If you’ve been doing laundry most of your life, you likely have a routine down pat. But even the most seasoned pros may stumble over certain items or be washing them incorrectly due to their unique care requirements.

Follow this guide to cleaning some of the more difficult pieces of clothing to help ensure that you get them spick-and-span every time.

Jeans

Let’s start with jeans, which are generally washed too often according to Levi Strauss & Co. Unless they’re noticeably dirty or have an odor, the iconic denim brand recommends laundering them only after every ten wears or so to preserve their original fit. Turn your jeans inside out to prevent color fading before washing them in cold water and on a gentle cycle in your machine. But don’t toss them in the dryer, which can cause shrinking; instead, hang them or lay them flat. As a bonus tip, you can spot-treat any stains with a mild soap and damp cloth in between washings.

Socks

Your socks may be some of the smallest items in your laundry basket, but they require more of your attention. For one, wash them in a mesh bag; tossing them into your laundry pile with everything else almost guarantees they’ll be separated. Also, turn them inside out so your machine can better remove sweat and bacteria transferred from your skin. Most socks can go in the washer and dryer, but delicate materials like wool should be air-dried to maintain their shape and avoid damage.

Sneakers

Though your sneakers may fare fine in your machines depending on their material, it’s generally recommended to clean them by hand when they start to look or smell a little worse for wear. Start by removing loose dirt with a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush or toothbrush. Then take out the laces and insoles and clean them separately in a solution of mild laundry or dish detergent and water. Give them a rubdown, rinse thoroughly, and blot dry with a cloth. Use the same cleaning solution to scrub the exterior of the shoes with a brush, wiping away the soapy residue with a dry cloth.

To dry, stuff your shoes with paper towels and place them, the laces, and the insoles on a towel indoors. This process may take up to a day or two, but you can speed it up by replacing the paper towels every couple of hours and placing a small fan in front of the items.

Baseball caps

Whether worn to ballgames or on errands, these hats are among America’s favorite headgear. And, yes, they should be washed like everything else you wear. But don’t be fooled by their simple appearance—they require delicate care. Use a soapy solution and a toothbrush or soft-bristle brush to pretreat stains, then soak your hat in the solution for at least fifteen minutes. Rinse thoroughly, and air-dry by placing it over a bowl to keep its shape.

High-performance activewear

To maintain the elasticity and moisture-wicking properties of your yoga pants and other workout gear, proper care is essential. First and foremost, wash them immediately after each exercise session to prevent odor and bacteria growth. (They can go an extra use if just worn out and about.) To better eliminate smell, presoak your gear in a solution of one part distilled vinegar to four parts water for at least fifteen minutes before washing. Always turn these garments inside out and place them in a mesh laundry bag, using a gentle wash cycle with cool water. Finally, air-dry or tumble-dry on low heat.

By following these general tips, your clothing will likely last longer and look better. Just make sure to always check for care labels so you can give all your favorite threads the proper TLC they deserve.