A few weeks ago, I wrote about the importance of proper laundering. I’m a big believer in developing good laundry habits; even the least expensive pieces will last longer and look better if they’re properly cared for.

Seriously.

You all had some questions, though, about hand washing and stain removal, and because I care (I do! I do!) I’d like to answer them. Because seriously, you all, you need to be doing the laundry the right way. Otherwise it hurts me.

Ok not really.

Pamela asked what I hand wash. “I don’t really do much of anything,” she said, “except for things that say ‘dry clean only’ but am thinking that I should be doing a lot more to save my clothes.”

Here’s a short list of Things I Hand Wash (I really should have called this post The One Where You Decide that Susan is Insane):

Lingerie and shapewear: Be nice to your bras and they’ll be nice to you. Same goes for your Spanx and and your tights.

Anything with embellishment: Beading should never go in the wash, and embroidered or appliqued details can shrink in the dryer.

All of my J. Crew cafe capris: I own a half dozen pairs of these pants, in a range of colors. I hand wash all of them because for what I paid, they need to last forever.

“Fast fashion” pieces: I have two great white blouses, one from Forever21 (I know! But it’s totally cute!) and one from H&M. Hand washing extends the life of these pieces.

Anything that might fade. My navy cotton shirt dress, my coral linen skirt, all my black pieces. Cold water and gentle detergent keep colors crisp.

I hand wash everything in my kitchen sink (one day, I will have a house with a utility sink!) in cold water and Woolite. Scrub the sink out thoroughly, fill with cold water and a little bit of detergent; wash like colors together, to prevent color transfer. Gently squeeze soapy water through garments but do not wring, ever — this will stretch your clothes out. Soak for three to five minutes, then rinse until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze out extra water and roll garments in a clean towel; hang woven fabrics and dry anything stretchy flat. So easy!

What goes in the washing machine? My jeans, although I turn them inside out and hang them to dry. My woven cotton shirts — again, hang to dry. In other words, not much. My guest bathroom is constantly hung with laundry. Makes you want to visit, doesn’t it?

Alex asked another smart question: “Are there any good solutions to the problem of yellow deodorant stains?” I have two suggestions (other than reminding you to toss things once they have yellow stains, of course).

Rethink your deodorant: Instead of layering on the Degree every morning, switch to a clinical strength formula, one that goes on at night. CertainDri is the classic, but it can make your armpits itch (sorry, but it’s true!). Dove Clinical Strength is a nice alternative; it goes on creamy and smells fresh and clean. You apply clinical strength formulas at night, and the heat of your body activates the ingredients. And then — here’s the crazy part! — you can skip the daily antiperspirant, at least on the days when you’re wearing a white shirt.

Not a fan of that idea? Here’s another!

Spot treat, every time: Each time you wash your white shirts, spot treat the collar and armpits with a pretreater like Shout or Oxyclean. Don’t wait until you see stains — do this every time you wash your white shirts.

Speaking of washing your white shirts — Lisa had a great suggestion: “White clothes should be washed EVERY time they’re worn. Even if you only wear that crisp, white button down for a short meeting, the oils from your skin — and perspiration — will work to discolor the white.” She’s exactly right. Thanks, Lisa!