How to Get rid of Pesky Odors and Stains on your favorite pieces
What's that smell? and should I be worried?
As I swing my fire red coat with the gold hardware and grosgrain piping, over my head, I catch a whiff of the aroma of the delicious okro soup prepared a couple of hours ago. The plan was to give enough time to make it to the Angelique Kidjo’s concert at the University Performing Art’s Center.
Under normal circumstances that should be no cause for alarm but as I slowly bring it up to my nose, it dawns on me, the lingering odor remains and I don’t have the luxury of time.
What to do?
Only a few days ago, I finally got around to dropping off pieces to be drycleaned. In there is the backup; the emerald green knee length coat with the ivory cream epaulets; a steal from a trip two seasons ago to the high end thrift shop a few doors down from the gym.
Right now, I have got things to do and places to be.
To think that between burning those not exactly inexpensive candles, the incense sticks combined with the diffuser, I was convinced it would do the trick.
Here we are.
How to Take Care of
what we Love.
When you have carefully decided to purchase clothes you like, you try to ensure they are of good quality. The next step is to do what is required to maintain and care for them. This is one of the most critical steps because here is where the life of your clothes will extend beyond mere months.
This provides practical steps to help you care for and maintain your clothes.
1. Easy and Simple Tips to Remove Odor. Odors in clothing, even after you wash them, are never fun. There are ways that odors can be eliminated by employing a few essential steps.
First, it's crucial to act on odor in clothes immediately and not allow them time to “bake”..
Before washing your pieces with detergent, allow them to soak in a mixture of a teaspoon of vinegar or baking soda with warm water for about an hour. This will prepare the clothes for a saturated solution that will effectively remove odor trapped within the fibers of the clothes.
Ensure clothes are turned inside-out to protect the color within the fabric. After soaking the item, place it in the washer and add an odor-fighting detergent and scent booster to complete the washing of your clothing.
The washer should not be overpacked but just the right amount to ensure the clothes are washed adequately to eliminate the odor effectively.
Then set them to air dry and enjoy the fresh scent.
“Shower you pieces with TLC early in the game.”
2. Easy and Simple Steps to Remove Stains. Stains are the last thing you want to see on your favorite clothes. Immediately the thought is, "how will I effectively remove the stain without causing damage to the clothes." The concern is a valid one, but there are many ways to try to help you do this effectively.
Removal of stains should start immediately they are spotted. If possible, do not allow them to sit on the clothes for days without any intervention.
Before placing it in the washer, apply the detergent to the stain to break it down a bit followed by sponging diluted vinegar on the stain and rinse again.
Note: In the vinegar application process ensure that there is no contact made with the washing machine. Rinse out the vinegar thoroughly before placing clothes in the washer or dryer because it has the likelihood of affecting the rubber lining.
A stain remover made for clothes can also be used. After adding the diluted white vinegar, rinse with plain water. Repeat this process to ensure you get out as much of the stain as possible.
Next, place in the washer to do a final wash without placing it in the dryer until you are sure you have removed the stain completely.
Note: Never iron a stain because it makes it harder or even impossible to be removed. If the stains are on pure white clothing, you can soak them in bleach and wash them with laundry detergent.
Specific Stains: Vinegar is a popular and effective solution in removing stains, but some stains call for different methods.
Bloodstain: Using a mixture of cold water and dishwashing liquid, allow the solution to soak into the stain then you begin to rub at the surface.
Makeup/Lipstick Stain: with the adequate soaking of a cotton ball in rubbing alcohol, rub the saturated cotton ball over the lipstick or makeup stain. This will remove the stain because the rubbing alcohol is great at breaking down stains of an oily or waxy nature.
Sweat Patch Stain: Using water and baking soda, make a paste to be applied to the stain and left in the sun for about two hours.
You also have the option of combining water, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide in a 1:1:1 mixture. Soak this solution for an hour and then wash as usual, ensuring no contact is made with the washing machine or the dryer.
Delicates - Give them the Special Treatment. This category of clothing should be carefully washed – as delicate as possible. Items like swimwear and intimates will last longer when you wash them by hand. It's always best to never place these items to dry in a dryer. It can potentially damage the elastic of the swimwear, underwear, and bras.
When washing these items, they should be done in cool water with gentle laundry detergent. Never wring items but squeeze them gently to remove the excess water. Place these items on a drying rack for them to dry.
Early TLC is Key. Giving your pieces some extra TLC using the above methods will allow you to enjoy them even longer. There is the added benefit of preventing them from fading quickly or ending up in the garbage. Tackle those odors and stains early because even for the more challenging stains and pesky odors, those are likely to be eliminated if you attend to them immediately.
For some other creative ways to get more out of your clothes, click here
