Mental Floss

CLOTHING

The water you‘re using may be too hot.

Your laundry routine might be outdated.

Socks need not be a large portion of your clothing budget.

Tired of sock holes and dull kitchen knives? Some companies are looking out for you.

Whether it’s tackling sweat or juice stains, blue light shows promise as a powerful stain remover.

Wearing white after Labor Day? Oh, the horror!

The unofficial—but widely known—fashion rule can be traced back more than 100 years to some snobby millionaires.

Found a sunscreen stain on your shirt after a beach day? Here’s how to deal with it.

Here’s how to save your shirts while protecting your skin this summer.

The scene might not linger, but the smell could.

Getting that campfire smoke smell out of your clothes isn’t as hard as it might seem, thanks to these tips and tricks.

Queen Victoria wore a lot of black after her husband's death.

Royals from Queen Victoria to Princess Diana have left their mark on the world of fashion.

Your old soccer balls might still be fine, though.

Plastic bins aren’t great for storing everything. Discover what items you definitely shouldn’t put in plastic bins, like certain fabrics, old photos, and more.

The history surrounding this issue is long and complicated.

You aren’t just imagining things—the pockets on men's clothing really are deeper than in women’s clothing. Discover the reasoning behind this odd (but deliberate) design choice here.

Buyer beware.

Shopping secondhand? Learn how to avoid common pests like bed bugs and clothes moths during your next thrift store haul.

Hang in there, socks.

Taking an extra minute to fold your socks the right way could significantly extend their lifespan.

To hang or not to hang, that is the question.

Some garments deserve the hanger treatment, while others belong in a dresser. From winter sweaters to dresses and jeans, discover the best way to store your favorite clothes here.

The colors have religious significance.

You might be used to people wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day, but some sport orange instead. Here’s why.

Here‘s how to keep your kicks looking fresh.

Bring your white shoes back to life with these steps.

Sleeping naked might improve your sleep quality.

Sleeping in your birthday suit may feel good, but is it good for you?

The ultimate cheat code to winter coziness.

You’d be surprised by the ways you can keep yourself warm—and these budget-friendly winter hacks can help, too.

Birkenstocks aren’t legally-protected art.

The beloved sandal is a practical design, but it's not art. Not in Germany, anyway.

There's a method to it.

Packing sweaters, coats, and other winter clothing can be tricky, but these expert-approved travel tips can help you navigate it with ease.

Astronauts face lots of challenges, including what to do with dirty underwear.

Tossing stinky socks in a washer isn’t really an option once you leave Earth.

Nobody likes to get zapped when they're bundled up.

Discover what causes static electricity on clothes, along with how to keep it from becoming a recurring problem this season.

The good news? You won't have to do it very often.

Get a complete guide for how to wash winter coats, including fleece jackets, down parkas, and more.

Keep a piece of “Purple Rain” in your home.

Prince fans, rejoice! The performer‘s iconic ruffled shirt could soon be yours.

Many undiscovered treasures wait in thrift shops.

Find out which cities offer thrifters the best bang for their buck.

Not a snack.

And what happens if you chow down on one anyway?