Care of Family Clothing

Topic: Care of Family Clothing

WEEK: 3

Care of family clothing is an essential aspect of maintaining a functional and comfortable wardrobe for you and your loved ones. Proper care ensures that clothing items remain clean, fresh, and in good condition, which not only helps extend their lifespan but also saves you money in the long run.

To care for your family’s clothing, you need to adopt some good laundry habits, such as sorting clothes according to colour and fabric type, washing them at the right temperature, using appropriate detergents and fabric softeners, and drying them correctly.

It is also crucial to follow garment care instructions, including those on the care labels of clothing items, to avoid damaging them during washing and drying. Stains should be treated as soon as possible, and delicate items, such as silk and wool, may need to be hand washed or dry-cleaned.

Regular maintenance, such as mending tears and loose buttons, and storing clothes properly, such as hanging or folding them neatly, also contribute to the overall care of family clothing.

By taking care of your family’s clothing, you can ensure that they always look their best, feel comfortable, and last longer. Additionally, proper clothing care is also an eco-friendly practice, as it reduces the need to buy new clothes frequently, which, in turn, helps to reduce waste and conserve resources.

Methods of Storing Family Clothing

Storing family clothing is an essential task that requires proper planning and organization. The process of storing family clothing involves preserving and protecting clothes from damage, dust, moisture, and pests. There are different methods of storing family clothing, depending on the type of fabric, the season, and the available storage space.

Family clothing can be stored in the following storage spaces:

Wardrobe or Closet

The optimal approach for storing clothes is by using high-quality plastic hangers and placing them in a wardrobe. Many wardrobes are designed with specific compartments for hanging garments, shelving for folded items, a shoe compartment at the bottom, and fitted doors at the top for storing suitcases and boxes. By utilizing wardrobes, clothes are protected from creasing and can maintain their initial form.

Guidelines for Storing Clothes in Wardrobe/closet

Clean Clothes Before Storing: Ensure that all clothes are clean and dry before storing them in the wardrobe or closet. This prevents dirt and stains from setting in and causing damage.
Properly Sort Clothes: Sort clothes by season and type to make it easier to find what you need. You can also sort them by color or occasion.
Use Quality Hangers: Invest in good quality hangers that will support your clothes properly without causing damage.
Avoid Wire Hangers: Wire hangers can stretch and damage your clothes, so it’s best to avoid them.
Avoid Plastic Bags: Avoid storing clothes in plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and cause damage to your clothes.
Use Cedar or Lavender: Use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter moths and other pests from your clothes.
Allow Airflow: Ensure there is enough space in your wardrobe or closet for air to circulate around your clothes.
Fold Sweaters: To prevent stretching or damage, fold sweaters and store them on shelves or in drawers.
Hang Suits and Jackets Properly: Hang suits and jackets on hangers designed for them to keep their shape.
Use Drawer Dividers: Use dividers in drawers to keep clothes organized and prevent wrinkling.
Store Shoes Separately: Store shoes separately from clothes to prevent scuffing and damage.
Avoid Overstuffing: Overstuffing the closet or wardrobe can cause damage to clothes and make it harder to find what you need.
Keep it Dry: Ensure the closet or wardrobe is kept dry and free from dampness, which can cause damage to clothes.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Avoid storing clothes in direct sunlight, as it can cause fading and damage to the fabric.
Rotate Seasonally: Rotate your clothes seasonally to keep your wardrobe organized and make it easier to find what you need.

Boxes/suitcases/bags

Boxes, suitcases, and bags of good quality are suitable for storing clothes. However, avoid choosing metal or easily peelable fabric boxes or bags to store your clothes, as they may leave permanent marks or stains on your clothing.

Guidelines for Storing Clothes in Boxes/Suitcases/Bags

Clean clothes before storing: Make sure clothes are clean and dry before storing them. This will prevent stains and odours from setting in and deter pests from being attracted to them.
Choose the right container: Select a container that is suitable for the type of clothes you want to store. For example, use a breathable cotton bag for delicate items, a sturdy plastic container for heavy winter clothes, or a vacuum-sealed bag for items that need to be compressed.
Label the container: Clearly label the container with the contents and the date so you know what’s inside and how long it’s been stored.
Use mothballs or cedar blocks: Use mothballs or cedar blocks to keep pests like moths and silverfish away. Place them in the container or bag with the clothes.
Avoid storing in direct sunlight: Don’t store clothes in direct sunlight or in areas that are hot and humid. This can cause clothes to fade, shrink, and develop mould.
Avoid storing in basements or attics: Avoid storing clothes in basements or attics unless they are climate-controlled. These areas are often damp and can cause clothes to develop mould and mildew.
Fold clothes properly: Fold clothes properly to prevent wrinkles and creases. Use tissue paper to separate delicate items like silk or lace.
Use garment bags: Use garment bags for delicate items like suits, dresses, and coats. This will protect them from dust and keep them from getting crushed.
Use acid-free tissue paper: Use acid-free tissue paper to stuff sleeves and collars and prevent them from losing their shape.
Don’t overcrowd the container: Don’t overcrowd the container or bag with too many clothes. This can cause wrinkles, creases, and stretching.
Stack containers properly: Stack containers properly to prevent them from toppling over and crushing the clothes inside.
Use desiccants: Use desiccants like silica gel packets to absorb moisture and prevent mould from developing.
Avoid using plastic bags: Avoid using plastic bags for long-term storage as they can trap moisture and cause clothes to develop mildew.
Store shoes separately: Store shoes separately from clothes to prevent them from scuffing or staining the fabric.
Check periodically: Check the clothes periodically to make sure they are still in good condition. Refold them if necessary and replace mothballs or cedar blocks as needed.

DRAWERS OR SHELVES

Drawers are typically used to store folded clothes, such as t-shirts, pants, and underwear. They provide a convenient and organized way to keep your clothes neat and tidy. You can easily open and close the drawers, making it easy to access your clothes whenever you need them. Drawers can also help to protect your clothes from dust, sunlight, and other potential sources of damage.

Shelves, on the other hand, are a great option for storing clothes that need to be hung, such as dresses, jackets, and suits. You can use a closet rod to hang your clothes on the shelves, or you can use hangers with clips to attach your clothes directly to the shelves. This allows you to easily see and access your clothes, and it can also help to prevent wrinkles and creases.

Guidelines for Storing Clothes in Drawers or Shelves

Clean and declutter: Before storing clothes, make sure they are clean and free of any stains or dirt. Also, declutter your clothes and donate or dispose of items you no longer wear.
Fold clothes properly: Fold clothes neatly and uniformly to save space and make them easier to find. For example, fold t-shirts and sweaters in thirds, and pants in half.
Use drawer dividers: Drawer dividers can help keep clothes organized and prevent them from getting mixed up. You can use them to separate different types of clothes, such as socks and underwear.
Store clothes vertically: Storing clothes vertically, rather than horizontally, can save space and make it easier to see what you have. For example, you can use drawer organizers to store clothes in neat stacks.
Use shelf dividers: Shelf dividers can help keep clothes neat and prevent them from falling over. They are especially useful for storing bulky items, such as sweaters.
Don’t overcrowd drawers or shelves: Overcrowding drawers or shelves can damage clothes and make it harder to find what you need. Leave enough space for clothes to breathe.
Store similar items together: Store clothes of the same type together, such as all your t-shirts or all your socks. This will make it easier to find what you need.
Don’t store clothes in direct sunlight: Direct sunlight can fade and damage clothes, so it’s best to store them in a dark, cool place.
Store clothes in a dry place: Moisture can cause clothes to mold or mildew, so make sure to store them in a dry place.
Use sachets or cedar blocks: Sachets or cedar blocks can help keep clothes smelling fresh and repel moths and other pests.
Use vacuum-sealed bags for seasonal items: Vacuum-sealed bags can help compress and protect seasonal items, such as winter coats or summer dresses, when they’re not in use.
Rotate clothes seasonally: To save space and keep your closet organized, rotate your clothes seasonally. Store off-season items in drawers or shelves and bring them out when the weather changes.
Avoid wire hangers: Wire hangers can damage clothes, especially delicate items such as silk or cashmere. Use padded hangers or wooden hangers instead.
Don’t store clothes in plastic bags: Plastic bags can trap moisture and cause clothes to mould or mildew. Use cloth garment bags or breathable plastic bags instead.
Label drawers or shelves: Labeling drawers or shelves can help you find what you need quickly and keep your clothes organized. Use labels that are easy to read and won’t damage the surface of your drawers or shelves.

Accessories

Accessories refer to additional items that are used to complement, enhance or improve the functionality of a particular item or outfit.

For example, accessories in fashion include items such as jewellery, hats, scarves, belts, handbags, and shoes that are used to complement an outfit and add a personal touch. In technology, accessories may include items such as chargers, headphones, cases, and screen protectors that enhance the functionality of a device. In cars, accessories may include items such as seat covers, floor mats, and phone holders that improve the comfort and convenience of the car.

Accessories can also serve practical purposes such as improving safety, functionality, or comfort. For example, a bike helmet, gloves, and knee pads are considered accessories that can improve the safety and functionality of cycling.

Care of Shoes

Clean your shoes immediately after each use: This means removing any dirt or debris on the shoes as soon as possible after wearing them. This helps to prevent dirt from getting embedded in the shoes and keeps them looking clean.
Repair your shoes as soon as they cut: Shoes can develop cuts or tears over time, especially with frequent use. It’s important to repair these as soon as possible to prevent further damage and prolong the life of your shoes.
Stuff your shoes with clean old newspaper or shoe trees to keep them in shape: Shoes can lose their shape over time, especially if they are not worn frequently. Stuffing them with newspaper or using shoe trees helps to maintain their shape and prevent creases from forming.
Arrange them on a shoe rack or shelf: Proper storage of shoes is important to prevent damage and keep them organized. A shoe rack or shelf allows you to store your shoes in a way that keeps them accessible and easy to find.

Care of Jewellery

Get a small suitable box or container with a cover lined with soft cloth or wool for storage of jewellery: This helps to keep your jewellery safe and prevent it from getting tangled or damaged.
Arrange the jewellery properly in the box or container: Proper arrangement of jewellery helps to prevent tangling and makes it easy to find the pieces you want to wear.
Keep the box closed always to avoid dust and rusting: Closing the box or container helps to keep dust and other contaminants away from your jewellery, which can cause damage or rusting.
Keep jewellery away from liquids e.g. water, and kerosene: Liquids can damage jewellery, especially if they contain chemicals or are abrasive. It’s important to keep your jewellery away from water and other liquids to prevent damage.
Clean jewellery according to type e.g. gold, silver, when dirty: Different types of jewellery require different types of cleaning methods. It’s important to know how to clean your jewellery properly to avoid damaging it. For example, gold jewellery may require a different cleaning method than silver jewellery.

General Procedures for Maintaining Household Linen

SORTING: Sort your household linens by fabric type (e.g., cotton, linen, silk), colour, and soiling level before washing. This will help prevent colours from bleeding and preserve the quality of the fabric.
WASHING: Wash linens on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and cool or warm water. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, as this can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage.
DRYING: Dry linens on a low heat setting or hang them outside to air dry. Avoid using high heat or over-drying, as this can damage the fabric and cause shrinkage.
IRONING: Iron linens on a low heat setting while they are still slightly damp. This will help prevent damage to the fabric and ensure a crisp, clean finish.
STORING: Store linens in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and moisture. Avoid storing linens in plastic bags or containers, as this can cause mildew or discolouration.
ROTATING: Rotate linens regularly to prevent uneven wear and fading. This will also help keep your linens looking fresh and new.
TREATING STAINS: Treat stains as soon as possible with a gentle stain remover or by soaking in a mixture of cool water and mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals, as this can damage the fabric.
MENDING: Repair small tears or holes in linens as soon as possible to prevent further damage. This will help extend the life of your linens and save you money in the long run.
USING LINEN SPRAY: Use a linen spray to freshen up linens between washes. This will help keep linens smelling clean and fresh.
REPLACING: Replace linens when they become worn or faded beyond repair. This will ensure that your household linens always look their best and provide maximum comfort and functionality.

Clothing Repairs

Clothing repairs refer to the process of fixing or mending clothes that have been damaged, torn, or otherwise become unusable. There are many different types of clothing repairs, ranging from minor repairs like fixing a loose button or a small tear, to more complex repairs such as patching a large hole or replacing a zipper.

The goal of clothing repairs is to extend the life of a garment and prevent it from being discarded prematurely. By repairing clothes instead of throwing them away, you can save money and reduce waste.

Some common clothing repairs include:

Replacing buttons: If a button falls off a shirt or jacket, it can be easily replaced with a new one. This is a simple repair that can be done at home with a needle and thread.
Hemming pants: If pants are too long, they can be hemmed to the correct length. This is a common alteration that can be done by a tailor or at home with a sewing machine.
Patching holes: If a garment has a small hole or tear, it can be patched with a piece of fabric that matches the original garment. This can be done by hand or with a sewing machine.
Fixing zippers: If a zipper is broken or stuck, it can be replaced or repaired. This is a more complex repair that may require the help of a professional tailor.
Darning socks: If socks have a hole in them, they can be darned by weaving a new piece of thread over the hole. This is a traditional method of repairing socks that can be done by hand.

Darning

Darning is a traditional clothing repair technique that involves repairing holes or tears in fabric by weaving thread through the damaged area. Darning is commonly used to repair socks, sweaters, and other knitwear, but it can also be used on other types of fabrics.

To darn a hole in the fabric, the damaged area is first reinforced with a patch or stabilizer. Then, a darning needle and thread are used to weave back and forth across the hole, creating a mesh-like structure that fills in the gap. This process is repeated until the hole is completely filled and the fabric is restored to its original strength and integrity.

Darning can be done by hand or by machine, and there are different methods for different types of fabrics and holes. For example, a simple straight stitch may be used for small holes in knitwear, while a more complex woven stitch may be used for larger tears or holes in other types of fabric.

Darning is an eco-friendly and sustainable way to repair clothing, as it extends the life of the garment and reduces the need for new purchases. It can also be a creative way to add personality and character to a piece of clothing, as darning can be done in different colours and patterns.

Steps to Follow when Using Darning

Darning is a sewing technique used to repair holes or tears in the fabric, particularly in knitted or woven garments. Here are the steps to follow when using darning:

PREPARE THE AREA: Before you begin darning, prepare the area by trimming any loose threads or fibres around the hole or tear. This will make it easier to work with and ensure that the repair is clean and tidy.
SECURE THE THREAD: Choose a thread that matches the colour and thickness of the fabric, and tie a knot at the end of the thread. Bring the needle up through the fabric from the backside and leave the knot on the backside to keep it hidden.
CREATE THE BASE: To begin darning, weave the thread back and forth across the hole, creating a mesh or base for the repair. Start by stitching parallel to the grain of the fabric, and then stitch perpendicular to the grain, creating a series of overlapping stitches. Be sure to leave enough space between the stitches so that the repair is strong, but not too bulky.
BUILD UP THE WEAVE: Once you have created the base, begin to weave the thread back and forth over the hole in a diagonal pattern. Use a darning egg or another tool to help maintain tension and keep the weave even. Build up the weave until the hole is completely covered.
FINISH THE REPAIR: When you have covered the hole completely, secure the thread on the backside by tying a knot and trimming any excess thread. If desired, you can use a needle and thread to secure any loose edges or reinforce the repair.
CLEAN AND PRESS: Once the repair is complete, clean the fabric as usual, taking care not to damage the repair. Press the fabric with a warm iron, using a pressing cloth to protect the darning if necessary.

Types of Darning

TRADITIONAL DARNING: Traditional darning is a basic method used to repair small holes or tears in the fabric. This technique involves weaving a new thread through the existing fabric, using a back-and-forth motion to create a patch over the hole or tear.
WEFT DARNING: Weft darning is a type of darning that is used to repair fabric that has been worn thin, but has not yet developed a hole. This technique involves weaving new threads horizontally and vertically through the fabric, essentially creating a new layer of fabric to reinforce the existing material.
KNITTING-IN DARNING: Knitting-in darning is a technique used to repair holes in knitted fabrics, such as sweaters or socks. This technique involves picking up the stitches around the hole and using a darning needle to weave new threads through the existing stitches, essentially filling in the hole with new material.
SWISS DARNING: Swiss darning, also known as duplicate stitching, is a technique used to add decorative stitches to a knitted fabric, such as adding a pattern or image to a plain sweater. This technique involves using a darning needle and a new thread to stitch over existing stitches in a decorative manner.
BASTE DARNING: Baste darning is a technique used to repair a large hole or tear in the fabric, such as a torn seam or ripped garment. This technique involves basting the edges of the hole together using a needle and thread, essentially creating a patch, and then weaving new threads through the fabric to reinforce the repair.

Patching

Patching is a common technique used in clothing repairs to fix a hole or tear in fabric. The process involves cutting a piece of fabric that matches the original garment and sewing it over the damaged area to reinforce the fabric and prevent the hole or tear from getting bigger.

To patch a garment, first, the damaged area should be cleaned and pressed flat. Then, a piece of fabric slightly larger than the hole or tear is cut and positioned over the damaged area. The patch is then pinned in place and sewn onto the garment with a needle and thread. The stitches should be close together and tight to ensure that the patch is securely attached.

There are different methods of patching, depending on the type of fabric and the size and location of the damaged area. For example, for small holes, a simple whip stitch around the edges of the hole may be sufficient. For larger holes or tears, a more intricate patching technique such as a woven patch may be needed to reinforce the fabric and provide a seamless repair.

Patching is a great way to extend the life of a garment and prevent it from being thrown away. It can also add a unique touch to a garment and give it a new look. With a little bit of patience and skill, patching can be a simple and effective way to repair damaged clothing.

Types of Patching

Patching is a common technique used in clothing repair to cover up holes or tears in the fabric. There are different types of patching methods that can be used depending on the type of fabric and the severity of the damage. Here are some of the most common types of patching in clothing repair:

Sewn patch: A sewn patch is a type of patch that is sewn onto the fabric to cover up the hole or tear. This is the most common type of patch and is suitable for most types of fabric. The patch is usually cut to size and shape and then sewn onto the fabric using a sewing machine or by hand.
Iron-on patch: An iron-on patch is a type of patch that is attached to the fabric using heat and pressure. These patches have a heat-activated adhesive on the back, and they can be applied using a regular household iron. Iron-on patches are suitable for light to medium-weight fabrics.
Fusible patch: A fusible patch is similar to an iron-on patch, but it is applied using a special fusible webbing. The webbing is placed between the patch and the fabric and then heated using an iron to fuse the two together. Fusible patches are suitable for most types of fabric.
Invisible patch: An invisible patch is a type of patch that is used to repair small holes or tears in the fabric, such as those caused by a snag or a small burn. This type of patch is made from a thin, sheer fabric that matches the colour of the original fabric, and it is sewn onto the underside of the fabric using a nearly invisible stitch.
Decorative patch: A decorative patch is a type of patch that is used to add visual interest to a garment, rather than to repair a hole or tear. These patches can be made from a variety of materials, such as embroidery, applique, or fabric paint, and they can be sewn onto the fabric by hand or using a sewing machine.