So, you bought a really great piece you loved, wore it once or twice, and then sent it to the wash - only to end up with something too small or stretched or stained or pink from those red socks you threw in. How many times has this happened to you? I know I hate that, so I've found a fool-proof way to get clothes to stay pretty and perfect always, pretty easily too.
Buying the clothes - if you buy the right clothes, they stay good. Look for things that don't have loose threads, that don't need dry cleaning or ironing or the gentle cycle. Pick neutrals and darks that cover up stains. Find materials that actually resist stains or that can be cleaned up easily. Make sure it's colorfast.
Laundry - you need to sort laundry, sorry. I do darks, lights, and a third for towels and jeans. Test for clothes that the colors run off of but running them through hot water and seeing if the water turns colors. Set those aside. Also set aside clothes that need dry cleaning.
Pretreat stains and collars with a stain remover or bleach if necessary. Baking soda works well on some whites. You can also add detergent directly to heavily soiled areas. You can use a toothbrush to rub the soap in or just pour and rub the cloth gently together.
Turn all jeans and pants inside out, after checking pockets for lipstick, $$$ and stuff like gum that can make a mess.
For the dry cleaning, get a home dry cleaning kit and use it unless you know of an inexpensive dry cleaner.
Wash with the right temperature - use permanent press or delicate so you finish with cool water. Towels can go in hot.
Don't use too much detergent - it can leave stains.
Always dry on permanent press or delicate - this ends in cool air to prevent wrinkles. Take clothes out ASAP or better, dry them outside this summer! Fold or hang. Things to be ironed should be hung up or ironed immediately.
Anything you feel strongly about: put in the delicate wash. If it's still dirty, you can treat it separately.
Don't overlook the possibility of hand-washing. This can be good for some really delicate items - just put them in a tub of lukewarm water with a dash of detergent, soak a few hours, then rinse thoroughly.
Stains - stains are inevitable, but you can avoid them, by following a few simple rules:
Don't wear white when you eat pasta or drink grape juice or wine! Try wearing dark colors for special occasions and eating out, in general.
Or, tuck your napkin under your chin. If you think this seems silly, carry an old shawl or scarf you can drape over your shoulders.
Watch where you point your pen. It can make random marks all over the place.
If you do get a stain, dab it out immediately. Use club soda, then soap.
For a more thorough stain-removal guide, go here.
Taking care - you can take further care of your clothes as well by treating them right in the first place.
Fix and buttons and loose threads by sewing securely. This will prevent their loss in the washer or elsewhere.
Take off clothes when you get home and change into something else like an old tee. Your good clothes will last longer.
Remove stains immediately, and let clothes dry immediately. Hang up dirty clothes and set them aside for laundering.
Get a residue-free deodorant (gels or roll-ons work well). You will never have those icky white stains to remove again.
Put your clothes away safely - close up storage boxes tightly to keep out moths (plastic storages boxes are great for this), and put fresheners in your closet and drawers. Line any cedar drawers or chests with an old cloth to prevent stains.
Last of all, give your clothes some respect. Don't abuse them, and they'll last you a lifetime.