Q How can I be sure whether a label is correct about laundry? I accidentally had a pair of pants in my pile that, according to the label, were supposed to be dry-cleaned but came out fine through the wash and saved me $12. Which things really need to be dry-cleaned?
A It's great that you generally focus on the labels' laundry suggestions and it would be hard to give you specifics on when they might not be entirely accurate. I believe you are saying that your pants were labeled "dry-clean only." When that is the case, you will always be safer taking them to a professional. Even if they did come clean, they may have shrunk slightly or deteriorated (loosening of the fabric's weave); this will become clearer after repeated machine washings. If you have a fine and reputable dry-cleaner, take a collection of the clothes marked "dry-clean" and ask him which ones you absolutely need to rely on him for. If he wants your continued business, he is likely to be truthful.
For many men (and women) reading labels is not natural, and for more even knowing what to do next is a complete mystery. I am often asked, with embarrassment, for hints about laundry by men who rely entirely on taking clothes to the cleaners and want to change. Here are my most useful suggestions.
• Sort your clothes into four separate color categories: whites, lights, darks and reds. I know this sounds like a nuisance (you may do a load of reds only once a month), but believe me, the extra effort is well worth your time. One red sock in a white load can result in a pile of pink clothes -- not the ideal color for your best polo shirts and cotton underwear. That blatant example might be obvious, but the problem is often subtler: you may notice that your whites are not as white as they once were -- probably due to one or two colored items in a load of whites.
• Treat any stains with a pre-treatment product or by pouring a bit of your favorite detergent directly on the spot; allow the garment to sit anywhere from a half an hour to a few days until you are ready to do your next wash load. I'm afraid that the environmentally friendly "free" versions of most detergents do not do a terrific job of removing stains.
• Set the controls on the washing machine. Use "normal" selection for most clothes, but be sure to adjust the setting for delicate items. "Delicate" does not mean frilly or feminine garments. A favorite cotton sweater can qualify. When I wash a sweater or any other garment that seems to warrant extra attention, perhaps because it has nailheads, grommets or some other embellishment, I first turn it inside out, then slip it into a protective zippered mesh laundry bag.
• Select the right water temperature and laundry product. Check the care label. Although hot water is often recommended for whites, I never use it because I believe it shrinks clothes and is hard on them. Warm water should be used for most laundry. Cold water will help keep the dyes in dark or bright-colored clothes from running. A product called Woolite Darks really does keep dark colors from fading.
• Liquid bleach is only for all-white wash loads. It must be used with great care or not at all. Even the smallest amount of color in a garment or its trim tells you not to use liquid bleach. Carefully add about ¼ cup into the bleach dispenser; never pour directly on clothes.
• When drying, avoid wrinkling or shrinking by not over-drying. (Certain clothes -- such as socks and items with elastic -- ideally should not go in the dryer at all; I hang them to dry.) I use a few plastic laundry dryer balls in the dryer instead of adding fabric softener. The clothes come out soft, with fewer wrinkles, and with less static cling. Lastly, unless you love to iron, remove garments promptly -- perhaps while still the slightest bit damp -- and hang on hangers to finish drying.
• Other useful hints: Wash loads should be a mixture of small and large items of similar colors. Don't overload your washer, so clothes can move freely. It is better to run two loads than to fill the washer too full. And, for an extra scrubbing effect, especially when washing whites, include a similar-colored terry cloth bath towel in each load. Be sure to empty all pockets before laundering. Zip jackets and pants before washing.
Yes, doing laundry can be time consuming. But the time and the money saved by keeping your favorite clothes looking good (and not needing to replace them) are certainly well worthwhile.
Please send your men's dress and grooming questions to MALE CALL:
Lois.Fenton@prodigy.net
High Profile on 11/18/2018