Cleaning pro reveals how you NEVER have to iron your kids’ school uniforms
With the new school year starting, all parents know that school uniforms don’t stay nice for long.
But there are ways to make sure your kids look good even without ironing their uniforms.
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From spilled food at lunch to accidents during art class, stains are inevitable at school.
Fortunately, experts have revealed some simple and effective tips to keep your uniforms looking fresh and clean.
Gwil Snook, laundry expert at AO.com, shares tips to ensure you never have to iron your kids’ school uniforms again.
Make a mark
Whether the stains come from paint or food, it is important to treat them as soon as possible.
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You can use a special stain remover or a mixture of water and sodium bicarbonate before washing.
Keep it cool
Washing your clothes at a lower temperature prevents colours from bleeding and fabrics from shrinking.
It is also wise not to use high spin speeds to protect delicate fabrics such as cardigans.
Buckle up
Always close buttons and zippers before washing to prevent clothing from getting caught on other garments or damaged during washing.
Keep it up there
Hang school uniforms as soon as they come out of the washing machine. Shake them well so that they are smooth before hanging them on the hanger.
This will prevent stubborn creases from forming. For extra crease prevention, it is best to choose a washing machine with an anti-crease program.
Spray it on
Add one part water to one part fabric softener to make your own mixture.
Mix well and spray lightly on clothes to relax the fabric so wrinkles fall out once you hang the clothes.
Don’t put it in
Store uniforms in a wardrobe that is not too full.
Clothes that are too tight have no room to breathe, causing wrinkles.
Make sure there is enough space between items so that they look neat.
Correct muffler
When using a tumble dryer, try adding a damp cloth during the last 10 minutes of the cycle.
This makes the fabric softer and removes any wrinkles.
Another trick is to throw a tennis ball in. This will help the clothes dry faster and reduce wrinkling by getting air flowing through the dryer.
Steaming
Handheld steamers are an affordable and space-saving option for removing wrinkles.
If you don’t have these, you can simply hang the items in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
The steam makes the wrinkles disappear.
How can I save money on school uniforms?
IF you are struggling to afford the cost of school uniforms or PE kit, you may be able to apply for a grant from your local council. However, the criteria for this will vary from council to council.
This is usually in the form of a one-off payment that is deposited directly into your bank account. Some councils will refund payments made to approved retailers.
You can ask your municipality what assistance is available and when you should submit an application.
If you cannot get targeted help from your municipality, there are other options to get a cheap uniform.
Contact your school to ask if they can provide you with clothing.
Some charities also offer help to families in need. Charity Turn2Us has a free grant search tool on its website that you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Thrift stores can also be a good place to find cheap school uniforms.
Packing area
For smaller or delicate garments such as socks or ties, you can use laundry bags.
These ensure that the laundry stays together and does not get lost or tangled during washing, making the washing process smoother and more efficient.
And in case of emergency…
Finally, make sure you keep an emergency stain pen in your laundry room or bag.
These handy tools are ideal for removing stains quickly and easily, allowing you to remove even the most unexpected stains immediately.
