![1. Soften Jeans](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/jeans.jpg)
1. Soften Jeans
To soften new blue jeans, wash them several times or soak them for 12 hours in a small tub filled with cold water and fabric softener, then wash as usual. To prevent jeans from streaking, turn them inside out before washing.
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![2. Remove Collar Stains](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/collar_0.jpg)
2. Remove Collar Stains
To remove rings around shirt collars, rub liquid laundry detergent into the stain or collect soap bits in a mesh bag and rub into the affected area. Wash as usual.
![3. Whiten Your Whites](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/towels.jpg)
3. Whiten Your Whites
To whiten, soak in a solution of cold water and 1 teaspoon cream of tarter before hand washing with mild soap.
![4. Clean Baby Clothes](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/baby_2.jpg)
4. Clean Baby Clothes
To get baby clothes their cleanest, treat in a pre-soak product, and then launder as usual. Soak items as soon after staining as possible and keep them wet until laundering.
Photo: iStock
![5. Wash Nylons and Tights](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/stockings.jpg)
5. Wash Nylons and Tights
To wash nylons or tights, place them in a mesh bag and wash with other delicate items without hooks, eyes, or other metal parts that could snag the stockings.
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![6. Care for Corduroy](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/cord.jpg)
6. Care for Corduroy
To keep up the nap on corduroy, turn clothing inside out before washing.
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![7. Clean Curtains](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/curtains.jpg)
7. Clean Curtains
To bring back the crispness to curtains, launder and then dip in a solution of 2 gallons of warm water to 1 cup Epsom salts. Let drip dry outdoors or in the shower and touch up with iron.
Photo: iStock
![8. Brush Buttons](https://www.readersdigest.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/buttons.jpg)
8. Brush Buttons
To clean cloth-covered buttons that still look dirty after laundering, brush with mild soap or detergent and a soft toothbrush.
Photo: Thinkstock