photo by bilbord99

Clothes are expensive. The first reader tip shares a way to make them last longer. Follow the fabric labels for proper care instructions.
I also suggest:
– Use the gentle cycle when possible.
– Put on an apron or older clothes when cooking to prevent stains. And if you do get a stain, address it as soon as possible.
– Change out of work clothes when you get home so there’s less wear on your good clothes.
– Zip up zippers, and close any Velcro fasteners to prevent snags and pulls.
– Entirely or partially air-dry clothes.

DRYING TIP: Avoid overdrying clothing in the dryer. Not only is that wasted energy; it’s beating fibers from your clothing. If you have a combination load, remove lightweight or synthetics items before the load is completely dry, too. –Karen, Kansas

REFASHION ODD SOCKS: If you have babies/toddlers and you have a mismatched adult-sized knee sock, you can make your own “BabyLegs” (leg warmers and protection for crawling) by just cutting the sock off right above where the foot is! If you’re handy, you can sew the bottom. Otherwise, it just rolls a bit, but it is still cute and functional. — Jenn, Texas

ALL-PURPOSE CLEANER: I have used this for years, and the cleaning power is amazing. Take a spray bottle, and add some ammonia (depends on size of bottle), 1/4 cup for a 2-quart bottle. Fill with water, and then add a squeeze of dish soap. That’s it! Also, while I am on the subject, did you know that you could use windshield-wiper fluid, which is usually less than $1 a gallon, as window cleaner? It’s available at big-box stores in the automotive department. — Erika, Florida

FACIAL POWDER: I have found that using a Kabuki brush to put on powder foundation gives me the “bare essentials” look with a cheaper powder. I think the key is the brush. I have used a variety of drugstore powders with great success. — Oreo, Florida

REMOVE MICROWAVE SMELL: To get any odor out of your microwave, sprinkle a handful of fresh coffee grounds in it, close the door, and wait about an hour. Wipe grounds out, and you have a fresh microwave with no odor. — Mona, North Carolina

REMOVE HAIRSPRAY BUILDUP: I don’t wash my hair every day (lazy), so when I do wash it, there’s a buildup of hairspray. I wet my hair, put some baking soda in the palm of my hand, and apply it like I would shampoo (if there’s a lot of buildup, I add white vinegar to the mix), rinse it out, and shampoo as usual. If I do use the vinegar, there’s no lasting odor from it. — Sharon V., e-mail

REMOVE TAR: You recently had someone ask how to remove tar from clothing. You recommended WD-40. I have a better solution, and it removes more than tar and doesn’t stink like oil. It’s hand cleaner, the type mechanics use to clean their hands. It takes out practically everything on your clothing. Just rub it in and wash. I have taken out set-in permanent marker from a shirt. It took a couple of tries, but it came out. — Shayne, Washington

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