If you have favorite items that you wear almost every day, you have probably noticed that they quickly lose their appearance. The reason for this is often improper care. In this article, we will discuss how to wash and clean delicate items. Baseball Cap In the summer, we all tend to sweat, and on particularly hot days, our hair can become dirty by the evening. Have you ever thought about how much grease accumulates on your baseball cap when you hide your head from the scorching rays? Even if the dirt is not visible at first glance, the cap can become dirty. If the stains are light, it is enough to soak it in the sink and gently squeeze it. The main thing is not to twist the brim to avoid deforming the headwear. Use a clean towel to blot the cap. However, if the cap is already visibly dirty, you need to take different actions. * Fill a clean sink with cool water and add color-safe oxygen bleach according to the instructions. * To remove stains, dip the cap in the water and apply a drop of detergent to the stain. A soft toothbrush will help gently clean the soiled area. * Soak the cap for about an hour. * Rinse it in cool clean water. Linen Clothing Linen is one of the most popular summer fabrics, known for its lightness and breathability. However, many do not know how to properly care for linen. Linen fibers are strong and durable but can be damaged with improper care. Here are some rules to keep your favorite item in order. * If the linen clothing is not too dirty but has simply lost its fresh appearance, you can refresh it with a steamer. * If the item needs to be washed, use only cold water. * A full cycle in the dryer is not suitable for linen, as it can wrinkle. Place the item in the dryer for 10 minutes on a low temperature, then hang it to dry naturally to soften it. * It is recommended to iron linen inside out to avoid shine and preserve the texture. Place the fabric between clothing and the iron and iron the linen item while it is slightly damp. Swimsuit Swimsuits are subject to heavy wear due to chemicals in pools, sunscreen, salt, sweat, and sand. If you learn how to wash swimsuits properly, you can keep them for several seasons. * Be sure to wash your swimsuit after each wear to make it last longer. * It is best to wash swimsuits by hand to prevent stretching. * Fill a sink with warm water and add a mild detergent designed for sportswear. One teaspoon is enough for washing one swimsuit. In a pinch, you can add a little white vinegar for deodorizing and antibacterial properties. * For cleaning areas with sunscreen stains, use a soft brush. * At the end of the wash, be sure to rinse the swimsuit in clean cool water and gently squeeze it by hand. * Dry it outdoors, blotting excess moisture with a terry towel. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent the color of the swimsuit from fading. Backpack If you have a school-aged child, you have probably faced the problem of a dirty backpack. Handles can leak, bananas and sandwiches can get squished, and dirty sneakers can be lying at the bottom along with notebooks. Before washing, check the care label, which is likely located in the main compartment. If the label states that the backpack should not be submerged in water, use a sponge and a little mild detergent to wipe down particularly dirty areas. If there is no label, you can wash the bag in the machine. * If there are external or internal stains, gently apply a stain remover with a toothbrush to the affected areas and leave it for 30 minutes. * Turn the backpack inside out or place it in a pillowcase or laundry bag to prevent straps and zippers from getting damaged in the machine. * Use a small amount of mild detergent and wash the backpack on a gentle cycle in cold water. If it clumps during the spin cycle, stop the machine and straighten it out. * Dry the backpack flat outdoors, as drying in a drum can damage the bag and cause tears. Before using, ensure that the backpack is completely dry to avoid unpleasant odors. Down Jacket It is recommended to wash winter clothing at the end of the season before storing it. But sometimes we forget about this, and there is a need to tidy up the items before the start of autumn. Particularly delicate items can be taken to the dry cleaners, but a down jacket can also be washed in the machine. Here’s how to do it. * Read the care labels on the fabric to find out if the down jacket can be machine washed. * Zip up all zippers and empty the pockets. Check the seams of the down jacket for strength to ensure they will not get damaged during washing. * Choose a gentle wash and the necessary spin cycle. Add a dye-free detergent. * Balance the load in the machine by adding a few towels of the same color. Occasionally stop the washing machine to remove air from the items. * Dry in the washing machine on a low temperature, adding a few tennis balls to help break up clumps of down or feathers.