Caring for Our School Uniforms
Laundry & Maintenance Guide
Cherishing clothing is a virtue. It shows gratitude to the environment and society, respects nature’s gifts, and acknowledges the labor behind every garment. By participating in uniform care, children learn to value labor, appreciate beauty, and cultivate good manners. Caring for school uniforms is also a practical lesson in life skills.
Below are helpful tips for maintaining uniforms, which can also apply to other clothing.
Part 1. How to Wash and Maintain Our Uniforms
Washing:
Wash new uniforms with clean water before wearing, especially for undergarments.
Separate dark and light colors; white shirts or T-shirts should be washed alone.
Avoid aggressive washing to prevent creases.
Water temperature: around 30°C (86°F) is ideal.
Avoid bleach and long soaking for colored uniforms to prevent fading.
For machine washing: fasten buttons, zip zippers, turn uniforms inside out, and place them in a laundry bag.
Drying:
Recommended: dry inside out in a well-ventilated, shaded area.
Avoid long exposure to sunlight, which can cause fading or yellowing. In high UV areas, dry in shade.
Do not tumble dry; high cotton content may shrink.
For hand spinning: gently press water out; avoid excessive wringing, which can damage fabric and cause wrinkles.
Storage:
Store clean, dry uniforms in a clean, dry, and shaded space to prevent mold.
Hang blazers and shirts on hangers.
Fold vests, pants, T-shirts, and sportswear neatly.
Cotton jackets and down coats: store in breathable bags, protect from moths, avoid long-term compression to preserve insulation.
Part 2. Handy Tips You Should Know
Stubborn Stains:
Treat stains promptly—the sooner, the better!
Water-based stains: use water; oil-based stains: use solvent; others: use detergent solution.
Apply cleaning liquid to the stain, gently rub in small areas repeatedly until removed.
Preventing Yellowing of Shirts:
Wash shirts as soon as they are dirty.
Sweat and skin oils contain proteins that cause yellowing on collars, cuffs, and underarms.
Prompt, thorough washing prevents yellowing.
Dealing with Pilling:
Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pills.
Pilling occurs when fibers tangle; reduce friction when wearing.
Gently shave pills without pressing too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.
Part 3. Understanding Care Labels
Take note of symbols on the garment label for proper washing, drying, and ironing instructions.
Part 4. Friendly Reminders
Dark T-shirts: can fade with long sun exposure, rain, or sweat. Wash promptly and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Sportswear, sweaters, vests: may pill slightly due to fabric properties. Use a fabric shaver to remove pills.
Winter jackets: spot clean unless heavily soiled. Many coats have a water-resistant coating—apply a few drops of detergent, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a damp cloth.
Sweaters and vests: avoid hanging after washing to prevent stretching; lay flat to dry for neatness.
A clean, proper uniform requires a clean environment.
A clean environment requires a mindful heart to care for it.
This is how beauty is cultivated—immersed and nurtured, creating education through aesthetics.