Singapore Consumer Interest Group

Managing your properties can take a lot of your time and effort. Generally, a lot of owners cannot commit to acting as landlords themselves because they have another full-time day job to attend to. Although they do not have the luxury of time to be hands-on with their properties, that doesn’t necessarily mean they cannot leave it under good hands. In fact, hiring a property management company can be of great help in supervising your investments as there are plenty of benefits that come along with it.

Better tenants

You are never immune to problematic tenants. To make matters worse, it can be a real hassle to deal with them sometimes. While you are perfectly capable of evicting renters on sufficient grounds, you are much better off never accepting them in your properties in the first place.
To save yourself from the headache, you must ensure a thorough screening process is being followed before you accept any tenants. An experienced estate management company will help you do this, as they have sorted through thousands of tenant applications and can already point out candidates who show off warning signs. In so doing, you are shielding yourself from possible scams, lawsuits, and bad tenants altogether.

Fewer legal problems to deal with

Troublesome tenants are notorious for causing legal and financial pain. You need the help of a managing agent who knows exactly how to deal with them if you want your investments to flourish in the long run. As the old saying goes, you cannot have it all. You can wish for only good tenants all you want, but unfortunately there will always show up a bothersome renter once in a while.

With a well-trained property manager, you will have someone who is armed with abundant knowledge regarding estate maintenance. This includes being familiar and aware of the latest landlord-tenant laws. Thanks to their help and if you click here for estate manager you will be able to take counter measures before any matter is brought to court, protecting you from any potential lawsuit.

Shorter vacancy periods

Filling in your vacancies might grow into a burden if you don’t know what you should be doing. Every managing agent should be aware of doing three important tasks to ensure your properties won’t be idle for too long. One is preparing the property for rent; which entails making various improvements that can effectively entice tenants, resulting to a maximized revenue. Next is determining a justifiable rent rate; since rent shouldn’t be set too high nor too low. Factors like local market prices and rental rate tools must be taken into account to find out an optimal set price.

Lastly, you need to efficiently market your property first before you can fill your property with interested tenants. Experienced property management companies have plenty of knowledge regarding what to say and can easily come up with creative advertisements in order to reach a larger pool of potential renters.

Longer tenant retention

Every condo manager knows how a happy tenant is likely to stay longer, hence keeping them satisfied is always one of the top priorities in doing estate management. Choosing a good property management company will also likely benefit you of their time-tested tenant retention strategies and policies, which will keep both tenants and landlords happy. This will also earn the company a good reputation since implementing these regulations require a consistent and systematic approach.

Besides, a high tenant turnover rate is both expensive and time consuming — you have to give your property a thorough cleaning, repaint the walls to attract possible tenants, put in effort with regards to marketing the property, among the many. In order to save you from dealing with these scenarios, you are better off keeping your current tenants happy and well-tended after.

Assistance with taxes

There are specific national and local laws regarding property management. If you happen to have no clue about these legal matters, there is no need for you to grow frantic. You can always seek the help of a property management company to provide you the guidance you need in steering your investments. With that, they will be responsible in briefing you about the possible deductions you can claim, together with organizing the necessary files and documents needed to make such claims especially since estate management fees are usually tax-deductible.

These companies train each of their managing agent to be aware of the laws that apply to properties, and if they have been in the business for a while then chances are they already have an idea as to how to deal with managing your properties rightfully.

Additional benefits for owners

Generally, hiring someone else to do your estate maintenance duties for you would likely give you more room for freedom and strip off stress. As an owner, you wouldn’t necessarily have to deal with any emergencies in the middle of the night nor chase down and apprehend tenants who damage your property. You will also be saved from doing tons of paperwork, allowing you to allot your time on other things like focusing on your full-time day job or catching up with the rest of your family.

Having a condo manager is also liberating, in a sense that you don’t really need to be constrained into living near your properties. Should you decide to live another city away, you do not need to worry about staying too far from your investments once ensured you’ve left them in good hands. Efficient management companies will save you all the unnecessary worries.

Hiring a property management company is a big decision to make. A trustworthy and competent company can be of great help, but a poor choice can bring headaches of its own. There are tons of options to choose from in Singapore, but you still have to decide for yourself if this is a right move to make and take into consideration the direction you want to steer your investments into.

The launch of mobile game app Pokemon Go has been a massive hit since the summer of 2016. Hundreds and thousands of people began to log into servers and play the game — which generally entails running along the streets catching Pokemons in the real life and battling in gyms with the other trainers. The phenomenon spanned all across the globe and the game’s daily active users aren’t children alone. It has been found out that even some working adults play the game too!

In Singapore, it is not an uncommon sight to see people glued to their phones as they chase pokemons during lunch hour or over the weekend. A lot of players flock to different places scattered across the city, with most of them being restaurants, cafés, and bars. One’s pokeballs, a game item used to catch these creatures, are limited and might run out but you can always get some more within places which has Pokestops. Adding a pokestop to an establishment has been proven to be an effective marketing strategy in luring potential customers in.

This article will list some of the best restaurants, cafés, and bars with Pokestops in Singapore. While fueling up your stomachs with great food and drink choices, you can also fill up your game inventory at the same time. Talk about hitting two birds with the same stone! Besides, what more better way of waiting for your food to arrive than catching Pokemons?

Cafés
Spice up your quality personal time at coffeeshops by catching as many pokemons as you can! Cafés such as Caffebene, Jones the Grocer, L’Espresso, and Starbucks in Singaporean Malls and Plazas have pokestops where you can add more items to your inventory while taking a sip of your espresso. Who knows, maybe you can sight a Psyduck across you — better practice on throwing that pokeball.

Restaurants
The waiting time in restaurants can be a struggle especially if you run on an empty stomach. At times, nothing seems enough to take your mind off the food you ordered. Often it even feels like it takes forever to arrive! Games like Pokemon Go is one effective distraction which can turn your waiting experience from hassle to fun. Bistro 1855, Aji-Ichi, and Crystal Jade Dining In are only some of the restaurants which has pokestops. Find other exciting dining options by taking a walk around!

Bars
Who said Pokemon Go is only meant to be enjoyed by children? Grabbing a drink at your nearest pub has never been this thrilling when a Snorlax is just right beside your beer bottle. Some bars in Singapore like Jibiru and Paulaner Brauhaus have pokestops for your gaming convenience. Time for a new place for that next happy hour!

Singapore is known as one of the wealthiest city-state in the world. From what used to be a swampland, the city-state indisputably took on an amazing transformation over the decades. The famous Marina Bay Sands now dominate the skyline, colors bustle to life in Chinatown, luxury stores such as Prada and Gucci fill the shopping streets. It gleams with abundant material goods and high per capita income. With that, it is not a surprise to know that thousands of curious foreigners flock annually to visit and explore what Singapore has to offer.

The secret behind the success of the city-state can be summed up in one word: discipline. Various rules and regulations govern the daily life of the people in Singapore. With their strict implementation and citizen obedience, the city remains clean and well-ordered.

1. On taking pictures inside the train
While other countries allow the liberty of taking pictures of any kind inside a train, Singapore prohibits taking snapshots when riding the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train. If you’ve visited other countries and became accustomed to taking group photos while on the train, you better minimize your camera habits for the mean time.

2. On flushing the toilet
You might land yourself a good scolding – at most – for not flushing the toilet in other countries, but did you know it is considered as a crime in Singapore? The city-state values cleanliness and courtesy for the next user of public toilets. If you happen to violate this regulation, you will likely be made to pay a fine of $150. Yikes!

3. On littering
As the famous saying goes, cleanliness is next to godliness, and Singapore is a city-state which takes that one to the heart. Leaving behind your trash or dropping them on the street is a big no-no! If you are caught littering in Singapore, you are required to pay an instant fine of $2,000 for the first offense. Third offense of littering means you will be tasked to clean the streets with a sign that proclaims “I am a litterer”.

4. On selling gum
Sad news for chewing gum fanatics: selling gum in Singapore is strictly prohibited. There has been an increasing number on littering cases with dirty chewed-up gum placed on trains and walls, prompting the government to implement a regulation to fix the matter. You will not find any even in convenience stores and market stalls.

5. On walking around naked in your own flat
Walking around with no clothes on in public view is not tolerated in Singapore, even when you are in your own flat. Violating this would mean breaking the law and you can be penalized up to 2,000 SGD. Not only that, chances are you’d be serving three months time in jail too.

What you decide to carry in your bag when you go to work everyday is just as important as picking the right clothes for the occasion. Here are some of the items you need to always have in handy to get you through the day whether you’re working, traveling or working out.

For Working Women

Bring your essentials such as your wallet, keys, business cards, cell phone, charger, and headphones/earphones. Add to your carry-on items the following: glasses (eyeglasses or shades), notepad and pen, jewelry organizer, water bottle, folding umbrella, and snacks if you’re too busy to buy food.

Don’t forget your kits such as your makeup kit and beauty bag. Your make-up kit should contain all the necessary items so you can retouch later (foundation, concealer, powder, blush, mascara, lipstick, eyeliner, and tweezers).

Your beauty bag should include the following: lotion, hand sanitizer, face wash, Band-Aids, sanitary wipes or travel pack tissue, toothbrush and toothpaste, medications like prescriptions drugs (if you have any) and pain relievers, hairbrush or comb and sanitary pad, tampons or cups.

For Working Men

Take with you essential items such as your wallet, keys, business cards, cell phone, charger, and headphones/earphones. Don’t forget the following as well: water bottle, medicines like pain relievers and prescriptions (if you have any), snacks, eyeglasses or shades, and notepad or organizer and pen.

Don’t forget your looks. Have a separate kit for the following: pocket comb, lip balm, pocket tissues, and toothbrush and toothpaste.

The Singapore weather can be harsh so don’t be afraid to take a hat and a foldable umbrella if you need to go outdoors.

For Traveling

When you need to travel, don’t forget to bring the following:

Your change of clothes should have every piece of clothing you need. The type of clothes you should bring should be appropriate for the venue and the occasion.

Toiletries such as soap, shampoo, facial wash, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste, pocket tissues, sanitary pads, tampons or cups for women, and lotion. Bring a lotion with SPF as well. Women should take their makeup kit too.

Don’t forget the following as well: documents and a case or envelop to keep everything in one place, map, cell phone, portable charger, and camera. The following will also make your travel more comfortable: foldable umbrella, hat, eyeglasses or shades and case, jewelry case, notepad or organizer and pen, medicines (prescription or pain relievers), and water bottle and snacks so you don’t get dehydrated or hungry.

For the Gym

Bring the following when you go to the gym: proper workout clothes, socks with polyester to avoid blisters, athletic shoes, change of clothes (clean shirt, shorts or pants, socks, underwear, extra shoes in a shoe bag if you don’t want to wear your sneakers), toiletries (soap, shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, lotion, deodorant, facial wash, and hair brush or comb), towel, water bottle, calorie or heart monitor, and a gym bag where you can place all your valuables safely.

A sub-genre of fantasy, wuxia has gained a lot of fans not just in Asia but the rest of the world as well. Broadly defined, it is a Chinese film genre that highlights warriors of ancient or mythological China who are equipped with superhuman skills in the martial arts.

There are over a hundred wuxia films. We’ve narrowed down the list to the 10 best wuxia films from 2000 to the present.

1. Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000)

In perhaps the most successful wuxia film in the West, Chow Yun-Fat and Michelle Yeoh look for the stolen sword Green Destiny and come face-to-face with Jen (played Zhang Ziyi), a talented but rebellious martial artist.

2. Hero (2002)

Nameless (Jet Li) was summoned at the court of the King of Qin (Chen Daoming) who wanted the assassins Long Sky (Donnie Yen), Flying Snow (Maggie Cheung) and Broken Sword (Tony Leung) killed. Nameless recounts how he killed the assassins.

3. 14 Blades (2010)

Commander Qinglong (Donnie Yen) is betrayed and pursued by fellow members of Jinyiwei when he was given a box supposedly containing the proof of the imperial councilor Zhao’s treason.

4. The Forbidden Kingdom (2008)

An American named Jason Tripitikas (Michael Angarano) finds himself in a village in China. Lu Yan (Jackie Chan) told him of the conflict of the Monkey King (Jet Li) and the Jade Warlord (Collin Chou).

5. Dragon (2011)

Papermaker Liu Jinxi (Donnie Yen) becomes involved in an investigation by detective Xu Baijiu (Takeshi Kaneshiro) when he killed two bandits who attempted to rob the village’s general store. Xu suspects that Liu is more than he appears to be after having killed one of the most wanted criminals.

6. The Assassin (2015)

Nie Yinniang (Shu Qi) was given a mission by her master to kill governor Tian Ji’an (Chang Chen) as a test to redeem herself after she failed in her last mission.

7. Reign of Assassins (2010)

Cloth merchant Zeng Jing (Michelle Yeoh) was a former member of the Dark Stone assassins. Formerly called Drizzle, she tries to start a new life when she marries the messenger Jiang Ah-sheng (Jung Woo-sung), but it was a marriage full of secrets.

8. Curse of the Golden Flower (2006)

Emperor Ping (Chow Yun-fat) does not know that his wife the Empress Phoenix (Gong Li) is planning an uprising to punish him for slowly poisoning her with tea. The emperor’s former wife disguises to get close to the royal family but was later discovered.

9. Flying Swords of Dragon Gate (2011)

Zhao Huai’an (Jet Li) defeats the leader of the East Bureau, one of the three groups sent to execute people who refused to pay the bribes.

10. The Promise (2005)

Qingcheng (Cecilia Cheung) becomes the most beautiful woman in the land when she meet the goddess Manshen (Chen Hong). Her beauty came with a curse however. She will never find true love as long as she lives. She mistakenly falls in love with Guangming (Hiroyuki Sanada) whom she thought was Kunlun (Jang Dong-gun), her rescuer.

Preventive car maintenance requires regular, scheduled car servicing in Singapore. But the goal of car servicing is not just car repair or car workshop for modification. It also involves the following:

1. Maintaining the car through systematic inspection, correction of failures, and detection of defects before they become major problems that might cause accidents or become expensive repair jobs

2. Testing the vehicle to make sure that everything is working. This is done by certified auto experts who also specialize in particular areas in the field

3. Basic inspection, replacement and refilling of parts, fluids and other car parts that might be worn out or defective to prevent breakdowns and malfunctioning.

Basic Car Servicing

Basic car servicing in Singapore requires the following:

1. Washing the exterior of the car
2. Checking or replacement of the wires, timing belts and spark plugs
3. Replacement of the air filter
4. Checking or replacement of the tire
5. Oil change to prevent engine failure
6. Cooling system maintenance through checking of the pump, hoses and fluids

Other car servicing in Singapore might include more. A car maintenance done every 6 months is called interim car servicing. This is also done when the car has traveled a total of 6,000 miles to ensure that it’s still in good condition. Others don’t have the time, however, to have their cars checked twice a year. In such instances, car servicing may be in the form of full or major car servicing.

Italian Tuneup

Some car servicing shops specialize in what is called an Italian tuneup. This was initially done on Ferrari cars, which are rarely used by their owners, causing problems with carbon build-up during car fixing and repair here in Singapore. For vintage and expensive cars, this is also a common problem because old models don’t use modern engine lubricants and fuels.
The auto technician would have to do a tuneup drive so that the carbon buildup is burned out when the engine gets hot enough. Some vintage cars also require scheduled maintenance. If you own such a car, an Italian tuneup might be recommended after the traditional car servicing is done.

Full Car Servicing

A full car servicing in Singapore is recommended if the car has not been checked for more than 12 months or if it has run for 12,000 miles or longer. A major car servicing on the other hand is for cars that need to have car maintenance, car repair and car workshop after 24 months of usage or more than 24,000 miles traveled. The following services are rendered in most full car servicing packages.

1. Road testing the car
2. Resetting the car’s service light
3. Lubrication of the bonnet catch
4. Lubrication of the door hinges with white grease
5. Checking of all the external door locks
6. Checking of all the seatbelts, including the lap belts
7. Addition of a cabin filter if needed
8. Checking of the windscreen wipers
9. Checking of the rear wipers
10. Checking of the windscreen washer
11. Alignment of jets and top up if needed
12. Checking of the windscreen for damage, such as cracks
13. Checking of the exterior and interior mirrors
14. Checking of the number plate
15. Checking or the tire size and its fit
16. Checking of the tread depth
17. Checking and adjustment of tire pressures
18. Checking of the spare tires
19. Checking of the wheel balance
20. Setting of the wheel nut torque according to the car manufacturer’s setting
21. Replacement of tires if needed
22. Testing of the brake fluid boil
23. Checking of the brake servo operation
24. Checking of the brake fluid and refilling it if needed
25. Checking of the brake discs and drums to see if they are worn, corroded or pitted
26. Checking of the handbrake linkages
27. Lubrication and adjustment of handbrakes
28. Checking of the brake hoses and pipes, as well as the hydraulic system
29. Checking of the wheel cylinders
30. Checking of service brake shoes
31. Adjustment of service brake shoes
32. Checking of the brake callipers
33. Checking of the brake pads
34. Checking of the exhaust smoke
35. Checking of the exhaust system including the catalyst
36. Grease steering and suspension
37. Testing of the shock absorber
38. Checking of the wheel bearings
39. Checking of the steering rack gaiters
40. Checking of the steering and suspension components
41. Checking of the power steering reservoir
42. Inspection of high tension leads or HT
43. Checking of the dashboard lights
44. Topping up of battery or non-sealed units
45. Checking the battery condition
46. Checking the battery security and lubrication of terminals
47. Checking of the indicator operation of the diesel heater plug
48. Checking of the car horn
49. Checking of the exterior lights
50. Topping up of the gearbox fluid
51. Checking of the axle and transaxle oil
52. Topping up of the axle and transaxle oil
53. Greasing of the prop or shaft
54. Checking of drive shaft gaitors
55. Checking of clutch fluid
56. Topping up of clutch fluid
57. Checking the correct gearbox operation
58. Checking the correct clutch operation
59. Checking of the visual condition of the fuel lines
60. Checking of the fuel cap seal
61. Checking of the condition and security of the underitray
62. Checking the anti-freeze strength and the minimum temperature
63. Topping up of coolant
64. Changing of the spark plugs depending on the mileage
65. Replacement of air filter
66. Checking and adjustment of the auxiliary drive belts
67. Checking of the alternator belt or fan
68. Adjustment of the alternator belt or fan
69. Checking of the electric cooling fan
70. Checking of the coolant hoses
71. Checking of the coolant cap seals
72. Checking of the radiator
73. Checking for the timing belt or cambelt replacement interval
74. Replacement of the cambelt
75. Checking for oil leaks
76. Replacement of oil filter
77. Draining of engine oil
78. Refilling of engine oil

Major Car Servicing

A major car servicing in Singapore is required for cars that have not been checked for more than 24 months or if it has gone for a total of 24,000 miles. Most of the car servicing done in a full car servicing is also performed during a major car servicing. The following are applied as well:
1. Draining out the cooling system
2. Replacement of the coolant system according to the specification
3. Replacement of spark plugs for the petrol engines
4. Testing the starter motor
5. Testing of the alternator charging rate
6. Replacement of the brake fluid and bleed system

Of all the shades available for colouring hair, red is believed to be most difficult to maintain. Even if you get your hair colour done at the best salons in Singapore, the red dye will still noticeably fade in four weeks. But if you’re still thinking of going redhead like Jane Levy, Amy Adams and Emma Stone – none of which are natural redheads – here are some useful tips that can help keep your hair colour vibrant.

1. Opt for a Sulphate-Free Shampoo

Sulphates are foaming agents added in cleaning products to get rid of grime and dirt. The most common sulphates used in regular shampoos are ammonium lauryl sulphate (ALS) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) – all of which can cause your hair dye to fade fast. To keep that from happening, ensure that you only use sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners in washing your hair.

2. Avoid Chlorinated Water and Saltwater

Even if you’re using sulphate-free hair products, getting your tresses drenched in chlorinated water or saltwater is already enough to strip it off its hair colour. Apart from causing your hair dye to fade quickly, being expose to pool and beach water could also cause a chemical reaction – perhaps you heard of people who went swimming a few days after their hair colouring session, and emerged from the water with green hair. So if you’re planning to stick with your redhead look, ensure that you book your hair colouring session on times when you won’t hitting the beach or pool.

3. Steer Clear From Too Much Sunlight

Excessive exposure to sunlight could ruin even the most professionally done hair colour, so say goodbye to sunbathing for the meantime. If you can’t avoid being under direct sunlight, ensure that you apply enough hair sunblock to protected your coloured tresses.

4. Opt for Dry Shampoo

Another trick to maintain the vibrancy of your hair colour is to avoid washing it on a daily basis. In fact, you can on up to four days without shampooing your tresses. During those days, opt to use a dry shampoo to rid your scalp of grease and dirt without causing your hair colour to quickly fade.

5. Get Some Colour-Enhancing Treatments

There’s just so much that avoiding water and skipping shampoo can do, so make sure that you undergo colour-enhancing treatments every once in a while. You could even choose to do it on your own or have it professionally done at a salon. Just keep in mind though that these treatments will only temporarily enhance your hair colour in the in-between stage – the point where it’s too soon to schedule a touch-up appointment, but the fade in the root area is starting to get obvious.

Maintaining your redhead isn’t as difficult as you think if you just know how to properly care for it. So be sure to keep these haircare tips in mind so you could keep your red tresses vibrant for as long as you can.

Most of us have experienced wardrobe malfunctions at some point. You might have forgotten to zip up you pants or you flashed someone with your polka dots undies because you were wearing a very short skirt. You can avoid these by not committing the following fashion crimes.

Camel Toe

It’s common among women especially when leggings became popular substitutes for jeans. Ladies should wear longer shirts or avoid very tight-fitting leggings or jeans to avoid showing everyone the outline of your lady bits. Or you could always use a panty liner. And yes, there is a camel toe guard.

Nip Slip

If you wear a plunging neckline or a backless top, wear a bra that can be converted to go with any outfit. You could also put on a fashion tape or pasties.

Rainbow Colors

Wearing clothes that have too many colors and conflicting prints and patterns hurt the eyes. Unless it’s for a costume party, don’t put on something that will turn you into a walking Christmas tree.

Too Shiny

Go easy on the accessories. Not only do you look like you’re cosplaying as a fortune-teller but your accessories will also likely to snag on your clothes, hair and other things.

Too Long

Don’t pair up long tops with long skirts. You will look like you’re about to perform a ceremony for a cult. You will look shorter and bulkier too.

Faking It

Some imitation products look like the real thing, but there’s always that one person we know who can tell the difference. Save yourself from embarrassment. Besides, you should choose comfort and function over brand names.

Mix Gold and Silver

Now there’s nothing wrong with classic gold and silver jewelry. But don’t mix those two together. Your friends will think you’re showing off your wealth. The same goes for gemstones and pearls.

Too Lose

Baggy clothes will make you look smaller. The same is true for loose shirts or pants. No one wants to see your butt crack. It’s also annoying when the person keeps trying to hold up his/her pants.

Too Tight

Tight-fitting clothes constrict blood flow and you can even tear your clothes if you try to sit down or stretch. You don’t have to be a walking anatomical model to look sexy.

Weather Appropriate

Boots look really nice on photos but are you really gonna walk under the heat in that? Don’t wear thick and layered clothes unless your office is at sub-zero temperature. There’s no winter in the country.

Too Tight Jeans

Deciding on the cut of the jeans should be based on the shape of your legs and the occasion for wearing said jeans. If you have crooked legs, you don’t want that to be emphasized. Tight jeans on men are a no-no unless you’re trying to show off your package

Fake Eyeglasses

If you don’t need clear prescription glasses, why bother? There are tons of shades you can choose from for your eyewear. And no, huge fake glasses don’t make you look smarter.

Washing clothes nowadays is just a breeze because of the availability of different methods such as automatic washers at home and dry-cleaning laundry service. There are some things you need to pay attention to, however, when doing the laundry at home or when you take your laundry to commercial laundry services in Singapore.

1. When using the washing machine, always check that you’re using the correct load cycle. Don’t pick a large load cycle for a small load of clothes. Remember that more water and power is used up for a large load cycle.

2. Pre-treat the stains before placing them in the washer. Commercial laundry services in Singapore always perform this step for a reason. That’s because when you use warm water, the stain could settle on the fabric and make it more difficult to remove.

3. Always sort the light-colored clothes and the dark-colored clothes. But don’t stop there. Sort according to the intensity of the color, especially the colored clothes. There is still a risk of the dye running and leaving permanent stains. Don’t mix rough fabric and heavy fabrics with sheer, light and thin fabrics to avoid tearing.

4. Always read the labels. They are there so that you can care for your clothes properly and make them last longer. Laundry service also considers this step a standard procedure. This is to avoid washing clothes that are supposed to be dry-cleaned, spot-cleaned or steam-cleaned only.

5. Check the pockets for items. Laundry service will also perform this for you, but to save time and avoid hassle, you should do this yourself at home.

6. Turn all your clothes inside out so that only the wrong side is exposed to most chemicals. Leave the buttons open but close up all the zippers so that the garments don’t snag and tangle.

7. Use cold water in the washing machine because it’s energy efficient. Most clothes don’t get damaged when you use cool or warm water. Use hot water only if the label says it can be washed in hot water to disinfect the clothing, just like when towel washing.

8. Don’t use more laundry detergent when you are at the commercial laundry services in Singapore than is required for every load of clothes. Use the measuring cups that come with the powder or liquid detergent. If you use more detergent, it doesn’t mean your clothes will be cleaner. It will just make it more difficult for you to rinse soap from the fabrics.

9. Use laundry bags or nets when washing your delicates. For those who are too busy to hand-wash underwear and silk clothes for example, purchase laundry bags at the nearest shop so that your items are protected in the washer. You can also place uniform laundry, small items like socks and other delicate clothes in laundry bags to avoid snagging and tearing.

10. If you’re unsure if the new colored shirt you bought isn’t going to bleed, do a bleeding test before washing. Turn the clothing inside out and in one inconspicuous corner, rub a small amount of water and detergent. If the color bleeds, you might want to wash it separately for a time until it stops running.

11. Don’t leave your wet clothes in the washer for a long time. This will cause mold and bacteria to thrive in the moist environment. If you are too busy to do the laundry yourself, take your clothes to the nearest commercial laundry services in Singapore and they’ll be happy to do it for you.

12. Clean your home washer at least once a month. Make sure to also check the lint tray after every load of clothing. Clean the lint tray before beginning another wash cycle because the residue can be a fire hazard.

13. Don’t put the detergent directly on your clothes. Pour the powder or liquid detergent on the water before loading the clothes. This is to make sure that the detergent is evenly distributed.

14. You don’t need to use the dryer all the time if you still have enough space for a clothesline in your apartment. This will save energy and might be a good way to teach kids how to take care of their clothes. Air-drying will also make ironing wrinkles and creases easier in certain types of fabrics.

15. Don’t air-dry clothes directly under the heat of the sun, even the white clothes. The heat could deteriorate the fabric and accelerate color fading. Make sure the area is in an open area but under a shade.

16. Don’t believe the guides that tell you how often you should wash your clothes. The point is to get rid of dirt and bacteria after every use. Next time someone tells you not to wash your jeans, don’t listen. The buildup of oil, dirt, sweat and dust can ruin your clothes, not to mention make you stink.

17. Always pick the right water temperature. Generally, cool water is the safest for most types of clothes. Use hot water only if you need to disinfect items such as towel washing or baby’s clothes.

18. Use the gentlest cycle possible even if the label says you can use regular wash. This is only for items that are lightly soiled. Use a longer cycle for very dirty items like children’s clothes. Items that you wear everyday like uniform laundry should be washed gently so that they still look new after a year.

19. Don’t oversoak clothes. Not all fabrics should be left in water for a long time because it might shrink or expand. It will also increase the chances of bleeding and fading. For uniform laundry, don’t soak them overnight because the water and detergent can break down the buttons and fabric. Hand-wash heavily stained items then place them in the washer. That will remove the stains most of the time.

20. Use the low heat setting whenever you use the dryer. For extra delicate fabrics, use the no-heat setting. Choosing the lowest setting will lessen the deterioration of most fabrics and prevent shrinkage and the formation of more wrinkles.