Wallet-friendly wardrobe tips

(ARA) - With the return of summer comes the return of brightly colored clothing and the classic little white t-shirt. Grass stains, dirt or barbecue spills often become part of these seasonal ensembles. To keep summertime wardrobe staples looking sunny all season, stop and listen to your clothes.

Both white and colored clothing require a little extra care. According to a recent survey, 97 percent of clothing labels warn against the use of chlorine bleach, and 98 percent of white clothing labels instruct against using chlorine bleach.

By simply reading your clothing care labels, you can make a world of difference for your wallet. Switching from chlorine bleach to a safe bleach alternative like Spray 'n Wash Bright & White can help fight seasonal stains on whites and brights while keeping colors and whites looking fresh all season. The new safe bleach alternative is safe to use on your favorite garments -- even those that warn against the use of traditional chlorine bleach. You can also avoid the risk of damaging garments as a result of bleach accidents. Seventy-nine percent of consumers have experienced a chlorine bleach accident when caring for their clothes.

Reading tags can be a chore especially if you are doing laundry for the family. To ease stress on the wallet and the family, top mom and domestic blog experts share their tips to extend your wardrobe and your dime:

Take inventory
A change in seasons means uncovering clothes that have been pushed to the back of the closet since last year. According to Colleen Burns, Mom on the Run and mother of five, "You might be surprised at how many shirts or pairs of pants still fit, haven't even been worn or may fit another family member."

Treat clothing as an investment
"School uniforms are expensive and worn every day -- whether solid-colored or plaid, garments will respond well to a safe and effective bleach alternative like Spray 'n Wash Bright & White," says Burns. By eliminating the risk of chlorine bleach accidents, you're saving money and streamlining the laundry process.

Reconsider garage sales
"I've found lots of brand new items at local sales, some with tags still attached! Get there early and bring a tape measure to ensure garments will fit now or in the next few months," says Storm de la Rosa, founder of "Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife."

"Don't get caught up in 'new' versus 'new to you," says Lorie Albright of "Be Different, Act Normal" blog. "Many people have too many clothes for their kids and have to give them away before they've really been worn. At the same time, your shopping standards should be as high as if you were at the mall -- no tears, stains or holes."

For more tips to keep the entire family looking clean and bright this fall, visit www.ListenToYourClothes.com.

Share your story and win
Have you had a bleach accident that has wreaked havoc on your wardrobe? Write about it and you could win. Spray 'n Wash Bright & White is giving you the chance to win a Luxe Laundry Room Makeover valued at $10,000, including a washer and dryer, a year's supply of Spray 'n Wash Bright & White and $8,000 cash for a new wardrobe! More than 80 additional prizes will be awarded to entrants monthly through Dec. 31, 2009. To enter, visit www.ListenToYourClothes.com and share a photo or story of a chlorine bleach accident you experienced.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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