AS the new school year kicks off, all parents know that school uniforms never stay pristine for very long.
But there are ways to ensure your kids look the part, even without ironing their uniform.
From lunchtime spills to art class accidents, stains are inevitable in school life.
Luckily, experts have revealed some simple and effective tips to keep those uniforms looking fresh and clean.
Here, Gwil Snook, laundry expert at AO.com, has revealed tips for meaning you never have to iron your kids school uniform again.
Making a mark
Whether they’re from paint or food, it’s essential to treat stains as quickly as possible.
You can either use a dedicated stain remover or a mixture of water and bicarbonate of soda before washing.
Keep it cool
Washing your items at a cooler temperature prevents colours from bleeding and keeps fabrics from shrinking.
It’s also worth avoiding high-speed spin cycles to protect delicate materials like cardigans.
Fasten up
Before washing, always fasten buttons and zips to prevent snagging on other items or damage during the cycle.
Hanging on in there
Hang school uniforms up as soon as they come out of the washing machine, giving them a good shake to smooth out the items before you place them on the hanger.
This will prevent stubborn creases from setting in. For added wrinkle prevention, look for a washing machine with an anti-crease program.
Spritz it up
Add one part water to one part fabric softener to make your own.
Mix well and spray lightly onto clothes to help relax the fabric so wrinkles simply drop out once you hang them up.
Don’t pack it in
Store uniforms in a wardrobe that isn’t overcrowded.
Tightly packed clothing doesn’t have room to breathe, leading to creases.
Ensure there’s enough space between items to keep them looking neat.
Proper dampener
When using a tumble dryer, try adding a damp cloth during the last 10 minutes of the cycle.
This softens the fabric and helps loosen any remaining wrinkles.
Another trick is to toss in a tennis ball, which helps clothes dry faster and reduces wrinkling by moving air around the dryer.
Steaming
Handheld steamers are an affordable and space-saving option for removing creases.
If you don’t have one, simply hang the items in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
The steam will help release the wrinkles.
How can I save money on school uniforms?
IF you are struggling to afford the cost of school uniform or PE kit, you may be able to apply for a grant from your local council - but the criteria vary from council to council.
This is usually in the form of a one-off payment paid directly into your bank account. Some councils will reimburse payments made to approved retailers.
You can ask your local council what help is available and when you need to apply.
If you can’t get targeted help from your council, there are other options to get cheap uniform.
Speak to your school to see if they can offer you some clothing.
Some charities offer help to families in need too. Charity Turn2Us has a free grants search tool on its website which you can use to find out what help is available to you.
Charity shops can also be a good place to find cheap school uniform.
Bagging area
For smaller or delicate items like socks or ties, use mesh laundry bags.
These help to keep them together and prevent them from getting lost or tangled during the wash, making the process smoother and more efficient.
And in emergencies…
Finally, keep an emergency stain removal pen in your laundry room or bag.
These handy tools are perfect for treating stains on the go, ensuring that even the most unexpected spills are taken care of right away.
