The New Easy Care Lifestyle

In today's hectic lifestyle who has time to go to the drycleaners. Or for others who can afford the drycleaners? Many apparel items are now being made for easy care. Of course there will always be the wool suit but often they only need to be dry cleaned about once or twice a year. I have time for that. But if you want one less thing to do - try easy care clothing. Ever since my experience in Romania did I learn that some wool items can be washed in the machine since their machines have a cycle for that. Since I've been back in the states I have been able to manage without the dry cleaners. Here are some tips that will help you:

• Choose clothing that says specifically that it can be machine washed. For example, Land's end has linen shirts that can be washed.

• Chico's, the clothing store, sells most items that can be machine washed such as linen tops and bottoms and suits.

• When washing something that is lined, make sure that it will react the same as the fashion fabric. I have a suit I washed and the lining shrunk, so I have to redo it.

• When washing wool have your machine set on delicate hand wash for 6 minutes or less. Or you can put it a wash bag to protect it during the wash process. DO NOT PUT IT IN THE DRYER.

• Most synthetics are washable but polyester is oliophilic which means oil from your hands, salad dressing and such will stick to it. These are instances where you might need to use a dry cleaner.

• Most in-home dry cleaning products are not effective in cleaning clothes, don't waste your money.

• To prevent bleaching your clothing when using a detergent with bleach alternative, make sure that the cleaner is well mixed in the water.

• Make sure to read the label and if you do not understand the nature of fabrics you might want to check the web for information or get a book. Otherwise, follow the directions on the care label.

• Realize whether you dry clean or machine wash your clothes they will show wear over time.

• Now companies have produced dryers with a compartment to hang-dry items which makes it convenient as an alternative.

• Check the care labels before buying to be sure that easy care is part of maintaining the item. Land's End and Talbots now have clothing items that resist wrinkles and stains. Remember perma-press?

• Remember that taking care of your clothes is half of maintaining you image. Make sure that it's easy for your busy lifestyle.