Keep your things in good condition

I havE just returned to Bahrain from my leave and thought how short it was.

I had the time of my life seeing familiar faces and more importantly, spending time with my family.
And part of the fun was really being able to go SHOPPING, SHOPPING and endless SHOPPING!
It even became a daily event for me as I was with my sisters and daughters (the best way to enjoy a stroll in the mall).
And so, with that endless “checking out” of stores I got home with all the bags you could ever imagine!
Anyway, this week’s article is all about “taking care” of your things. After spending a “small” fortune on your wardrobe, shoes, and accessories (which isn’t really the case as I know we spend a real fortune on it) it doesn’t make any sense not to keep your things in good condition.
You will end up keeping them longer and looking your best at a moment’s notice if you do. Remember you’ll never know when you need to head out of the door in a hurry. You take care of your kids, your car and your home. Why won’t you give yourself the same consideration?
It’s not that hard and it’s well worth the effort. Believe me, it will make life easier for you in the long run.
The big cleanup
Here’s how to make that wardrobe closet better.
Go through your clothes and set aside anything that you haven’t worn in two seasons.
If it doesn’t have any use to you, give it to your favourite local charity.
Toss out what doesn’t fit. Face reality. It hurts more to look at that piece of clothing that it does to clear it out.
Items you are forever attached to must be stored.
Do hang your clothes by category, colours, and outfit.
Clothes care
Always check that tab found on your clothes whether its hand wash, machine wash, or for dry cleaning.
Invest in padded hangers. Wire hangers can leave shoulder marks and ridges.
Wrap hangers in tissue paper to support heavy clothing
Keep leather and suede garments and shoes supple by treating them with protective cream.
Always iron inside out to avoid the gleam of the fabric.
Remove lint from knits and woollens by using an electric razor by shaving the surface.
Always have that stain repellent to treat your shoes and bags.
Wash or dry clean clothes before storing as moths are less attracted to clean clothes.
Dry cleaning is the best way to refresh garments.
Put bay leaves in between layers of clothes when you store them in boxes. This will keep moths away and does not leave any distasteful odour found in mothballs.
Jackets must be hung to keep them in their best shape. Stuff the arms with tissue or paper.
Make sure you always button and zip your clothing to hang properly and to maintain space in your closet.
Fold those sweaters as hanging them will cause them to mysteriously GROW!
Apply a thin coat of nail hardener of clear polish on pearl buttons to restore their lustre and make them more durable.
To remove deodorant stains, rub clothing with a small amount of ammonia before taking it to the laundry cleaners.
Use old pillow cases to protect your hanged clothes instead of buying expensive garment bags.
Perfume padded hangers add scent to your clothing.
Shoes
In the wise words of Carrie Bradshaw in the HBO TV series who happens to be my favourite character “Men I may not know, but SHOES, SHOES I know!” I must say I’m a shoe addict! My close friends can attest to that. I can never have enough of them.
So, for those of you who have loads of pairs at home or just enough to fit that rack, here are some tips to care for your shoes.
Use an old-fashioned eraser to remove grime from suede and fabric shoes.
Use a soft cloth or a brush to loosen surface dirt.
A black felt tip pen can colour in scuff marks (it always happens to me whilst walking on uneven pavements that scratch my heels)
Pull out the inner sole of your shoe or boot and let it air out once in a while.
Never ever dry your shoes near a radiator or a heating duct as this will cause the leather to crack and will make it shrink.
Go easy on the waterproofing as products in the market may cause more harm than good to your shoes.
Get rid of water marks from suede by brushing against the grain. Allow to dry and fill with tissue in order to maintain the integrity of its shape.
Erase dark marks from pale leather by dabbing nail polish remover.
Blot grease stains with paper towel. Then massage talcum powder for a few minutes say 3 to 5, and then brush with soft bristled brush.
How to clean patent leather? With a glass cleaner!
Accessories
Always stuff your hand bag with paper to maintain its shape.
For leather or suede gloves stuff fingers with paper or toilet paper tubes.
Brush your jewellery with baking soda or toothpaste. Soak your jewellery in Champagne and you will see that piece of gem with get back its shine and lustre.
Use only mild soap to clean your pearls (I use Dove)
Dab clear nail polish on top of the screws of your glasses to make it stay put.