Mend, Don't Spend!

Mending clothes is a task that can seem daunting. Today it is quick and easy to replace our damaged clothes with new ones, but nowadays we also have access to endless videos and how-to guides to help us get more wear out of our well-loved clothes. Below are some simple ways to help us get the most wear out of our favourite items. 

Removing stains 

Often when our clothes get stained, we automatically think they are ready for the bin, however, that is not always the case. There are lots of tips and tricks out there to help us try to remove stains and continue wearing clothes using products that might already be in our cupboards.  Removing sun cream stains – Sun cream stains are caused by the oil in the sun cream. 

1. Apply washing up liquid to the stain and rub it in quite vigorously with your hand 

2. Rinse with cold water 

3. Make a solution of half cold water and half white vinegar and leave the stained part of the garment to soak in the solution for 1 hour 

4. Wash as normal in the washing machine 

5. If the stain is still there, repeat the process 

6. Hang to dry in the sun if possible as the sun is a natural bleach and will help to brighten the spot where the stain was 

Removing make-up stains  

1. Rub shaving foam into the make-up stain using your hand 

2. Rinse the shaving foam off the garment with cold water 

3. Rub in shaving foam into the stain again 

4. Finally, rinse in hot water 

These tricks are not guaranteed to work, but there are plenty of other alternative methods out there to try. 

Fixing a zip pull 

Have you ever been wearing a jacket zipped up when the zip pull comes off? It can be a worrying few seconds as you imagine wearing that same jacket in your next job interview, on your next holiday and as pyjamas for the rest of your life. Hopefully after the first few seconds of fear, you come to realise it is a simple fix!  As an emergency fix (or as a long-term fix if it is your style), you could use a paperclip. Alternatively, you can feed a piece of wool, part of a round shoelace or an old hair bobble through the zip and tie in a knot. A key ring can work great too. 

Sewing on a button 

Sewing can seem like a complicated task, however, you just need the basic skills to sew on a button. All you need is a button, some thread and a needle. Check out this video - Sewing on a button, as featured in June’s Eco Newsletter, for a simple how-to guide. 

So whether you are wanting to save money, or save the environment - why not give mending your clothes a go, and don't spend!

#GoGreen