Nothing is worse than grabbing your favorite shirt one day and noticing that it is starting to look a little bit worse for wear. Sooner or later, the wear and tear of repeatedly wearing a particular clothing item starts to show, but the good news is there are some steps you can take to prolong the life of your clothing and keep it looking vibrant and fresh for longer, and your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, can help!

Don't Hang Stretchable Garments

One of the biggest mistakes you can make when it comes to preserving the look and shape of your clothing is storing it incorrectly. If your garment is made from stretchable fabrics, like spandex, elastane, or knit fabrics, you should avoid putting them on clothes hangers as this can cause them to lose shape over time. There are several reasons why this happens, including the following:

• Uneven Weight Distribution - When you hang stretchy fabrics on a clothes hanger, gravity will take its toll and pull on the fabric unevenly. Much of the weight will end up concentrated on the shoulders, and as a result, the garment will lose shape due to sagging and bulging.
• Stretching at Hanger Points - If your garment is made from a particularly thin or lightweight knit, it will be prone to stretching at the hanger's contact points. You will start to notice unsightly bumps in the shoulder area of the garment, which will ruin the natural fit of your clothes.
• Fabric Fatigue - When a garment is constructed from stretchable fabrics, it relies on the natural elasticity to maintain the desired shape and fit. When these clothing items are hung up for long periods of time the elastic fibers are put under stress and will weaken over time. This reduces how well the fabric can snap back, leaving the garment misshapen.

To prolong the life of stretchable garments, it is better to fold or roll your clothing instead. If hanging cannot be avoided, it is best to use wide, padded hangers to help distribute the weight more evenly.

Avoid Machine Washing

Did you know that machine washing your clothes too often can cause the fabric to degrade much faster than you might anticipate? You can help prolong the lives of your favorite pieces by using your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, instead.

During a machine wash cycle, your clothing will rub against other items and the drum of the machine. This prolonged agitation can weaken the fibers of the fabric, especially for more delicate fabrics. The spinning of the drum may also cause garments to twist and pull against each other, stretching them out. You may also find that zippers and buttons snag on other garments, resulting in holes. It is also common for harsh detergents not to fully rinse out of the fabric, leaving a dull residue behind; this can make the fabric feel stiff and impact its breathability.

Your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, will use a gentler process to clean your clothing, which can help it last longer. No water is involved, which means there is less of a risk of shrinkage and distortion. Instead, dry cleaners use a liquid solvent that cannot penetrate the fabric's fiber. This also helps minimize fading or color bleeding, making your clothes look more vibrant. Your dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, is also an expert in fabric care and knows exactly how to clean all sorts of fabrics, including more delicate items made from silk and wool. This means they can tackle stain removal without damaging the fabric.

Choose Folding Over Hanging

We have already mentioned that stretchable clothes should be folded instead of using hangers, but folding is also a great way to store other garments. Items that are not particularly prone to creasing or wrinkling, like jeans, pants, and sweaters, can be gently folded and stacked in drawers or on shelves to help avoid stretching and fabric fatigue that may be experienced when using hangers.

Make Use Of Your Dry Cleaner

The best step you can take to help your clothes last longer is to make good use of your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee. Many people think that dry cleaning is only for occasional wear and special clothing items. However, more and more people are also discovering the benefits of dry cleaning items from their everyday wardrobe. Shirts, dresses, blouses, and other garments can benefit from the less abrasive cleaning method that dry cleaning offers. Did you know that you can even dry clean your home textiles?

In conclusion, taking proper care of your clothing is essential for maintaining its appearance and prolonging its lifespan. By avoiding common mistakes like hanging stretchable garments or overusing machine washing, you can keep your favorite items looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Folding clothes, especially those prone to stretching, helps preserve their shape, while relying on your local dry cleaner in Farragut, Tennessee, for more delicate fabrics or everyday items can further protect them from damage. Dry cleaning offers a gentle and effective alternative to harsh washing methods, ensuring your garments—and even home textiles—stay in excellent condition.

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Farragut Cleaners is your locally owned and operated full-service dry cleaner. From dry cleaning to alterations and wedding dress preservation to home textiles, we are here to keep you fresh, clean, and looking & feeling impeccable.

Call 865-966-9414 or visit our website.