Tips For Getting the Most Out of Your Children's Clothes:

We pay good money for our children's clothes so why shouldn't we be caring for them properly? Here are some tips that I found that really work to keep kid's clothes in excellent shape. After all, we must pass them on to the next ebayer right?!!

Prevention is Key

• Using clear nail polish, dab the center of each button on a new garment to seal in the threads.
• Do not allow the kids to play outside or in other dirty places with their "good" clothes on. Always use "play" clothes for messy activities.
• Be sure to use bibs on infants at all times.
• Roll up the sleeves before eating and make sure you carry stain wipes at all times.... just in case!

General Wash Guidelines

• Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper wash care of a garment.
• Remove items from pockets as they tend to cause rips or snags. Paper and excessive lint in pockets can cause severe piling.
• Wash like colors together with one exception. If it is the first time you are washing a dark colored article of clothing then wash it alone, inside out. Run the rinse cycle after removing it to wash out any left over dye.
• Turn colored and dark garments inside out to prevent fading. It is the rubbing against the other clothes that leads to premature fading.
• Look for rips or small tears that can be sewn up prior to washing.
• You should wash lint making items separately from those fabrics that catch lint, including dark colored items.
• Always wash towels separate from clothing.

Stain Removal

• For stains, soak in warm water with Oxy-clean.
• If a garment does fade onto another garment, try using Rit dye remover.
• Wash whites in hot water and bleach.
• For tougher stains, make a paste of Oxy-clean and Era detergent.

Drying Clothes

• Line drying is always best.
• Do not overload dryer.

Proper Storage

• Store in plastic containers.
• If moths are a problem use cedar chips. However, be sure to place them above the items you are protecting because the fumes travel downwards.
• If your cedar closet is old an no longer smells of cedar, which is what deters the moths, then lightly sand to release the aroma once more.

Everyday Care

• Use a lint remover roller or brush to remove lint and dust.
• Use a clothes shaver to eliminate piling.
• Use wax to keep zippers functioning properly.
• De-wrinkle clothes quickly by using Magic Sizing spray or hand in the bathroom near steam.

Deterring Moisture

• Place pieces of chalk wrapped in tissue paper in the container to soak up excess moisture.
• Place pieces of cardboard throughout the container to capture moisture.

Care for Shoes

• To clean up the look of frayed shoe laces simply dip them into clear nail polish. It also makes them easier to thread!
• Use a baking soda paste to remove scuffs on shoes.
• Spray a light coat of spray starch onto new tennis shoes. This makes it nearly impossible for dirt to embed itself into creases and makes them easier to wipe clean.
• Use Vaseline to shine shoes. Rub small amount all over shoe then wipe with a clean, lint-free cloth.
• Shine patent-leather shoes using a vinegar dipped, damp cloth.
• A bit of baking soda in the shoes prevents awful odors.
• Place a bit of salt into shoes to control the moisture that leads to the smelly odor.

I hope this information helps. I use these tid-bits to keep my boy's clothes in great shape!!

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