When it comes to getting the most out of an outfit, designer Alex Perry knows exactly how it’s done. The leading fashion designer is all about keeping everything — from the essential wardrobe must-haves through to the precious one-off pieces — in perfect condition.
Alex has teamed up with Elextrolux to offer his top 10 tips on caring for an important investment — your clothes.
1. Don’t take the wonder out of bras
Always wash white lingerie in a detergent for colours which doesn’t contain bleach. Most white synthetic lingerie is dyed white, so when you wash it with bleach, the white colour is bleached.
2. Red lipstick and red wine, no longer the devil
When you get a lipstick stain, pre-treat it by prewashing it by hand with dishwashing liquid (preferably one containing bleach) and then wash the garment as recommended. Cover red wine stains with table salt to absorb the wine. Or try removing the stains with a small amount of white wine.
3. Colour me happy
It may sound simple, but separating light colours, dark colours and whites will ensure the colours of your clothes last.
4. Don’t sweat it
To remove perspiration and deodorant stains or marks, rub with soap first then wash as recommended.
5. Powder or liquid
It doesn’t matter which one you use, as long as you use a detergent with bleach for whites or without bleach for colours and one without enzymes for wool and silk. The important thing to remember is not to overdose your machine with either if you want good results.
6. Weighing in on load size
Getting a washing machine that has a weight sensor is always a good idea. It will help you determine the right amount of clothes and it’s a good idea to mix bigger and smaller garments for better circulation in the drum.
7. Don’t get you knickers in a knot
Wash bags are inexpensive insurance! The little nylon net bag protects underwire bras, lace panties and nylon pantyhose as they tumble in the washer. But don’t overfill the bag; remember to keep it half-full so garments have room to move.
8. Know your fabric
Different fabrics should be washed and dried in different ways. It’s a good idea to sort your clothes by fabric into two main groups: manmade fibres and natural fibres. Some dryers, like the Electrolux Energy Star dryer, have a range of programs that offer gentle drying of silk, wool and other delicate mix fabrics.
9. Fatal attraction
If possible, don’t dry synthetic fabrics with other fabrics, as they tend to attract lint, resulting in the dreaded pilling. And remember to always follow the temperature on the care label or you risk ruining your clothes — fast!
10. A delicate issue
Delicate fabrics benefit from less frequent cleaning — a ‘refresh’ cycle, as featured on the Electrolux Iron Aid Dryer, is a great way to freshen up your dresses in between wears.
For more fashion and fabric care advice, visit www.thinkingofyou.com.au/fashion.
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