What Causes a Hole in Clothing

Those pesky little holes can appear for many reasons. Sure, moths often get the blame, but they aren’t the only culprits. Regular wear and tear can lead to small holes, and even things like zippers or jewelry can catch and make problems too. These can include:

• Zippers
• Bras
• Belts
• Your washing machine
• Chlorine bleach
• Snags on rough surfaces

How to Prevent Holes

The places where holes show up can give clues about what’s causing them. For instance, if you notice holes at the bottom of your shirts, it might be because of belt buckles rubbing against the material. If that’s true, you could think about not wearing a belt, changing how you wear it, or using sandpaper to smooth out any sharp parts. If you tuck your shirts into your jeans, the zipper could be the culprit for the holes. Also, zippers can damage clothes in the washing machine. So, always remember to zip up your jeans, hoodies, and similar items before washing to prevent them from getting caught on other fabrics. And don’t forget to close your bras before washing to stop the metal clasps from snagging on other clothes. If your bras often come undone, it’s smart to wash them in a separate bag.

When it comes to washing machines, there are a few habits that can mess up your clothes. For instance, stuffing too many items into the washer can lead to zippers and buttons getting stuck, which might tear your clothes. So, be careful not to overload the washer, and always turn clothes with beads, buttons, or other decorations inside out before you wash them.

You should always keep delicate materials like cotton and silk separate from tougher items like sheets and towels. When you wash silk and other fragile fabrics, make sure to use a gentle spin cycle. Be cautious with chlorine bleach, as using too much or not correctly can harm your clothes. To play it safe, consider using eco-friendly alternatives like vinegar, citric acid, or baking soda.

Moths are known for creating holes in clothes, especially in fabrics made from animals like wool, silk, and leather. They can also eat through other kinds of fabric. To catch male moths, you can use pheromone traps. Plus, placing dried lavender in small mesh bags or using mint or lavender essential oils can help repel the other moths. If you have a big moth issue, washing your clothes in warm water and cleaning your closet with vinegar can work really well.

Be careful of rough surfaces like brick, sharp nails, wood, and stone. If you accidentally brush against them or hit them, they can cause snags. You might not notice these tiny holes at first, but they can grow larger and become a bigger problem after washing or just from everyday use. If you have these types of surfaces in your house, consider making them smoother or covering them to avoid any unintentional rips.

How to Repair Clothes Without Sewing

Before you start fixing any holes, you will need the following:

• Clothes with holes measuring 5 mm or less
• An Iron
• Fusible bonding web
• A large piece of wax paper

Directions:

1. Turn the damaged article of clothing inside out and place it on the ironing board, the hole facing out.

2. Cut a small piece of fusing web. It should be slightly bigger than the hole you’re trying to repair.

3. Gently push both sides of the hole together (so that it looks like the hole is gone) and place the fusing web over the hole. Place the wax paper over the same spot. You can purchase fusing web at places like Walmart, fabric or craft stores, and Amazon.

4. Next, set your iron onto its “wool” setting and place it onto the wax paper. Do not move the iron or press on it for about 10 seconds. Remove carefully.

5. Finally, pick up the piece of clothing and turn it right-side-in to examine the hole. If it hadn’t closed smoothly, use your fingers to close the hole like in step two. Repeat steps three and four with the iron until the clothing looks good as new. It may take a few tries to master the method, but when you succeed, you’ll notice immediately that the hole looks gone. [3]

Sources: wdyst.me

1. “7 Sneaky Causes of Holes in Clothes and How to Avoid Them (It’s Not Always Moths!).” Utopia. June 23, 2023.
2. “What Causes Holes in Clothes After Washing.” The Spruce. Mary Marlowe Leverette. February 28, 2023
3. “Got a Hole in Your Favorite T-Shirt? Here’s the No-Sew Trick to Fix It.” Tip Hero.

Wouldn’t it be amazing if you could tackle those annoying stains quickly and efficiently? You might be skeptical, wondering if it’s too good to be true. Trust me, by following this simple yet effective method, you will save precious time and make your clothes look as good as new again. Curious? Keep reading to discover how this life-changing trick works!

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

To begin, you’ll need to collect a few common household items. The good news is, these are things you likely already have at home.

1. Dish soap
2. Baking soda
3. Hydrogen peroxide
4. A brush or sponge

Step 2: Pre-treat the Stain

The next step is to pre-treat the stained area.

1. Mix a small amount of dish soap with hydrogen peroxide in a bowl.
2. Apply the mixture directly to the stain using a brush or sponge.
3. Sprinkle baking soda over the treated area.

Step 3: Wait and Wash

Finally, let the mixture sit for a while and let it work its magic.

1. Allow the pre-treated stain to sit for about 15 minutes.
2. After the waiting period, launder the clothing as usual in your washing machine.

Why This Works

This stain removal hack works effectively due to the combined actions of dish soap, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide, each contributing to breaking down and lifting stains in a specific way:

1. Dish Soap

Function: Dish soap is a surfactant, meaning it helps break up and lift oils and grease. Many stains, especially food-based ones, have an oily component. The dish soap breaks down these oils, making the stain easier to remove.

2. Hydrogen Peroxide

Function: Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizing agent that helps break down the chemical structure of stains, especially those caused by organic compounds like blood, wine, or food. It has a bleaching effect, which helps to lift color-based stains from fabrics without being as harsh as chlorine bleach.

3. Baking Soda

Function: Baking soda is mildly abrasive and can help scrub away the loosened stain particles. Additionally, it acts as a deodorizer, neutralizing odors that might be trapped in the fabric. Baking soda also slightly increases the pH of the mixture, enhancing the stain-fighting power of the other ingredients.

And that’s it! With just these few simple steps, you’ll find that those stubborn stains have vanished, leaving your clothes looking as pristine as ever. This trick is not only time-saving but also incredibly effective, giving you peace of mind and spotless garments with minimal effort. Try it out, and you’ll be amazed at the results!

Source: cooktopcove

So how can you make sure that you don’t have to do away with so many of your precious belongings? Keep reading to discover all the ways you ruin your clothing, plus what you can do instead to keep your garments safe.

1. You store your leather goods near the window.

Leather likes the sun just about as much as Dracula does—that is to say, not very much. Too much exposure to direct sunlight and your leather goods will suffer from “premature aging, discoloration, drying, and cracking,” notes leather company Buffalo Jackson Trading Co. Instead, keep your leather items away from sunny windows and heating vents. Putting them there might seem like a smart way to dry them out, but it’ll make the leather brittle in the long run.

2. You leave your gym clothes in your gym bag for hours after your workout.

Never, ever let your damp gym clothes sit in a wad in your gym bag or laundry basket. Why? “Moisture is the enemy,” says Sarah Brunette, brand manager of housecleaning company Molly Maid. Not only will doing this create a rancid smell that’s difficult to get rid of, but it’s also a recipe for bacteria growth and mildew. A similar situation can also occur if you store items in humid environments, so make sure to always keep your clothing someplace clean, dark, and cool.

3. You don’t stuff your handbags before storing them.

Storing your handbags flat in the closet is a surefire way to ruin their shape. To make sure that your expensive bags stay in pristine condition, fill them to the brim with T-shirts or other articles of clothing before carefully placing them in their dust bags and setting them off to the side.

4. You stuff your clothes in your drawers.

“Incorrect storage can ultimately ruin clothing,” notes Brunette. Not only does this messy method cause chaos when you’re getting dressed in the morning, but when it comes to certain materials like leather, it also creates creases and wrinkles that are impossible to eliminate.

5. You cook without an apron.

When you get home from a long day of work and need to somehow get dinner on the table in under 30 minutes, the last thing on your mind is throwing on an apron. However, if you’re making something that easily stains, such as pasta Bolognese or beet salad, then taking a few extra seconds to put on an apron could be the very thing that saves your blouse. Aprons are designed to shield your clothes from the oil, grease, and sauce that tends to splatter in the cooking process—so do yourself (and your clothes) a favor and put one on.

6. You use hot water for every load of laundry.

Though hot water is the most effective when it comes to cleaning clothes, not every load of laundry warrants it. Seeing as hot water is more likely to shrink and fade items faster, it should “only be used on heavily soiled or odorous items made from strong fiber like linen, cotton, and during synthetics such as polyester,” according to clothing care brand The Laundress.

7. You hang items that should be folded.

Hanging your big, bulky sweaters will only stretch them out and potentially even create permanent indentations in the shoulder area. So, when the dog days of summer arrive and it’s time to stow away your sweaters, make sure that you’re safely storing them in drawers or on shelves rather than in the closet on hangers. (Pro tip: You can use under-the-bed storage bins to save space and keep your sweaters far away from moths and other creepy crawlers in the attic!)

8. You don’t zipper things before you throw them in the wash.

When left undone, zippers have a bad habit of getting caught on delicate fabrics like lace and ruining them in the wash. “Pieces of clothing are more likely to get snagged with clasps and hooks,” says Brunette.

Thankfully, all you have to do to avoid this is to make sure that all of your clothing items with zippers are zipped up before tossing them in with your other garments. Brunette also recommends turning items with clasps and zippers inside out “to prevent holes and tears.” Easy as pie!

9. And you don’t Velcro them.

Velcro is just as dangerous to your delicates as zippers. If and when you throw things in the laundry with Velcro, make sure that no pieces of the clingy fibers are left loose.

10. You haphazardly throw detergent into the washing machine.

Using both too little and too much detergent can pose problems when it comes to doing your laundry. As cleaning service Classic Cleaners explains, using too little laundry detergent results in “laundry that may not be as white or as bright as it should be,” while using too much can result in an insufficient rinse and leftover detergent residue.

11. You use fabric softener on your workout clothes.

Fabric softener isn’t meant to be used on every item you wash. Take your gym clothes, for instance. According to clothing care company Rinse, this product “breaks down the elasticity in stretchy fabrics like nylon and spandex,” both of which are commonly used to make athletic wear. What’s more, “it also creates a barrier on the garment,” which means these specialized fabrics aren’t able to wick moisture away from your skin as efficiently as possible. That could make you (and your clothes) feel and smell worse.

12. You dry your workout gear in the dryer.

Another way you ruin your workout gear is by drying it in the dryer, particularly if you’re prone to using the highest heat settings. Rinse notes that the heat from the dryer “can damage technical fabrics and cause your clothes to change in shape,” so always opt for air drying when it comes to your sports bras and spandex leggings.

13. You don’t check your pockets before you throw things in the laundry.

Coins. Receipts. Wrappers. All of these things are in your pockets at any given moment, and all of these things also have the potential to ruin not just your clothes, but your laundry machine as well. Avoid ink runoff and soggy paper debris by double-checking your pockets before you turn the laundry on.

14. You let stains sit.

The longer you let a stain sit, the harder it is to get out. Whether a pen exploded in your pocket or you spilled some red wine on your new white dress, make sure to throw your soiled item in the wash immediately in order to avoid a permanent mark.

15. You use wire hangers.

Don’t hold onto those wire hangers from the dry cleaner just to save a few bucks. Brunette notes that these hangers “may rust or stretch out fabrics.”

16. Pull or snip at a loose thread on a garment with your bare hands.

Never pull or snip at a loose thread on a garment with your bare hands. Doing so can cause more harm to your article of clothing, potentially even damaging it beyond repair. If you do find a snagged thread, take it to a professional so they can fix it the right way: with a needle and some string.

17. You don’t use a lingerie bag for your delicate undergarments.

If you’re not using a mesh lingerie bag for your delicates and undergarments, then you’re doing something wrong. As Classic Cleaners explains, this inexpensive laundry accessory prevents nicks and tears in your delicates, maintains the shape of your bras, keeps socks from getting lost, and more. It’s a small investment that goes a long way when it comes to keeping your clothing in pristine condition.

18. You overuse your dryer.

When it comes to ways you ruin your clothing, your dryer is the number one source of damage. Though you naturally rely on this machine to rid your garments of moisture after a stint in the washer, overusing it—especially on the highest setting—can shrink your favorite items and warp them to the point that they can no longer be worn. For the best results, Classic Cleaners suggests using the low-temperature setting and air-drying whenever possible.

19. You don’t read labels.

If you’re not already reading all of your clothing items’ care labels before throwing them into the washing machine, then make sure to get into the habit of doing so. Using the handy dandy symbols on each garment’s label, you can determine everything from the ideal temperature at which to wash each garment to whether or not an item is OK to iron.

20. You don’t flip your jeans inside out before washing them.

Yes, you should always be washing your jeans inside out. According to denim brand Lee, this method is the best way to “preserve [denim’s] original color and appearance for as long as possible.”

1. Stains

If you’re in need of an all-purpose stain remover for everyday clothing stains, look no further! My very favorite stain remover is one you can make right in your own home! I’ve used it to remove all kinds of different stains, and it hasn’t failed me yet!

2. Buttons

Dab a bit of white glue on the threads of the buttons on your dress shirts. This will help prevent the threads from fraying, and will keep your buttons on longer. If you don’t have any white glue, clear nail polish works just as well!

3. Zipper Fix

If you have a pair of pants with a zipper that just won’t stay up, here’s an easy fix. Attach a key ring onto the edge of the zipper, then pull the zipper up and hook the key ring around the button of the pants. The key ring will keep the zipper in place! (You could also use a paperclip if you don’t have a key ring to spare.)

4. Static Cling

To get rid of static cling, spray the inside of your clothing with a light layer of hair spray. Another option is to run the long side of a wire hanger over the outside and inside of your clothing, or you can rub your clothes down with a dryer sheet!

5. Shrinking

Accidentally shrink a favorite piece of clothing? Follow the link below to learn my favorite trick for “unshrinking” clothes. It’s easier than you’d think!

6. Wrinkles

No time to drag out an iron and ironing board to fix a wrinkled shirt? A straightening iron works perfectly for smoothing out collar creases and minor wrinkles. It also fits between shirt buttons nicely! You can look perfectly pressed, even when you’re pressed for time. (Another option is to make my simple homemade wrinkle release spray!

7. Leather Shoes

Use the inside of a banana peel to erase scuffs on your leather shoes, then buff them to a shine with a paper towel. To erase water stains on leather shoes, use a toothbrush dipped in white vinegar.

8. Too-Tight Shoes

Use a hair dryer to help you stretch out a pair of too-tight shoes. Pull on a pair of thick socks, then put the tight shoes on too. Point your hair dryer at the shoes for a minute or two, then keep the shoes on until they cool off.

9. Glasses

Whether you’re wearing reading glasses or sunglasses, it’s really annoying to have them slipping off your face! Just grab your trusty hot glue gun to add some extra grip. Apply a line of hot glue to the inside of each arm of your glasses, near the back where they rest above your ears. When the glue dries, the glue will add some extra grip and keep them from sliding.

10. Sweat Stains

Because of the proteins present in your sweat, sweat stains on your clothing can be tricky to remove. But with the right ingredients and method, it’s easier than you’d think!

11. Shoe Polish

Remove scuffs and add serious shine to your favorite boots with my homemade shoe polish. It contains all-natural beeswax, which also helps to repel water and mud!

12. Dingy Whites

Are your whites not so white anymore? My favorite method for whitening whites is surprisingly simple, and incredibly effective – much more effective than just using bleach!

13. Pilling

I wrote a whole post about ways to get rid of pesky pilling on sweaters and other clothing.

14. Sneakers

Clean the hard surfaces of dirty sneakers with a magic eraser. It’s an easy way to make shoes look brand new!

15. Suede

You can clean dirt off of suede shoes with a nail file, stale bread crust or pencil eraser.

16. Hems

Hold up the hem of your pants or skirt in an emergency using paper clips. For a more permanent solution, check out this post about how to hem jeans while still keeping the original hem.

17. Pantyhose

Use clear nail polish to stop a run in a pair of pantyhose. You can also prevent the run in the first place by spraying pantyhose with a bit of hair spray before wearing them.

18. Ink Stains

Ink stains don’t have to be a death sentence for your clothes. You just need to know what stain removal methods work best on ink! Get the details below.

19. Bleeding Denim

A new pair of jeans can quickly become a nuisance if the dye starts transferring to your hands, furniture, and other clothes. Use the methods in the post below to lock the dye into your denim and stop the messy dye transfer.

20. Stuck Zipper

To keep zippers from sticking (or to loosen one that’s already stuck), lightly rub the zipper’s teeth with a small piece of wax paper. The wax from the paper will help the zipper move smoothly, and reduce the chances of it getting stuck again.

Use Aluminum Foil

If you’re out of dryer sheets, throw a ball of aluminum foil in your dyer. The aluminum will fight static buildup and help keep your clothing separated.

Freeze Your Jeans

If you like to wear your jeans more than once between washings, stick them in the freezer between wears. The frigid air will kill bacteria that can cause odor.

Check the Temperature

Use cold water for dark colors that tend to bleed and for delicate fabrics that are prone to shrinking. Cold water is also an eco-friendly choice that will save you money on your energy bill. Warm water is best for man-made fibers and jeans. Use hot water for whites, cloth diapers, bedding and towels.

Unshrink Clothes

Did your favorite T-shirt shrink? Soak the shrunken clothing item in lukewarm water with a splash of baby shampoo. This will allow the fibers to relax, allowing you to stretch it back out.

Use Less Detergent

Using too much detergent can cause your clothes to remain dirty since too much detergent causes an abundance of suds that can trap soil on your clothing. Instead, try using half the recommended amount of detergent and adjust from there.

Use a Salad Spinner

If you have some articles of clothing you don’t want to put in the dryer, use a salad spinner to remove excess water. Then hang them on a rack to dry.

Choose Detergents Wisely

There are several recipes online for making your own laundry detergent which can save you money. Store-bought detergents should be chosen carefully. If you have kids and need to fight tough stains, choose a detergent with a strong cleaning and stain-fighting ingredient such as OxiClean or bleach. For those with sensitive skin or sensitivities to fragrance, look for a formula that’s unscented and free of dyes.

Wash Bright Colors With Salt

You can use salt to prevent colors from fading. Just toss a teaspoon of salt in with your dark clothes to help make the color last longer. Washing colored clothing inside out can also help maintain color.

Sweaters Should Skip the Dryer

Skip the dryer when laundering winter sweaters. Instead, drying them flat will help them maintain their shape.

Save Drying Time

When you’re running short on drying time, throw a dry towel in with the load. The towel will help absorb some of the moisture and help your clothes dry quicker.

Reduce Wrinkles

To reduce wrinkles and the need to iron, use a dryer sheet and set your dyer to the lowest setting possible. As soon as the clothes are dry, remove them from the dryer and fold or hang to keep them crisp.

Top-Loading or Front-Loading?

If you’re in the market for a new washing machine, the options can be overwhelming. Top-loading machines with an agitator often cost less and have a faster run-time than top-loading machines without an agitator (known as a high-efficiency machine). High-efficiency machines are better at cleaning and use less water than agitator models. Front-loading machines are more expensive, but do a better job at cleaning than top-loading and are gentler on clothing. However, front-loaders can take longer to complete a cycle than top-loaders. Do some research to find which model will work best for your needs.

Find out these 10 DIY laundry products that are simple and cost-effective to make.

DIY Powdered Laundry Detergent

Making powdered laundry detergent is very simple and will cost you around 30 cents per load. Plus, homemade laundry detergent is safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers because the formula is low-sudsing.

What You Need

• 1 5.5-ounce bar of pure soap or 1 cup of soap flakes
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• 1/2 cup borax
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cup
• Resealable container

Grate the Soap

Using a regular cheese grater, grate the bar of pure soap (or use 1 cup of soap flakes).

Combine the Ingredients

In a large, resealable container, combine the soap flakes, baking soda, washing soda, and borax. Mix the ingredients well. Washing soda (sodium hydroxide) is caustic to the skin, so wear rubber gloves.1

Use as Directed

Keep the detergent in the container dry. Use 1/2 cup of the mixture per a load of laundry in a standard top-load washer. Use only 2 tablespoons in a high-efficiency top or front-load washer.

Tips

• If you can’t find washing soda, you can make your own washing soda from baking soda.
• This detergent recipe can be easily doubled. Store a large batch in an airtight container, and transfer small amounts to a decorative canister to keep handy near the washer.
• To boost the cleaning power of your homemade detergent, you can slightly increase the amount of borax in the formula.

DIY Liquid Laundry Detergent

If you have extremely cold water, liquid laundry detergent is a better choice because powders can sometimes be difficult to dissolve. This formula is particularly good for anyone with sensitive skin because it contains no irritating dyes or fragrances.

What You Need

• 1 5.5-ounce bar of pure soap or 1 cup of soap flakes
• 4 cups water
• 1 cup baking soda
• 1 cup washing soda (sodium carbonate)
• 1/2 cup borax
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cup
• Saucepan
• Resealable 3-gallon container

Grate the Soap

Using a regular cheese grater, grate the bar of pure soap (or use 1 cup of soap flakes).

Melt the Soap

Add the grated soap to a large saucepan with the water. Stir continually over medium-low heat until the soap dissolves and is melted.

Combine the Ingredients

In a large, resealable container, combine the melted soap flakes, baking soda, washing soda, borax, and hot water. Washing soda is caustic to the skin, so you should wear rubber gloves.1

Allow the Detergent to Thicken

Stir the detergent mixture until everything is dissolved. Cover and allow it to sit overnight to thicken.

Use as Directed

Use 2 tablespoons of your homemade liquid detergent per load. This is appropriate for both high-efficiency washers and standard top-load washers. Shake well before each use.

Tips

• A glass beverage dispenser, such as those used for iced tea or lemonade, makes a decorative container for your liquid detergent. It is easy to dispense and refill.

DIY Single-Dose Laundry Detergent Pods

The single-dose laundry detergent format—whether a tablet, pod, or pack—is a simple and efficient way to prevent the overuse of detergent. This saves money, protects clothes from excessive wear, and can even keep high-efficiency washers from breaking down due to excess suds. One of the downsides of single-dose pods from big-name manufacturers is the high cost, but you can make your own for less.

What You Need

• 1/2 cups washing soda to soften water1/2 cup pure soap flakes for stain removal
• 2 tablespoons Epsom salt for fabric softening
• 3 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide (3.5 percent pharmaceutical grade) for whitening and brightening fabrics
• 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar for odor reduction
• 15 to 20 drops essential oil for fragrance (optional)
• Mixing bowl (glass or plastic)
• Hand grater
• Sheet pan or cookie sheet
• Waxed paper or parchment paper
• Measuring spoons

Grate the Soap

Using the hand grater, grate a bar of pure soap until you have 1/2 cup of grated soap. You can also purchase soap flakes if you don’t want to use the grater.

Combine the Dry Ingredients

Pour the soap flakes into the mixing bowl. Add the washing soda and Epsom salts next. Stir these ingredients together until blended.

Add the Wet IngredientsAdd the hydrogen peroxide, vinegar, and essential oil (if you’re using it). After you have added the wet ingredients, your mixture should look like wet sand.

Shape Into Pods

Use a measuring spoon to shape the mixture into individual pods. Each pod should be 1 heaping tablespoon. Pack the measuring spoon well, and then place the pod on a waxed paper- or parchment paper-lined cookie sheet. Spritz the pods with a bit of plain water to set the shape, and allow them to dry overnight. This recipe will make around 24 single-dose pods.

Store the Pods

Once the pods are completely dry (this could take longer than overnight if you live in a humid environment), store them in an airtight container.

Tips

• Each homemade detergent pod will wash an average-size laundry load. They can be used in both standard and high-efficiency washers. If you have a large load, add two pods.
• Place the pods in the drum of the washer before adding water and loading clothes. This will give them the maximum exposure time to water, so they will dissolve correctly and thoroughly.
• As with commercially manufactured single-dose products, be sure to keep these away from children. It is essential to label them properly, so they are not mistaken as food.

DIY Gentle Wool Wash

For wool to look its best, it should not be treated with high heat or harsh detergents. Mistreatment can cause wool to lose its natural oils and luster, change shape, or develop wear and tear prematurely. There are commercial detergents formulated for delicate garments, such as wool sweaters, but you can also make your own.

What You Need

• 4 cups pure soap flakes
• 4 cups boiling water
• 1 cup denatured alcohol
• 1 tablespoon essential oil for fragrance (optional)
• Large glass or plastic mixing bowl
• Whisk or stick blender
• Large resealable storage container

Melt the Soap Flakes

Place the soap flakes and boiling water in a large mixing bowl, and mix well with the stick blender or whisk. Or you can do this in an electric blender.

Add the Denatured Alcohol

Add the denatured alcohol (and essential oil if you’re using it) and mix well.

Let the Mixture Set

Pour the mixture into the resealable container. Leave the container overnight for the mixture to set to a firm jelly.

Tips

• To use, rub a small amount into stains. Or dissolve 1 tablespoon of wool wash in lukewarm water. Swish or soak the garment in warm water, and then rinse well.

DIY Laundry Bleach Pen

Chlorine bleach is not the best choice for removing stains on colored clothes, though it does work well on white cotton. But what if you have a striped shirt? How do you keep the bleach on just the white area? You can purchase a commercially made bleach pen or make your own.

What You Need

• 3/4 cup water
• 3 tablespoons corn starch (thickener)
• 4 to 7 tablespoons chlorine bleach
• Small saucepan
• Small plastic squirt bottle with a pointed tip
• Label

Dissolve the Corn Starch

In a small saucepan, mix the water and corn starch together until the starch is dissolved.

Boil the Mixture

Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring continuously until it becomes translucent and pudding-like. Then, let it cool completely.

Add Bleach

Add bleach by the tablespoon until you have the consistency and strength you desire. The gel will thin a bit.

Fill a Squirt Bottle

Place the mixture in a clean, empty squirt bottle, and clearly label it.

Tips

• Make the mixture in small batches. The product will lose potency after three months.
• This bleach solution can be used to create designs on colored fabrics.

DIY Laundry Fragrance Enhancer

Advertisers have convinced most of us that unless our laundry smells “clean,” then it isn’t. But what is the smell of clean? Meadow fresh, spring rain, or aloha ocean? If you want to control the fragrance of your laundry but don’t like the expense or the added chemicals of commercial brands, you can make your own laundry fragrance enhancer.

What You Need

• 1 cup Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate)
• Essential oil(s) in scents of your choice
• Resealable plastic storage container

Mix the Epsom Salt and Essential Oil

Add roughly 10 drops of essential oil to a cup of Epsom salt. You can add more or less essential oil, depending on the level of fragrance you want.

Stir and Store

Stir the oil into the salt well, and store it in an airtight container.

Tips

• Add 1/4 cup of the scented salt to the washer along with your laundry detergent. Add it directly into the washer drum; do not use an automatic dispenser.
• The mix is safe to use in both standard and high-efficiency washers.
• As with any cleaning product, label your scented salt and store it away from children.
• This laundry fragrance enhancer makes a great gift. Present it in a pretty container with a coordinated measuring scoop. Be sure to include instructions and perhaps the recipe.

DIY Laundry Fabric Softener

Homemade fabric softener is easy to make, inexpensive, and the perfect complement to homemade laundry detergent. It’s also a great choice for those with chemical sensitivity to perfumes and dyes, and it’s safe to use on all fabrics.

What You Need

1/2 cup baking soda
4 cups water
3 cups distilled white vinegar
5 to 10 drops of essential oil in your favorite scent (optional)
A gallon or larger plastic jug

Measure the Baking Soda

Pour the baking soda into your jug.

Mix in the Water

Add 1 cup water to the jug, and stir to dissolve the baking soda. Then, add the remaining 3 cups of water.

Add the Vinegar

Slowly add the distilled white vinegar. Do not pour quickly, or the baking soda and vinegar can react and fizz out of the bottle.

Add Essential Oil (Optional)

If you would like, add your favorite essential oil for fragrance.

Tips

• This product is safe for both standard and high-efficiency washers.
• Add the mixture directly to the washer’s fabric softener dispenser. You can also add it manually to the final rinse cycle. Use about 1/2 cup per load.

DIY Laundry Starch and Sizing

A freshly ironed shirt presents a crisp, polished look, and using starch or sizing will help accomplish that look. Starch gives the fabric an extra body and leaves a smooth finish. Laundry sizing is simply a lighter version of starch that aids in making ironing easier. It is quite simple to make it yourself in just minutes.

What You Need

• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon corn starch
• Spray bottle

Mix the Water and Corn Starch

Pour the cold water into the spray bottle, and add the corn starch. Shake well until the cornstarch is dissolved.

Add Additional Corn Starch (Optional)

If you like a heavier starch for shirt collars and cuffs, just add 1 teaspoon of additional corn starch to the water.

Tips

• Shake the bottle before each use. Store it in the refrigerator between ironing sessions.
• Always use the steam feature of your iron when applying homemade starch.
• Let the starch absorb into the fabric for at least 30 seconds before ironing.
• Clean the bottom of your iron after each use.
• White marks on clothes probably mean you are ironing too soon after applying the starch. It’s also possible that you might need to add a little more water to your starch mixture.

DIY Fabric Refresher

Commercial fabric refreshers can help to revive musty fabrics. If you like the convenience but not the price or chemicals of these sprays, you can make them at home.

What You Need

• 1 cup baking soda
• Hot water
• 10 to 12 drops of your favorite essential oil
• 24-ounce plastic spray bottle

Combine the Ingredients

Pour the baking soda into a spray bottle, and add hot water to fill the bottle. Then, add drops of essential oil—as much or as little as you’d like.

Shake Well

Shake the bottle well to dissolve the baking soda.

Tips

• Shake the bottle before each use. If the spray nozzle is clogged, simply rinse it under hot water. Hold the spray bottle at least 8 to 12 inches away from the fabric. Spray lightly in sweeping motions. Do not saturate the fabric or spray too closely, as this can leave residue on the fabric.
• Allow the fabric to dry thoroughly before using or storing. It should hang in a spot with good air flow away from direct sunlight. Putting on a damp garment can result in wrinkling, and storing damp fabric can lead to mold or mildew.

DIY Dryer Balls

Dryer balls are added to wet laundry as it’s loaded into the dryer to fluff clothes and speed drying time. They also help to keep clothes free of static. You can buy commercially made wool or PVC dryer balls. Or you can make them yourself.

What You Need

• 100% wool yarn or 100% wool fabric strips
• Cotton string
• An old sock or pantyhose
• Hot water
• Large pan
• Clothes dryer

Wind the Wool Into Balls

Wind the wool yarn or fabric strips into balls. Each ball should be around 2 1/2 inches in diameter. Tuck the end of the yarn or fabric under other strands. Make as many as you would like.

Put the Balls Into a Sock or Pantyhose

Place the balls into an old sock or the leg of pantyhose, and use cotton string to tie off the space between each one.

Boil the Balls

Add the sock or pantyhose to a pan of water, and bring it to a boil. Then, remove the pan from the heat source, but allow the balls to soak until the water is cool. The hot water will cause the wool to shrink and mat together. You might see some dye transfer if you’re not using uncolored wool. But this won’t be a problem when the balls are finished for use in the dryer.

Put the Balls in the Dryer

Squeeze excess water from the balls, and put the sock or pantyhose in the dryer on high heat. Once everything is dry, cut the strings between the balls and remove them from the sock or pantyhose. The balls will be smaller and should look fuzzy. You shouldn’t be able to unwind them. They are now the core of your final dryer balls.

Repeat the Process

Using the ball cores you created, begin the wrapping process again with the wool yarn or fabric strips. Keep wrapping until each ball is around 3 1/2 inches in diameter. Then, repeat the hot water soak and drying process to get the finished product.

Tips

• Add two or three dryer balls to each load of wet laundry you put in the dryer. These balls should last for several years.
• It’s important to make your dryer balls out of natural material. The natural fibers of wool help to control static better than synthetic fibers. They also hold together better for a denser dryer ball.

The height of the rise, that is, the distance from the waist of the jeans to the seam between the legs, greatly affects how the item will look on the person. It is worth considering the peculiarities of the body, the length of the torso, etc. For example, even jeans with a high waist may have the insufficient height for a tall woman with a long torso. In this case, they will bulge in the wrong way between the legs, so that is why it’s better to look for another pair.

Double denim in one color

Total-denim style outfits are trendy again and that’s why you can wear denim shirts and jackets with jeans. You don’t necessarily need to select the top and the bottom part according to their color. On the contrary, different hues will create a contrast and make your look brighter and more complex.

Straight-cut jeans in the wrong length

Straight-cut jeans are a universal wardrobe item. They are back to being trendy again and are extremely popular nowadays. The classic model of these jeans should reach the ankle. Pant legs that are too long can visually make legs appear massive, and even fat.

Unkempt cuffs

Cuffs in jeans are good when you have no chance to tailor pant legs that are too long or when you want to diversify their look. However, cuffs should be done neat and straight. It’s even recommended to place a thumb on the hem to be able to measure the equal distance for cuffs on both pant legs.

Narrow boots

First of all, it’s better to opt for skinny jeans or jeggings when tucking them into the boots. More loose models can create unbecoming folds on the knees. Second, you should opt for boots with a wide, slightly folded bootleg.

Mid-waist jeans pulled over to the waist

High-rise jeans have been trendy for several years already — these models look stylish and are comfortable to wear. However, if you have a favorite pair of jeans with a mid-rise, you can don them too. But make sure to not pull them up to your navel and tighten them with a belt for a better fit. Even half an inch of this will create unbecoming folds between the legs.

Pants tucked into ankle boots

Trouser legs should not overlap the tops of ankle boots or short boots. This ensemble will look better if the jeans end 0.4-0.8 in above the bootleg of your footwear.

Skinny jeans that are too long

Today, when cropped jeans are trendy, skinny jeans with a folded ankle part look a bit outdated and should be tailor-cut or cuffed.

Flared jeans in the wrong length

The ideal length of flared jeans is 0.5 inches above the floor. Shorter trouser legs can make your legs look fuller. While very long trousers legs will drag along the floor, get dirty, and appear unpresentable.

Unbecoming back pockets

The shape and location of back pockets can change the body shape beyond recognition. Thus, wide-set pockets will visually make the hips wider. Highly sewn pockets will lengthen the legs, and the body shape will appear fuller.

Low-rise jeans together with a cropped top

It is advisable to combine a cropped top with high-waisted jeans, otherwise, you risk having a cheeky look. Even if you have a perfectly flat stomach, you need to understand where and when it is appropriate to show it.

A cut that doesn’t fit your body shape

You shouldn’t be blindly following trends, but instead taking into account the specifics of your body shape. For example, trendy flared jeans should be chosen so that the trouser leg starts to flare at the knee area. If the flare is too wide and starts from the hip, it can play a bad joke on shorter, curvy girls, while they will look great on tall and slim ones.