Fit, care and budget
Clothing care 101: washing, ironing, storing
By sneakersInn team · Updated
Clothes last longer when you wash them less often and at cooler temperatures, turn them inside out, dry them in the shade rather than strong sun, iron them while slightly damp, hang shirts, trousers and jackets on good hangers, and fold knitwear. Most damage comes from heat, sun and rough handling, not from wearing.
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Iron | Store |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | 30°C, inside out | Shade, hang | Low, inside out | Fold |
| Shirts | 30 to 40°C | Hang on hanger | Medium, while damp | Hang |
| Jeans | 30°C, inside out, rarely | Hang, shade | Rarely | Fold or hang |
| Chinos | 30°C, inside out | Hang | Medium | Hang |
| Knitwear | Cold, gentle or by hand | Flat, shade | Steam only | Fold |
| Linen | 30 to 40°C, gentle | Hang, shade | Hot, while damp | Hang |
| Suits | Dry clean rarely | Air | Steam | Wide hanger |
How often should I wash clothes?
Underwear, socks and tees after each wear. Shirts after one or two wears. Trousers and chinos after several wears. Jeans rarely. Knits after a few wears unless sweaty. Suits only when stained or smelly. In Accra's heat, you'll wash tees and shirts more often; wear a vest under shirts to protect them.
Why wash cool and inside out?
Heat shrinks cotton and fades colour. Turning clothes inside out protects the outer surface from rubbing and keeps colours bright.
Why dry in the shade?
Strong sun bleaches dark colours and can yellow whites and weaken fibres. In Accra, shade-drying is usually fast enough.
How do I iron properly?
- Iron while slightly damp, or use steam.
- Use the right heat for the fabric (check the label).
- Iron shirts collar first, then cuffs, sleeves, back and front.
- Iron dark clothes inside out to avoid shine.
How should I store clothes?
- Hang shirts, trousers, jackets and suits on wooden or padded hangers.
- Fold knits and tees.
- Leave space between hangers so air moves.
- Use cedar or silica gel in humid months.
See how to keep clothes looking new in humid weather.
How do I treat stains?
Act fast, blot don't rub, and use cold water first. Test any stain remover on an inside seam.
Questions
How do I care for knitwear?
See how to wash and store knitwear.
How do I care for a suit?
See how to care for a suit so it lasts years.
How do I care for sneakers?
See how to make your sneakers last longer.