Your essential casual clothes clean and care guide

We've all got that favourite T-shirt that's been with us through thick and thin, somehow surviving multiple charity shop clearouts and remaining a solid wardrobe staple all these years. It's the one that fits just right, feels like a second skin, and no matter how many times it's been washed, is still your go-to.

But let's be real - regardless of how much we love these everyday essentials, we don't always give them the care they deserve. From jeans and jumpers to those knackered old T-shirts, knowing how to look after your wardrobe classics can make a world of difference.

In this guide, we'll share some simple tips to help you keep your go-to gear in top shape, show you how to get sweat stains out of a T-shirt - and even show you how to fold a T-shirt, jumper, and trousers properly so they stay comfy, fresh, and looking their best.

The basics of washing

If you want your clothing to last for years, you’ve got to nail down a proper washing routine. Here’s how to get it right:

• Sort your load properly - Always separate darks from lights and heavier items from your delicates. As we all know, those seemingly innocent red socks are actually little devils when it comes to sharing their dye!

• Check those labels - Don’t just wing it; check the label. Those symbols tell you whether to wash in cold or warm water or even to skip the machine altogether. When in doubt, cold water is the way to go - it's kinder on your fabrics and colours.

• Turn 'em inside out - It’s a simple habit, but flipping your clothes inside out helps protect printed designs and reduces wear on the outside. This trick's especially handy for graphic T-shirts and anything that might rub against other clothes.

• Don't overdo the washing liquid - A little goes a long way. Using too much won't make your clothes cleaner - it just leaves a residue that can dull the fabric over time.

• Air-dry when possible - Air-drying is the gentlest way to go and saves on energy. If you need to use a tumble dryer, stick to a lower heat setting and take clothes out while they’re still slightly damp to avoid shrinkage.
  
  

TOG Top Tip: Heavy clothes, like hoodies and knitted jumpers, keep their shape better when dried flat rather than hung, which can stretch the shoulders.

How to get sweat stains out of T-shirts

So, you’ve pulled your favourite white T-shirt out of the wash only to notice those yellowish patches under the arms - everyone’s been there! But don’t worry, learning how to get sweat stains out of T-shirts is easier than you might think.

What causes those yellow marks? Well, despite what you might think, they aren’t just sweat. Those yellow marks are actually caused by your sweat mixing with your deodorant (specifically the aluminium within some deodorants), which then reacts with the fabric.

Luckily, there are plenty of options available to get rid of yellow stains without resorting to harsh chemicals:

The bicarbonate of soda method:

• Mix equal parts bicarbonate of soda (yes, the type you use for baking) and water to make a paste

• Rub it gently onto the stained area

• Let it sit for 30-60 minutes

• Rinse with cold water, then wash as usual
  
  

The vinegar method:

• Mix one part white vinegar with two parts water

• Soak the stained areas for about 30 minutes

• Give it a gentle scrub

• Wash as usual
  
  

TOG Top Tip: For white T-shirts, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to either mix above. The natural acids help break down the stain and brighten up your whites.

Remember, the quicker you tackle sweat stains, the easier they'll be to remove. Don't let them sit for weeks before dealing with them - a quick rinse before laundry day can save your favourite T-shirt!

How to get white T-shirts white again

There’s nothing like a fresh, white T-shirt, but keeping them looking bright can be a challenge. Thankfully, bicarbonate of soda (sometimes called baking soda), vinegar, and whiteners are here to help. Here’s how to get your white T-shirts white again - without the need for harsh bleach:

The Oxygen Booster

Give your whites a boost with an oxygen-based whitener (like Vanish). Just throw a scoop in with your regular washing liquid and run your wash as usual. They’re kinder to clothes than bleach but still handle those dull spots.

Bicarbonate of Soda

Chuck a good handful of bicarbonate of soda right into the washer drum before you start the cycle. Alternatively, mix half a cup (around 250g) of it with a basin of water and let your whites soak for about an hour before tossing them in a proper whites cycle.

Vinegar

Distilled white vinegar works wonders for brightening whites and shifting any funky odours. You can mix it with hot water and let your T-shirts soak for an hour - or even overnight if they need a proper boost. If you’re in a rush, just add a splash straight into your machine with your washing liquid.

TOG Top Tip: After washing, hang your whites out in the sunshine. The UV rays naturally bleach and brighten them - it’s like getting free bleach without any of the harsh chemicals!

How to fold a T-shirt

A well-folded wardrobe isn't just satisfying to look at - it also keeps your clothes in better nick and makes getting dressed a doddle. Here’s how to fold your T-shirts and everyday bits like a pro:

The quick T-shirt fold

1. Lay your T-shirt flat, face down

2. Imagine a line running from the middle of the shoulder to the bottom hem

3. Pinch the shirt at the shoulder and halfway down the line

4. While pinching the shoulder, move your same hand to the hem and pinch, crossing your arms in the process

5. Quickly uncross your arms (while pinching) to create a neat fold with the sleeves tucked in

6. Fold in half again if needed for space-saving reasons
   
   

Folding jumpers without stretching

1. Lay your jumper flat on its front

2. Fold the arms straight across the chest and then fold half of the arm down to the side, creating a sort of triangle at the top

3. Tuck the sides in towards the centre

4. Fold the bottom up once or twice, depending on its thickness
   
   

Crease-free trousers

1. Hold at the waistband and line up the inside leg seams

2. Fold them in half (so that they look like one long trouser leg)

3. Fold in half lengthways

4. Fold from bottom to top in thirds
   
   

Looking after your everyday clobber doesn’t need to be a pain. Even picking up just one or two of these tips will help your favourite bits last longer and look loads better. Decent casual clothes, like the ones from TOG24, are made to stick around - as long as you treat them right!

Fancy getting the rest of your wardrobe up to shape while you're on this cleaning spree? We’ve put together some brilliant guides on cleaning your gym kit, keeping your waterproof jacket in excellent condition, and caring for your down jacket. Give them a read, and your future self (and your clothes) will thank you!

If your everyday jeans and jumpers are starting to look a bit tired, it might be time to freshen things up. Our collection is full of classics, from men’s casual jackets to women’s casual trousers, that are comfy, practical, and made to last. Check them out online or swing by your local TOG24 store today.