by Buckytat

Created on: August 25, 2010

Fashion savvy budget shoppers know a good deal on quality fashion when they see it. 

"The difference between style and fashion is quality"-Giorgio Armani.

Caring for your fashionable clothes to keep them in good condition can cost more money than necessary.  Here are some low cost tips to keep new 'threads' looking - well, new!

Stains:

What you use-  

Shout spray $3

Tide stain release $5-$16

Low cost options-

Ammonia $1@ Dollar Tree (perfect for blood and food stains): Mix a spray bottle with 1/2 ammonia, 1/2 water.  Spray on stains.  Also great for dingy whites and smelly clothing.  Mix equal to detergent amount with detergent in washer. DO NOT mix with bleach!

Seltzer water $1 (fresh wine stains):  Blot up excess wine. Pour a little seltzer water on stain and allow bubbles to lift stain.  Blot off and wash with warmest possible water.

Vinegar $1 (pit satins and BO-not that you would have that problem):  Use same as instructions for ammonia.

Salt $1 and concentrated lemon juice $1 (best for mildew and any other tough/set in stains):  Pour salt on stain.  Pour lemon juice over salt and allow to sit for at least 5 minutes.  Use a soft nail brush to 'scrub' out stain.  Repeat if necessary and wash.

Wrinkles or dry clean only clothing:

What you use-

Dry cleaners $1-$15 per item

Low cost options-

For wrinkles, remove dryer safe clothing immediately from dryer and hang.  Use iron or for more time efficient option use Wrinkle Release spray $4-$12 avg 20 uses

For most dry clean only clothing use Dryel dry cleaning kit @ Walmart $10-$12  per 15 garments or Bounce Dryer sheets for lightly soiled dry clean items approximately 20 uses $7 @ Walmart

DO continue to splurge on high quality laundry detergent.  Over time, cheap detergent will pill fabric and cause stress to clothing fibers.

Rips, tears, lost buttons:

What you do-

Tailor ($5-$20 per mend)

New outfit ($$$?)

Low cost options-

Mending kit $10 -lasts until you run out of thread or lose a needle!

Sewing lessons- prices vary but is an excellent investment-learn how to care for your clothing for a lifetime.  Or, try to get a friend or family member to teach you the basics for free!

Some of these low cost options require a little more time but if you have a little time to spare and a tight budget, these clothing remedies will not disappoint.

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