How to Keep School Uniforms Looking Fresh

clean school uniform

If a new school uniform was on your back-to-school shopping list, that’s one investment you’ll want to keep relatively clean throughout the school year. To ensure your child’s uniform stays fresh and looks as good on the last day of school as it did on the first, follow these laundry tips and tricks curated by our laundry professionals. The experts at The Laundry Cafe share the best ways to wash fall back-to-school clothes and school uniforms to keep them shining all year.


Keeping Back-to-School Clothes Fresh

Does your child’s school uniform look dull with each wash? Are pesky stains speckling their dress shirts? Follow our tips to keep those school uniforms looking top of the class at all times: 


  1. Use cold water and a gentle cycle. It’s best to wash school uniforms in cold water to keep them from fading and looking worn. Using a mild detergent helps preserve color and softness since these clothes undergo frequent washing. Select a delicate or gentle cycle when washing slacks, skirts, and jumpers.

  2. Wash separately. Whenever possible, wash school uniforms separately. Washing them with other clothes can cause the colors to run and fade. 

  3. Tumble dry on low heat. Uniforms should be dried on the lowest heat setting since they are made of delicate fabrics. Low heat protects them from shrinking and discoloration. It’s a good idea to remove them from the dryer when they’re a bit damp to minimize wrinkles and make ironing easier. Avoid hanging school uniforms outside to dry. The sun’s UV rays can dull the fabric's color. 

  4. Wash cardigans and sweaters inside out. Especially if they have sewn-on or embroidered patches. Washing inside out protects delicate pieces from tugging or ripping, and it protects the colors from fading. 

  5. Invest in a fabric pill remover. A handy pill remover rids sweaters of pesky pills! They’re super easy to use and store and can help make your child’s uniform look its best.

  6. Consider spraying hard-to-clean items with a fabric protector. A fabric protector prevents wrinkles and creates fresher smelling and softer material on hard-to-clean garments like jackets and ties. Fabric protector also reduces static, repels spills, and prevents stains, helping garments stay clean longer. 

  7. Wash uniforms regularly. While you might be tempted to skip washing jackets or sweaters and wait until the end of the week, this can create stain buildup. Cuffs and collars typically stain and discolor the quickest and might go unnoticed. Sleeves are often the dirtiest areas where children commonly wipe their mouths and noses throughout the day. Washing these garments at least two or three times a week can keep back-to-school clothes fresh and keep your kids healthy from germs. 


Keep Your Fall Back-to-School Clothes Looking Like New at The Laundry Cafe

Make back-to-school time easy with The Laundry Cafe! We have state-of-the-art washers and dryers and offer a free dry cycle with every wash purchase. If you’ve been looking for a 24/7 laundromat near me, visit us at The Laundry Cafe today!

TLC Laundry