their shape.
Trousers jackets & skirts
Lay clothes such as jackets, trousers and skirts, unfolded across the case, then put flat, soft items (like scarves or sweatshirts) on them before folding in the ends.
This helps to prevent hard creases. Try to fold clothes along their existing creases
Non-crease items
Roll up some non-creasing soft garments and use them to make a first layer.
Cover the first layer with a towel to provide a soft base for the easily creased items.
Heavy items
Put the heavy things (like shoes and hairdryer) near the base of the suitcase.
To keep the shape in your shoes, push rolled up socks inside.
Keep your clothes comfy - the perfect home for your clothes. The ideal storage conditions for your clothes are:
Total darkness.
Relative humidity of 50-55% and a temperature of 12-18°C.
Clean, well ventilated and free of pests.
Acid - free tissue paper should be used between clothes and to line boxes or drawers.
While this may not be totally achievable in your home, perhaps you could find a way to store special, more expensive items in these conditions.
Beyond the basics
Of course, washing your clothes is the first step in your wardrobe care routine – and Persil can make sure they're spotless. But by following these extra steps, you'll keep your clothes in great shape for even longer.
