One of my favorite things to pull out of the closet every winter is the cozy flannel button-up I got for just 25 cents at a thrift store a few years ago. Obviously, it wasn't in the best shape to start out with, but that's what made it extra comfy!
After my own wear and tear, though, it's definitely needed some patching up. I usually bug my mom to bust out her needle and thread and make quick work of any rips or holes that need mending, but I'm beginning to realize there are some things adults should really just know how to do for themselves rather than knocking on mom or grandma's door.
Of course, that doesn't mean we can't go to them to learn a thing or two first. It just makes sense to head to the source when it comes to making our clothes last longer, instead of saying goodbye to that favorite item before we're ready to let it go.
Take a look and let us know if we missed any other easy fixes your mom or grandma taught you.
And don't forget to SHARE with your friends and friends so that they can salvage their favorite garment!
Thumbnail sources: Flickr, YouTube
1. Wash Clothes Inside Out
Grandma knows this will protect any vulnerable patches, ribbons, decals, or other details on the outside from being rubbed against by the other items in the washer, keeping them from detaching or fading away for a bit longer.
2. Zip Up Before Tossing In The Wash
Same goes with any tie strings or other fasteners that could snag on the other clothing in your load and create a rip while washing.
3. Use A Razor To Depill Fabric
Our grandmas might have used a straight razor, but a cheap disposable one will do the trick if you're not wanting to invest in one of the more expensive fabric shaver gadgets.
4. Refresh Faded Colors
Dying or tinting your clothes might seem daunting, but it's really a simple way to bring the dull colors back to life without spending money on a whole new item.
5. Use Glue On Pesky Holes
Grandma can tell you that using a needle and thread on tiny snags can bring more attention to them than they would on their own, which is why using fabric glue to carefully fuse the thread together is a better solution.
6. Use A Needle To Fix Snagged Threads
This happens to me constantly when my rings catch on fabric, but all you need is a needle and spare thread to transfer the unsightly snag onto the other side of your clothing as shown in this helpful tutorial.
7. Fix Shoe Soles With A Bike Tire Repair Kit
Grandma knew the importance of being resourceful, and that included using something as simple as a tire repair kit. While she may not have run to the bike store for a kit, she probably did have equally sturdy options in the garage or tool shed that would do the same thing, rather than letting a perfectly good pair of shoes go to waste.
Simply pick the right sized tab from the kit and use the adhesive to cover up any worn areas of the shoe's sole.
8. Rinse Workout Clothes In Vinegar
Use vinegar as a rinse on any clothes that have gotten particularly sweaty, like from working outside in the yard or just dealing with summer heat. First, make sure you're not mixing family members' clothing together in the wash, or you might end up with their residual smell lingering on your clothes on top of your own.
Then toss your clothes in for a cold prerinse with one cup of white vinegar, setting the machine to "quick wash" or "rinse only." Once the cycle is done, add your normal detergent and one cup of baking soda and wash as you regularly would. This will keep you from having to toss them out so soon!
9. Deodorize Shoes With Dryer Sheets
You can also keep your shoes around longer if you get rid of any funk by either walking around with half a sheet in each shoe, or simply placing them in before you go to bed at night and waking up to a much fresher smelling pair for your feet to enjoy the next morning.
10. Change Clothes When You Get Home
It used to be normal practice for folks to change out of their daily work gear, whether it was a suit or a uniform, and into something more relaxing as soon as they got home. Grandma can tell you all about how this not only helped them feel more comfortable while off the clock, but also kept the special duds from getting dinner stains or snags on them in the meantime.
Did we miss any ways you swear by to help your clothes last longer? Let us know below and be sure to SHARE with your friends!
