The Resale Mindset: How to Keep Kids’ Items in Great Condition
If you’re a parent, you know how fast kids go through their clothes, shoes, and gear. One minute, that adorable white dress is perfect, and the next—your husband throws it in the wash with darks, and it’s ruined. Or you splurge on a nice pair of sneakers, only to find them covered in grass stains after a spontaneous soccer game.
While we want our kids to enjoy their things, we also want to preserve them—not just so they last longer, but also so they can be passed down, resold, or gifted in great condition.
Here’s how to keep your kids’ clothes, shoes, and gear looking their best—even in the chaos of daily life!
1. Laundry Tips: Keep Clothes Looking New
Let’s be real—kids’ clothes take a beating. Between spills, dirt, and mystery stains, keeping them fresh isn’t always easy. But the way you wash and care for them makes all the difference!
👕 Sort Wisely
Always separate lights from darks—yes, even if you’re in a rush!
Wash delicate fabrics (like lace or embroidery) in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snags.
Turn printed or embroidered shirts inside out to keep designs from fading.
💦 Use the Right Detergent
Choose a gentle detergent—harsh chemicals can fade colors and weaken fabric.
Avoid bleach unless absolutely necessary—OxiClean or a baking soda + vinegar mix can be gentler stain removers.
🌡 Wash on Cold
Hot water fades colors and can shrink clothes. Stick to cold or warm water to keep items looking newer longer.
👗 Skip the Dryer (When You Can)
The heat from dryers weakens elastic (like in leggings) and can shrink fabrics.
Hang-dry dresses, sweaters, and printed tees to preserve shape and quality.
💡 Pro Tip: If something comes out of the wash with a stain still visible, don’t dry it! Heat sets stains. Instead, repeat the stain removal process.
2. Stain Fighting 101: Act Fast!
Stains happen—spaghetti sauce, grass stains, markers, you name it. But the key to saving clothes is acting quickly!
🖍 Markers & Paint – Rubbing alcohol works wonders on washable markers, while dish soap and hydrogen peroxide can help lift paint stains.
🍓 Food Stains – A mix of dish soap and hydrogen peroxide (50/50) can lift stubborn stains like berries, ketchup, or juice.
💚 Grass & Dirt – Scrub with a paste of baking soda and water before washing. If needed, soak in vinegar.
🩸 Blood Stains – Use cold water (never hot!) and hydrogen peroxide. Let it bubble, then rinse and repeat.
🖊 Ink Stains – Dab hand sanitizer or rubbing alcohol on the stain before washing.
💡 Pro Tip: Always check for stains before tossing clothes in the dryer—once dried, stains are much harder to remove!
3. Shoe Care: Keep Them Looking Like New
Kids are tough on shoes, but with a little extra care, you can keep them in resale-ready condition.
👟 Waterproof Before Wear
Spraying new sneakers or boots with a waterproof spray can prevent stains from setting in.
🧼 Cleaning Hacks
White sneakers? Magic erasers work wonders on rubber soles!
Mud-covered shoes? Let them dry, then brush off excess dirt before wiping with a damp cloth.
Leather shoes? Wipe with a bit of vinegar or mild soap and buff with a clean cloth.
👞 Store Shoes Properly
Don’t toss shoes in a pile—stuff tissue paper inside to help them keep their shape.
💡 Pro Tip: If your kid outgrows shoes before they’re fully worn, list them on Little Swaps immediately—parents are always looking for lightly used pairs!
4. Keeping Gear & Toys in Good Condition
From strollers to high chairs and backpacks, baby gear and kids’ accessories hold value when they’re well-maintained.
🚼 Stroller & Car Seat Care
Wipe fabric down regularly with a damp cloth & mild soap.
Remove crumbs and dust from crevices with a vacuum attachment or small brush.
Store indoors to prevent sun fading & fabric wear.
🧸 Toy Maintenance
Plastic toys? Wash with warm, soapy water and disinfect with a vinegar solution.
Stuffed animals? Toss them in a pillowcase and wash on delicate!
Wooden toys? Wipe with a mix of vinegar and water to clean without damage.
💡 Pro Tip: If a toy has multiple parts, keep them together in a bag or box—missing pieces can make it unsellable!
5. Teaching Kids to Help Take Care of Their Things
We can’t expect kids to never get messy—but we can teach them simple habits that help keep their things in better shape.
👧 Fun ways to involve kids:
✔ Teach them to put dirty clothes in a separate bin (one for darks, one for lights).
✔ Give them a small brush to clean their sneakers after playing outside.
✔ Make “clean-up time” fun—sing a song while they help organize their toys.
The more they learn how to care for their things, the more they’ll value them—and the easier it’ll be to keep everything in resale-ready condition!
Final Thoughts: The Resale Mindset
I used to get frustrated every time my husband let my daughter play soccer in her expensive sneakers or when a beautiful white dress came back from the wash pink. But over time, I shifted my mindset:
💡 Instead of asking, “Why did you let them ruin this?”
👉 I started thinking, “How can I make sure this lasts for the next child?”
And that’s exactly what Little Swaps is all about—helping parents extend the life of kids’ clothes, shoes, and gear so they can be loved again.
By caring for our kids’ things just a little more intentionally, we make it easier to sell, pass down, and share—all while reducing waste and saving money.
So next time your little one spills juice down their shirt, take a deep breath—because now, you’ve got all the tools to keep it looking great for the next family who will cherish it just as much. 💛
