cleaning

Always follow the care advice on the label. When the label says “dry clean only,” it means dry clean only. Tailored or structured pieces like wool suits, jackets and coats, or any piece with intricate sequins or embellishment also should be dry cleaned. Use a dry cleaner with an on-site facility. Find out when they change the chemicals and filters, and take your garments in on the day they change the chemicals. Depending on the garment, some natural fibers—cashmere, corduroy, wool, and silk—can be gently hand washed in cool water.

Do not use hangers when air-drying your sweaters. Whether wet or even slightly damp, they are too heavy and the fabric will pull and stretch, especially at the shoulders.

lingerie

Lingerie is sheer and delicate, which in laundry terms means “fragile.” Wash bags help protect them, and the round design reduces wrinkles. Alternately, consider washing lingerie by hand, and always remember to wash delicate items in cool water, because heat destroys fine fabrics.

stain removal

What do you do if you’ve spilled wine on yourself?
Using a dry white napkin, soak up as much liquid as possible from the surface before it’s absorbed, then dab on cold water so the stain stays damp and doesn’t set. Never rub.

packing

Lay out everything you expect to take, including your suitcase. If you've been on a vacation of the same duration before, remember what you didn't use or wear, and leave it behind. When you travel, anything extra is just dead weight.

Pack in plastic. Friction causes wrinkling, and plastic reduces friction. Dry-cleaner bags are especially handy for this. Hanger items should be packed in individual bags. And remember to leave room for the things you will inevitably purchase during your travels.

Pack small liquid toiletries, prescription medicines, an extra pair of eye glasses, contact lenses or sunglasses, and your camera in your carry-on bag. It’s also a good idea to include a change of clothing in case you and your luggage get separated.

closet organization

Organize your clothing by color, so it’s easier to find the red sweater to go with the black pants. Before placing items back in your closet, hang them temporarily in a different location to air out.

shoes

Use a shoe tree to keep your shoes’ original shape. Make sure the tree you select is made to fit the shape of the shoe, or it will eventually distort the shape of the shoe.

handbags

Help your fabulous handbags retain their shape – especially the corners – by stuffing them with clean tissue paper and placing them in a dust-bag so the exterior remains intact. (A pillowcase will work too.) Store patent leather items separately, because patent leather will rub off.

jewelry

Be careful not to put on your jewelry until after you’ve applied your makeup, perfume, and hairspray. Be sure to take off your rings before you apply hand or body lotion.

Don’t store your pearls with other jewelry. They are easily scratched when metal or gemstones rub against them.

All jewelry can be very fragile, so try to have settings tested several times a year for jewelry that is worn often.

spring cleaning

Go through your closets once a year and purge anything you have not worn in a year or more.

winter storage

Clothing is best maintained in the same conditions we like to live. Hand-wash or dry clean all of your winter clothes prior to storage. This will eliminate larvae, as well as any skin, hair and stain residues that encourage future deposits. Place folded or rolled garments in large plastic containers equipped with air-tight lids. Look for sizes that are easy to stack in the far corners of your closet, attic, basement or garage. Store clothes in sealed plastic bin liners if containers are not an option. Cardboard boxes and paper shopping bags offer moths too many entry points, and are too porous to prevent water seepage.

summer storage

Store summer clothes in large plastic zip bags under the bed.