Caring for School Uniforms

Whether you love them or hate them, school uniforms are a reality many of us must deal with during the school year. For some, the cost of school uniforms is overwhelming. In most cases, parents find themselves having to purchase new uniforms in the middle of the school year. Reasons for mid-year new uniforms purchases may include premature wear and tear of garments, color fading, and visible stains and spots that cannot be removed. Having to purchase new uniforms for these reasons can really strain the family's finances. However, by investing a little time in the proper care and laundering of the garments, they may last the entire school year and eliminate the need to purchase new uniforms during the school year. This should be great news for you and your wallet! Southern University Ag Center researcher, Devona Dixon, provides the following tips for maintaining and caring for school uniforms.

Knit Polo-Style Shirts and Turtlenecks

Make a knit only load. Turn items inside out. Have a separate load for light and dark colors. Wash in cold water. Use a slow wash cycle. Set machine for a three to five-minute wash if possible. Line dry or tumble dry on LOW - to reduce shrinkage. Use non-chlorine bleach for light colors ONLY. Other Tips: If necessary iron on opposite side. Iron over sewn logos from the inside. Do not iron silk-screened logos! Consider using dye to restore shirts to their original color.

Peter Pan Blouses and Oxford Button Downs

Make a woven only load. Turn items inside out. Wash in warm water for five minutes. Use non-chlorine bleach only, if needed. Tumble dry on low or medium. Remove promptly. Use warm iron if necessary. Other Tips: If blouse has color piping - wash in cold. If bleeding of color should occur, wash the blouse again in cold water to remove color, and then dry.

Twill Pants and Shorts

Wash pants and shorts together. Turn items inside out. Remove contents from pockets. Wash in cold water to minimize shrinkage. Line dry or tumble dry on low setting to minimize shrinkage.

Skirts, Jumpers and Culottes

Most are made of polyester and polyester blends. It is best to read the care label. Turn inside out. Wash in warm water on the gentle cycle. Line dry or tumble dry on low-medium heat. Promptly remove. Use a warm iron if needed. Other Tips: Professional dry cleaning of pleated items is recommended at least twice during the school year.

Sweaters

Fiber content determines the best care for sweaters. First check the care label inside the garment to determine the fiber content and suggested care instructions. It is recommended that sweaters only be washed with other sweaters. Turn sweaters inside out. If the sweater is 100% cotton, wash it in cold water on the delicate cycle. It is best to lay the garment on a flat surface to allow it to air dry or tumble dry on LOW. Both drying methods minimize shrinkage. If the sweater is 100% acrylic, wash it in warm water using the delicate cycle. Tumble dry on LOW and remove promptly from the dryer. Never use bleach!

Other School Uniform Garments Suggested Care Instructions

Blazers	Dry clean only.
Fleece Jackets	Turn inside out. Wash in cold water with other fleece items and like colors. Powdered detergent is best to use for fleece. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low. Never use bleach.
Gym-wear	Machine wash cold with like colors. Use non-chlorine bleach. Tumble dry on LOW or line dry. Do not iron on silk-screen logos!
Socks	Turn inside out. Machine wash warm. Use non-chlorine bleach. Tumble dry on LOW.
Sweatshirts	Turn inside out. Use a cold water wash. Line dry or tumble dry on LOW to minimize shrinkage.
Ties	Dry clean only. If a care label is provided follow those instructions.

Understanding Clothing Labels

Are you tired of damaging clothing in the wash? Not exactly sure of the best way to wash and care for your clothes? Did you know that care labels provide essential information to care for clothing? Use the fabric care guide to prolong the life and appearance of your clothing.

Inside of nearly every piece of clothing and on clothing accessories are care labels. The care label contains recommended instructions for washing of that particular clothing or accessory item. Care labels consist of words and/or symbols. In 1997 the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) allowed manufactures of clothing to use symbols instead of written instructions on clothing care labels. The symbols shown on the left should be a helpful guide to recognizing and understanding clothing care symbols.

If consumers follow the care label instructions, their clothing should maintain its appearance, fit and feel much longer. So keep your clothes longer and care for them better by following the care label instructions. Wise consumers follow clothing care labels.

For the best washing results, the following are recommended:

• Use non-chlorine bleach
• Prevent snags by fastening hooks, buttons, zippers, and snaps
• Use dryer sheets instead of liquid fabric softener
• Pre-treat any stains before washing
• Use a quality detergent

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Information compiled and written by Devona Dixon, Research Associate, Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center. For more information please contact Dr. Grace Namwamba, Ph.D., at (225) 771-2262 x219, (225) 771-4660, grace_namwamba@subr.edu or Devona Dixon, at 225-771-2262 x224 or email: devona_dixon@suagcenter.com