School wear in Australia can be expensive, especially if you have to keep replacing it. This is because school wear is often customised for specific schools and because it is made from premium materials to ensure its quality and longevity. Nonetheless, school uniforms tend to take a beating. Therefore, it is important to do everything you can to ensure that they remain in good condition for as long as possible so that they last. Here are some tips to help you keep your kids’ school uniforms from wearing out too quickly.
Washing And Ironing
As with any laundry, you should always consult the care labels attached to the uniform before washing it. Importantly, make sure to use the right temperature and cycle for the fabric so that it doesn’t shrink. Usually, it’s best to simply wash in cold water, as this will prevent colours from running and also minimise the risk of clothes shrinking.
Generally, it is best to avoid using bleaches or fabric softeners, as these can damage or weaken the fibres of the material. Fabric softeners tend to leave a residue that builds up and causes the clothes to lose shape, while both fabric softeners and bleach can cause discolouration.
Always wash uniforms separately from your children’s usual clothing to help keep uniforms looking pristine and to reduce the risk of colours running. Use a colour-specific detergent if you want your colours to last as long as possible. Blazers, skirts, trousers and jumpers can be machine-washed, but use cold water and the delicate cycle for the best results.
When it comes to ironing, you should always try to iron your uniform while it is still slightly damp. Doing so will help remove stubborn wrinkles and creases with ease, making it look neat and presentable. Uniforms can burn if settings are too high and can look untidy if done poorly.
General Care
Using deodorants, antiperspirants and other sprays can leave marks on the uniform. Excessive use of antiperspirants, in particular, can leave a residue buildup that can permanently ruin the clothing. It’s always best to apply these kinds of products before getting dressed and then allow them time to dry before donning the uniform.
Kids love to just dump their clothes on the floor after school. However, ensure that the uniform is always hung up after wearing it. Some items like jumpers or t-shirts ‒ anything with elasticised necks ‒ should be folded rather than hung as this will prevent the neck from being stretched out of shape. Hanging or folding will help to prevent creases and keep the uniform looking fresh for longer.
Lastly, ensure that any tears or holes are mended as soon as they appear. This will prevent them from getting worse.
How to Remove Stains from School Uniforms
Stains can be a hassle to get out and can sometimes lead to clothes looking worse because of excessive cleaning. If you notice stains, it is important to treat them timeously with stain removers or washing detergents.
Before washing, soak any stains in water. Washing-up liquid is a go-to stain remover. Before using a new product on the entire garment, try it out on a small, hidden section first.
How to Dry School Uniforms Without Damaging Them
Avoid shrinkage by tumble-drying school uniforms on the lowest heat and the shortest cycle possible. When taking school uniforms out of the dryer, it’s ideal to do so while they’re still damp to prevent them from getting too creased.
Special Care for Blazers and Formal Uniform Items
Blazers, skirts, trousers and jumpers can be machine-washed on a cold, delicate cycle. Dry clean blazers and coats on a semiannual basis — this will increase the longevity of those things. Home dry cleaning kits are available, making cleaning blazers and other items convenient if you can’t make it to the dry cleaners.
Repairs, Buttons and Labelling
Ensure that any tears or holes are mended as soon as they appear. This will prevent them from getting worse.
Make sure your kid’s school uniform buttons are working properly. If you see that a button isn’t staying put, give it a few more stitches so it doesn’t come undone.
Labelling all of their school uniform items — from outerwear like coats and hats to clothing like pants, skirts, shirts and cardigans, as well as their sports clothing — is a must. There will always be mix-ups because everyone wears the same uniform. If you label your school uniform items, you have a fighting chance of getting them back if they go missing.
Teaching Your Child to Look After Their Uniform
Teaching your children to respect their uniforms can go a long way in keeping them in excellent condition. You can set a rule that as soon as they get home, they change into casual clothing. This will prevent possible accidents and stains from developing.
By reinforcing the importance and expense of school uniforms to your children, they are likely to take pride in how they look in them and can encourage them to iron frequently. While this is a good habit to instil in them, ironing or steaming with care is important.
A Simple Year-Round Uniform Care Routine
Before you run out to buy more uniforms that your child will no doubt outgrow in a few months, start maintaining them from day one.
Every week:
- Wash uniforms separately from other clothing
- Check for any stains, tears, or loose buttons and deal with them immediately
End of each school term:
- Do a full inspection — check for wear, fraying seams, and whether items still fit
- Wash and air-dry everything before storing over the break
Once or twice a year:
- Professionally dry-clean blazers and coats
- Assess whether any items need replacing before the new term starts
For high-quality school wear, contact us at The Uniform Company today!