33 Clever Clothing Hacks That'll Save You LOADS Of Money

33 Clever Clothing Hacks That'll Save You LOADS Of Money

We're here to help you fix, renew and prolong the life of your wardrobe to get you spending less on clothes and looking better than ever.

From fixing broken zippers to removing gum stains, there's no clothing crisis that can't be fixed with these 34 fashion hacks.

Unless you walk around wearing no clothes, you'll definitely find these clothing hacks useful.

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1. Use a razor to remove pilling from clothing

remove piling from clothes with a razor
It couldn't be easier!

There's nothing that makes clothing look more tired than pilling. A great and easy way to remove these pesky bumps is with a razor.

Place clothing on a flat surface and lightly drag the razor across the fabric to get it looking as good as new.

2. Remove ink stains using hand sanitizer

Dark ink stains are among the most daunting of all. Luckily, we have a life-saving cleaning hack for such matters - hand sanitizer.

Apply liberally over the stain from the outside in, blot to remove the ink, rub with hand soap, then wash with detergent on the hottest setting possible (check the label first).

3. Remove creases from your clothes...without an iron!

Who thought it was possible to get perfectly creaseless clothes without an iron? Well with this life hack, you certainly can.

Next time you shower, hang any items that are creased nearby. The hot steam will cause creases to fall out of clothing, and they'll look perfectly pressed by the time you're clean.

4. Prevent tights from digging in

Tights season is almost upon us - sigh.

Make sure yours are comfortable by checking out this tutorial from Melissa Esplin. It will help loosen off your tights' waistbands and get them sitting more comfortably than ever. Makeover some of your tights today, and you'll thank yourself.

5. Keep a broken zip from falling down

There's nothing that sends us into a frenzy like a broken zipper. Make sure you're not accidentally flashing by using this quick fashion hack to keep it done up.

Slide the metal ring of a key ring through the zip, fasten, then hook it over the button to keep your trousers firmly in place.

Makeover some of your tights today, and you'll thank yourself come winter.

6. Dry clothes out with a salad spinner

No tumble dryer? Get wet clothes dry fast by first spinning small items like socks, pants and tops in a salad spinner before hanging out to dry.

7. How to remove makeup stains from clothes

Makeup sure is great, until it stains your clothes that is. There's a great cleaning hack that will remove makeup stains from any top or dress.

Apply shaving foam onto the makeup stain, leave to work its magic for 10 minutes, wipe with a clean cloth, rinse with cold water then wash as normal.

8. How to prevent your jeans from fading

HOW TO PREVENT JEANS FROM FADING IN WASH
Don't let those bright blues fade.

Found a pair of perfect jeans in a gorgeous dark blue? Prevent them from fading in the wash by adding a cup of white vinegar to the washing machine drum before you start the cycle.

9. Protect delicates with net bags

We don't all have the time - or inclination - to wash lacy underwear separately. If you're worried about them getting damaged in your main wash, invest in a few net bags to help protect them.

They'll provide extra cushioning and prevent lace from catching on the drum.

10. How to wash delicates at home

Paying for professional dry cleaning can be extremely costly. Did you know you can wash your delicates at home using baby shampoo? Hand wash in cold water and they'll be lovely and clean in no time.

11. How to remove sweat stains naturally

Sweat stains are caused by a build up of perspiration and the aluminium in deodorant. To remove them at home, mix equal parts lemon juice and water, then apply liberally to the stain.

For extra power, sea salt can also be used.

12. Shine shoes using a banana

HOW TO SHINE SHOES USING LEATHER USING A BANANA SKIN
Shine those shoes!

Here's a brand new use for bananas. The inside of the skin works wonders at buffing and shining shoes. Try it!

13. Fix button gaps

Gaping gaps between buttons will quickly ruin the look of your smart shirt. To temporarily fix them into place, line the fabric with double-sided sticky tape and press down.

14. Hide bra straps

Are bra straps ruining your perfect outfit? Recycled Fashion has a great tutorial that will completely hide unsightly straps. Her simple, 'Bra Strap Concealers' will ensure your straps stay hidden so you can look flawless, whatever you're wearing.

15. How to remove gum from clothing

It doesn't happen often, but when it does it's an absolute nightmare. It needn't be, however - gum is actually surprisingly easy to remove from clothing once you know how.

Rub ice cubes over the gum to drastically cool it, then you'll be able to scrape it off using a blunted knife - easy!

16. Prevent tights from laddering

HOW TO PREVENT TIGHTS FROM LADDERING
Goodbye Summer, hello tight season!

That horrible moment when your brand new pair of tights get laddered - yikes!

Don't let it happen to you - strengthen new tights with this clever hack.

When you buy a new pair, run them under cold water, then pop them into the freezer. Defrost and dry them out, and the individual fibres will be much stronger.

17. Find your hoodie cord

If you've lost your hoodie cord, don't fret - it's not lost forever.

Take a drinking straw and push the end through the tunnel the cord is lost inside. The sturdiness of the straw should help it push the cord out the other side for you to rethread.

18. Refresh stinky shoes naturally

Don't be the one with smelly shoes - they can be freshened up at home when not in use with the help of some brewed tea bags.

Place dried bags inside your shoes after you take them off. The leaves will absorb some of those awful odours and leave shoes smelling fresh.

19. How to remove stains & marks from patent leather

Patent leather is meant to be flawless - marks or stains are a definite no-no.

Apply distilled white vinegar onto a cheesecloth and apply to patent leather in light, circular motions to get it looking brand new again.

20. Use vodka to clean jewellery

how to clean jewellery using vodka
Another use for your favourite drink.

This one is bizarre, but it's surprisingly effective!

Vodka is great for cleaning jewellery. Pop small items like rings, earrings and chains into a small dish of vodka for five minutes. Give them a wipe with a clean cloth, then rinse under water for gleaming results.

21. How to remove watermarks on leather

Keep your expensive leather bags and shoes looking great with this cleaning hack. To remove watermarks, add a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of cool water and apply to leather with a soft bristle brush until stains disappear.

Remove watermarks by adding a few drops of vinegar to a bowl of cool water, then applying to leather with a soft bristle brush until stains disappear.

22. Keep glasses screws tight

Loose glasses causing you problems?

A great way to tighten them up is to apply a very thin layer of clear nail varnish directly onto screws. It will keep everything nice and tight and you looking chic.

23. Fix flip-flops with this amazing life hack

Don't let broken flip flops ruin your fun!

If your flip flops happen to break, there are numerous ways to fix them. Check out Tip Tip Flip Flops repair ideas for all your needs.

24. Remove grease stains on clothes with talcum powder

Hide any evidence of your greasy lunch with this sneaky cleaning hack.

Apply talcum powder onto grease stains with a powder puff then rub in circular motions. Brush off, and repeat as required until the stain disappears.

25. How to stretch new shoes

New shoes? If they're a little on the tight side, you can stretch them out a bit using a hairdryer.

Put on a thick pair of Winter socks followed by your new shoes. Now, use the hairdryer to blast over them. This will cause the leather to loosen around the socks, so when you remove them your shoes will be larger.

26. Use ketchup to clean jewellery

Another way to get jewellery sparkling at home is using ketchup.

Fill a small dish with ketchup, add your items, and leave to soak for 10 minutes. If there are small crevices or diamonds, you may wish to use an old toothbrush to really get into these nooks and crannies.

27. Iron collars and cuffs with straighteners

HOW TO IRON SHIRT COLLAR WITH STRAIGHTENERS
Handy!

Don't bother getting your whole ironing board out for the odd crease or two.

Smooth out shirt collars, cuffs and even the odd crease using your straighteners. Just be sure not to use them on delicate fabrics.

28. Fix rubber soles with a puncture repair kit

Leaky wellingtons? These rubber soles can be fixed just as your rubber bike tires would be - with a puncture repair kit.

29. How to remove grass stains

A game of football might get you in your kids' good books, but it will leave you looking a right old mess.

To remove grass stains, wet the stain with warm water. Then, mix one tbsp dish soap with two tbsp hydrogen peroxide and apply to the stain. Leave to sit for 10 minutes before laundering as usual.

30. How to unshrink clothes fast

If you catch shrunk clothing fast, you may just be able to salvage it.

Place the shrunk item in lukewarm water, then add one tbsp of hair conditioner, stir, and soak for 30 minutes. Whilst the fabric is still submerged, gently stretch out the piece of fabric to its original shape and size.

Rinse in cold water, then lay out flat to dry.

31. Loosen a stuck zipper

Is your zipper getting stuck? Take a wax colouring crayon in a neutral tone, and run it over the zip. It will provide lubrication meaning the zipper can slide more easily along it.

32. Prevent gym shorts from rising with this clever hack

Short shorts are the best way to stay cool when exercising, but it can be so annoying when they start to rise.

Gros Grain has a really unique and clever tutorial to fix this problem using felt. Go check it out now for the comfiest workouts ever.

33. How to make shoes water resistant

water resistant
Puddles? No problem!

Forget the expensive sprays, this is the way forward. This life hack is a dream come true. You can now make your shoes water resistant at home, using just a candle and hairdryer - wow!

I can't wait to try some of these amazing clothing tips. Which is your favourite?

Stephanie C

Editor

Lover of all things fashion & foodie...I look to satisfy my tastes without obliterating my budget. Wannabe interior designer, I'm an avid cushion cover maker and charity shop hunter.

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  1. Author Karen Thomson on August 28, 2017 at 7:16 pm

    Will definitely try the stretching shoes tip.Have a fab pair of red leather loafers ,which i`ve wanted to wear for ages.Had them stuffed with newspaper and socks to no avail! Thanks for the tip.

    1. Author Stephanie C on August 29, 2017 at 12:30 pm

      Hi Karen. The shoe-stretching tip is a great one - worked with my patent black loafers. Let me know how you get on :)

    Reply
  2. Author Baytrees on August 28, 2017 at 9:28 pm

    Love the idea of using bicycle puncture repair kit to fix leaky Wellingtons, then freshen them up with tea bags and finish off by cleaning with a banana. Reshape the shrunken socks with conditioner and spin them in a salad spinner for quicker drying time, now ...are we all ready for the chilly wet winter walks , nah.....I rather sit under my cosy blanket reading expert home tips

    1. Author Stephanie C on August 29, 2017 at 12:31 pm

      Hi there. Thanks a lot for your kind comments. A cosy blanket in front of the winter fire with Expert Home Tips to read sounds great! :)

    Reply
  3. Author Lucy on August 29, 2017 at 3:16 pm

    I'm glad we have a tumble dryer because we certainly don't have a salad spinner, is that an American thing?

    1. Author Stephanie C on August 30, 2017 at 2:07 pm

      I have a salad spinner Lucy! Great for washing large quantities for BBQs etc :)

    2. Author Susan Bowden on August 30, 2017 at 11:11 pm

      I bought mine in Poundland.

    Reply
  4. Author Lesley H on September 1, 2017 at 9:39 pm

    Loads of great tips in this article - I will definitely be using the shoe stretching, tights proofing and removing grass stains - genius - thank you.

    1. Author Stephanie C on September 5, 2017 at 11:22 am

      Hi Lesley. Really glad you enjoyed my tips. The shoe stretching method really is genius! Thanks for stopping by :)

    Reply
  5. Author Alice Payet on November 6, 2017 at 11:28 am

    Have a lot of jewellery that needs cleaning. Will try the ketchup. It is so very expensive at the jeweller.

    1. Author Stephanie C on November 7, 2017 at 9:14 am

      Hi Alice. Ketchup will save you loads of money! Let us know how you get on :)

    Reply
  6. Author Andree Michaels on January 9, 2018 at 5:00 am

    Do you know how i can shrink my cardigan which is way too big

    1. Author Stephanie C on January 15, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      Hi Andree. If it's made of wool, you could shrink it by washing it at 30°C or above. However, there's no way to determine how much your cardigan will shrink, so we wouldn't recommend relying on this method. I hope this helps :)

    Reply
  7. Author Jacky Montgomery on June 3, 2019 at 10:20 am

    Wouldn't the salad spinner be a replacement for the spin cycle on the washing machine, not a tumble dryer? Also damn sure the proper jewellery cleaning stuff is way cheaper than vodka - and also....what a waste of good alcohol (and also I never have spare alcohol hanging around.......it goes off if you don't drinkit straight away :P lol)

    1. Author Joanne A on June 3, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      Hi Jacky! Yes, I can imagine the salad spinner would only really work for initial rinsing. I doubt that it would fully dry garments. Jewellery cleaning products may well be cheaper - we've just written this with leftover and wasted alcohol in mind.

    Reply
  8. Author Cali on November 13, 2020 at 8:06 am

    Just wondering about the white vinegar in the washing machine drum to stop jeans fading. Would this work for colours, especially black, to stop those fading too, so I wouldn't have to dye them?

    1. Author Joanne A on February 15, 2023 at 4:56 pm

      White vinegar can help set the dye in fabric and prevent colour fading in jeans and other coloured garments, including black clothes. To use vinegar to avoid colour fading, add 1/2 to 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle of your washing machine.

    Reply
  9. Author Anne Liversidge on September 4, 2023 at 8:29 pm

    I have always washed my jeans inside out at 30°C and have no problem with fading. My daughter and I both bought a pair of identical jeand, her's were slightly faded after only one wash but mine are still the same colour as when they were new; surfice to say, she turns them inside out every time now.

    1. Author Joanne A on September 19, 2023 at 9:54 am

      The difference in fading between your jeans and your daughter's may be due to various factors, including the quality of the jeans, washing frequency, and detergent used. It's good practice for your daughter to wash her jeans inside out and take other precautions to preserve their colour.

    Reply

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