[photo by Andy Fitzsimon on Unsplash]

Laundry can be a real pain, especially when it comes to washing your favourite clothes. You don't want to damage them, but you don't have time for hand-washing or dry-cleaning either. What can you do? Well, we've got some tips that can help you care for your clothes and keep them looking great for longer. Here are some natural, gentle tips that won't take up too much of your time:

1. Keep Your Clothes Looking Great.
   To avoid shrinkage and maintain the shape of your clothes, machine wash them in cold water and lay them flat or hang them to dry. Make sure to shake out wrinkles in each item before laying or hanging them to dry to avoid wrinkles. The dryer is best for towels, undergarments, and bedding. The heat tends to damage most fabrics and can even set in stains, making them impossible to remove later.

2. Keep Your Whites Bright.
   Keeping your whites looking bright is easier said than done. However, there are a few things you can do to keep them looking their best. First, don't mix your whites with other colors in your wash. Line dry your white clothes in direct sunlight. The sun is a natural whitener and can help bleach out stains. If you have stubborn stains, try spraying some lemon juice on them before laying them out in the sun. Another option is to add one cup of borax to your laundry. This natural deodorizer will help to brighten your whites. You can also try mixing equal parts borax and hydrogen peroxide for an extra boost of whitening power.

3. Get Rid of Grease Stains.
   If you notice a small grease stain, sprinkle some cornstarch on it. The cornstarch should soak up the grease, making it easy to wash out. If the stain has already set in, mix a little bit of dish soap (Dawn works best) with water and work it into the stain before washing and hanging it to dry.

4. Deal with Pit Stains.
   Yellow pit stains are the worst, and they can ruin your favourite white shirts. To avoid them, stay away from deodorant that contains aluminum. This ingredient is what causes those pesky stains. If you already have stains, try mixing one part dish soap, two parts hydrogen peroxide, and a sprinkle of baking soda. Work the mixture into the stain and let it sit for an hour before washing.

Remember, even if you take good care of your clothes, they will eventually break down over time. So, instead of washing and wearing your favourite items weekly, try to rotate them out. This way, they'll last longer and stay looking great for years to come.

By following these simple tips, you can keep your clothes looking their best and avoid damaging them. So go ahead and toss that shirt into the wash – you've got this!