Here's how to breathe new life into your clothes

Nydia Han Image
Monday, January 5, 2015
VIDEO: Breathe new life into your old clothes
If you're planning on cleaning out your closet in the New Year, don't be so quick to toss your old favorites.

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- If you're planning on cleaning out your closet in the New Year, don't be so quick to toss your old favorites.

You can easily make a lot of fabrics, including leather, look new again.

For less than $15, a fabric de-fuzzer can remove ugly pills and make your sweaters smooth again.

Got nasty shoulder puckers from putting your sweaters on hangers? Simply steam them away with a blast from your iron. Pat in place and let the fibers rest.

Tiny moth holes can be repaired by your dry cleaner. But, if it's bigger than a dime, toss it.

A collar that's showing wear or stains can simply be taken off and flipped over by a tailor.

To keep your jeans from shrinking, this tip from Consumer Reports' textile expert Pat Slaven:

"Take them out of the washer, and while they're still damp, step on the hems, and give the waistband a tug. Then air-dry them," Slaven said.

Some useful products to keep on hand: Lip balm, to loosen stuck zippers; a crochet hook to easily fix clothing snags; and spend six bucks for a brush and neutral-colored polish that'll brighten your leather shoes.

If your favorite boots are truly worn, a visit to the cobbler can add years to their life.

"I've seen shoes come in here that are 25 years old. With a little bit of maintenance and a little bit of small repairs, you can get your stuff to last a lot longer for years to come," said Ralph Nuzzi.

If you're tired of buttons breaking on your good shirts, take this tip from Consumer Reports ShopSmart: Button the shirt up and turn it inside out before washing. Your buttons will be protected.