3 Tips to Keep Kids' Clothes Pristine (and Resale-Ready!)

As a parent navigating the delightful chaos of childhood, I know keeping kids' clothes clean can feel like a never-ending battle. But hear me out! Putting in a little effort now can actually pay off later (hello, Sell page on Blueberry!). I've put together 3 simple tips to follow so you'll be one step closer to conquering the laundry mountain and recouping some of that cash when they inevitably outgrow everything faster than you can say "new size."

1. Stain Removal: My (Sometimes Frantic) First Response 🍝

Let's face it, kids seem to have a knack for finding the most vibrant and stubborn stains. From playground souvenirs to the aftermath of a spaghetti dinner, it's a constant challenge. But when it comes to preserving clothes for resale, acting quickly is generally my mantra:

• Get to it Sooner Rather Than Later: While I might not always leap into action the second a stain appears (because, well, life), I've learned that the quicker I address it, the better the outcome.
• A Little Stain Knowledge Goes a Long Way: I'm no stain removal expert, but having a basic understanding helps. For instance, I try to blot food stains rather than rub them in. For those truly perplexing marks, a pre-treater is often my first line of defense.
• Gentle Approach When Possible: I generally steer clear of harsh chemicals like bleach on colored items unless it's a dire emergency. Preserving the fabric quality is key for resale.
• The Sneaky Spot Test: Before I go all-in on a stain, I try to test the remover on an inside seam – just a little insurance policy against accidental discoloration.

2. Washing and Drying: My Attempt at a Consistent Routine 🧼

Laundry is the ongoing saga of parenthood in my house. But I've found that a few consistent habits can really help keep those little outfits in good shape:

• Always Check the Label: Those care instructions? I try to treat them as guidelines, especially when I'm hoping to resell the item later.
• Inside Out for the Win: Turning clothes inside out before washing seems to help prevent fading and protect any special details.
• Milder Detergents are My Preference: I tend to opt for gentler detergents, especially for baby clothes, thinking it's kinder to the fabric in the long run.
• Cold Water Whenever I Can: Washing in cold water feels like a small victory against shrinking and color bleeding.
• Being Mindful with the Dryer: While the dryer is convenient, I try to air dry more delicate items when possible. For the rest, a lower heat setting seems to be the safer bet to avoid unwanted shrinkage.

3. Storage: My Semi-Organized Approach

How I store clothes between wears and seasons definitely impacts their condition. It's not always perfectly organized, but I aim for these basics:

• Clean Before Stowing: I make sure clothes are clean before they go into storage. It just makes sense for preventing set-in stains and odors.
• Folding or Hanging with Intention (Sort Of): I try to fold neatly to minimize wrinkles and use decent hangers to maintain shape.
• Cool and Dry is the Goal: I avoid damp storage areas to prevent any unwelcome mildew surprises.
• A Little Protection Helps: For the few nicer clothes for the boys we have, I try to store them in a garment bag or a clean storage bin which can offer some protection from dust and light. This is a stretch for me, but I thought I'd include here as an aspirational tip!

Bonus Tip: My "Little Fixes" Philosophy

A loose button or a small, repairable tear doesn't automatically mean an item is destined for the trash. 

So, these are my go-to tips for keeping my kids' clothes in good enough condition to hopefully earn a little something back down the line. It's not always perfect, but every little bit helps.

I've been buying a TON of clothes from fellow moms lately and you can really tell the difference between those that are treated and washed diligently versus not. Have tips to add? 👇 Drop them in the comments, I would love to add to this list.