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Household Hacks · December 07, 2021 edition

Five Simple Fixes for Your Cold-Weather Wardrobe

From the Genius House Hacks archive.

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When the colder weather brings out those sweaters, pullovers, and windbreakers that have been hiding in the back of the closet, you'll likely find missing buttons, old stains, and pulled threads. Here are a few simple fixes to get your wardrobe back in shape.

Camouflage a Missing Button With a Paper Clip

Thread a paper clip through both holes and twist it tight to keep wearing a blouse that's lost a button. A safety pin works just as well if you don't have a paper clip handy.

Unstick a Zipper With a Bar of Soap

Rub a bar of soap around the jammed area to get a stubborn zipper moving again; the waxy soap helps the zipper's teeth glide more easily. A waxy lip balm works too.

Lift Stains With a Vinegar Soak

Pour white vinegar over a stubborn, set-in stain, even on clothes that have already been through the wash, and let it sit for a few minutes before running it through the wash again. The vinegar's acids help break up the stain.

Fix a Pulled Thread With a Bobby Pin

Hook a bobby pin onto the loop of a pulled thread in a knit sweater, then thread it back through the inside of the sweater to hide the snag. Gently remove the pin and the thread is re-knit, with the sweater staying intact (unlike cutting it with scissors).

De-Gunk Dirty Sneakers With Baking Soda

Mix 1 tablespoon of water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons of baking soda, and spread the mix on mud-caked sneakers with an old toothbrush. The mixture hardens as it dries, making it easy to brush off along with the mud and grime.

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