It’s time to put the beach bag away and pull out the backpack. Back-to-school shopping is in full swing, and new clothes are always on the list. But be forewarned! These are a “must have” and platform tennis shoes are magazine cover material this year.

No matter the latest fashion trend, we know that fall closet finds need to be kept looking smart all year round. Here are some tips that never go out of style.

Keep Stains Off the First Day School Outfit

While we wish clothes stayed store perfect, life happens. Specifically, school lunches, recess, gym class and the like take a toll on new back-to-school clothes. Here are a few options to remove stains without too much hassle:

  • Pizza Friday in the cafeteria. For food grease stains, apply baking soda to the stain to absorb the grease. Then lift it from the fabric with a clean cloth and dish soap.
  • Art class: For markers or ink stains, keep rubbing alcohol in the laundry room to blot the stain with a paper towel. To make sure it doesn’t bleed through to the back, put a paper towel in between the fabric.
  • Fitness test in gym class: Sweat can become a quick enemy to your kids’ gym clothes or athletic wear. Lemon juice and water are your friend. Allow the acidic water to sit and settle in the stain to produce the best results.

Find more stain removal tips for back-to-school messes.

Stop Fall Colors From Fading

The hot colors this fall season are coral, olive green, burnt orange, mustard yellow, warm pink, terracotta, and rust. Keeping their colors true will be a challenge.

  • Don’t overfill your washer. Not only will clothes come out cleaner, but they’ll also be exposed to less friction.
  • Add 1 cup of vinegar to the rinse cycle or one-half cup salt to the wash to help hold in colors.
  • Use color-catcher sheets, which trap extraneous dyes during the wash cycle to prevent bleeding.
  • Don’t overstuff your dryer. Clothes will dry faster and last longer.

Unshrink Fall Favorites

Jeans will always be a mainstay for fall. If they shrink, don’t overthink, try these tips instead.  

  • Baby shampoo: Add jeans to a basin of lukewarm water mixed with a small amount of baby shampoo. Soak for about 30 minutes. Wring out as much moisture as possible and allow them to air dry.
  • Bath time: If possible, squeeze into the jeans and sit in a bathtub of warm water for about 15 minutes. Gently stretch the jeans with your hands. Leave the tub and remove as much water as possible. Allow them to air dry.

School’s in Session

Back-to-school has arrived, and sweater weather is soon to follow. Stay in style with these laundry tips for your fall wardrobe, and you’re on your way to earning straight A’s this year.