Having kids’ means sending them off to school, and with them the school uniform that goes through it all – from action games during lunchtime, to art class or a messy science session and throw in a little drama lesson too.
It also goes without saying, these economic times have been tough in recent years, which haven’t been helped by the fact that the prices of a school uniform and other school-related items seem to have sky-rocketed.
Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly challenging to manage the costs of uniforms or similar, especially if you have to buy the kids brand new school uniforms at the beginning of every schoolyear or when they grow out of jerseys or shoes (which is sometimes every few months!).
“Luckily, with our innovative TapTuck app, parents can now download and log onto the app to purchase affordable second-hand uniforms for their children, as and when needed”, says Emma Fowler of TapTuck.
The whole idea behind the TapTuck app (amongst other benefits) is to provide schools and parents the platform where second-hand school uniforms can be purchased at an affordable price but also so convenient, with delivery and cashless payments, saving you time and money as well as helping to generate additional revenue for schools so they can provide even more for your children.
So, once you have got the deal, herewith tips from the TapTuck team on how to look after your children’s uniforms to ensure they last.
Tips to keep your child’s school uniforms neat and clean:
One should take good care of one’s school uniforms, so that you don’t have to keep on replacing items as kids wear uniforms daily, also, it is essential to maintain a consistent cleaning schedule for these items. Furthermore, the individual colours and fabric of your child’s uniforms require the use of a laundry detergent that can remove stains, provide a deep clean, and help protect the garments too.
If you’re wondering how to clean and take care of your child’s school uniforms, follow these simple steps to keep their uniforms looking brand new.
- Keeping whites as white as possible – The white button-up shirt is quite common, and one that comes with the highest risk of picking up tough stains. And when it comes to washing whites, the number one rule is to wash them separately from darks and colours. Making sure “our whites” stay the brightest white they can be all year round, is a tricky task. Here is a clever tip – try using a bit of dishwashing liquid, the problem can be solved. Also, avoid using fabric softener on the white shirts, as fabric softener residue can leave a grey tint.
- When its colours – Some school uniforms come with a jersey and come in a range of colours such as navy blue, maroon, dark green and even black, depending on the school. Whether it’s made from cotton or a mix of fabrics blends, you may want to turn the garment inside out to prevent fading or fabric damage, especially if the jersey has any embroidery on it. Wash on the gentlest cycle possible with similar colours.
- The Blazer – Blazers are not as delicate as they look, most of them are made from polyester which make them easy to wash, but double check the care label in case the garment needs any special laundry attention. Check the pockets because is sure to be a tissue, wrappers or pens in the pockets and then wash on a cool temperature with other dark items. Try to dry naturally, as this will prevent the blazer from shrinking.
- Ink Stains – If you do find that there is an ink stain from a ballpoint pen, use hairspray. Spray on the stain, wait 30 seconds for it to do its magic then wipe off with a damp cloth.
- Sweat stains and sporting kits – one that requires more laundry attention. Children engage in a range of activities at school and might get stains either way. The best way to deal with this is to get rid of the stains as soon as possible. The longer it stays, the more difficult it is to remove. Sweat stains and even grass stains from the rugby field and again wash as soon as possible to make sure you stop stains and smells settling in. Grass stains will come out with a rub of a white vinegar and baking soda mixed into a paste before going in the washing machine.
- School bags – there is a way of cleaning it up so it’s fresh for the next term without too much of a hassle. Just put it in the washing machine and include vinegar to get rids of the smell. “Cleaning them in the washing machine rather than the sink ensures you get all the niggly bits that end up stuck in the nooks and crannies,” says Emma Fowler of TapTuck. “You can also pop the bag in a delicate washing bag if you’re worried about damaging your machine”, she added!
In a nutshell, the other benefits regarding the TapTuck app, it is the first complete cashless campus solution that covers everything from the Tuck Shop (in offering healthy meal options), Uniform Shop (even second-hand uniforms), school payments, stationery, electronics, market days & events, coaching and even extra lessons
For more TapTuck hints, tips and school related solutions then go to www.taptuck.co.za
