If you’re interested in adopting a more sustainable approach to your wardrobe, knowing proper clothing care will extend your garments’ lifespan. This starts with understanding the correct way to wash your garments, as frequent washing can cause wear and tear on your beloved pieces. Read on for a few straightforward techniques to help you preserve their quality and keep them in pristine condition for an extended period.
Clothing Care 101
To properly care for your treasured garments, it’s crucial to assess whether they genuinely require laundering before tossing them in the wash. Although it may seem obvious, it’s all too easy to over-wash clothing, leading to fading, shrinking, or loss of shape. Instead, consider alternatives such as airing out clothes outdoors, using a hand-held steamer, or hanging them in a steamy bathroom to freshen them up.
If you do opt to wash your clothes, be sure to read the care labels to determine the appropriate washing technique for each fabric. While delicate materials like wool and cashmere may require handwashing, most clothes can be machine washed. Read my tips on handwashing your delicate garments.
However, it’s important to note that the temperature indicated on the care label is the maximum temperature, not the recommended temperature. Washing clothes at a lower temperature can decrease the risk of damage. Note: Underwear and other items that come into direct contact with your skin may require higher temperatures to remove bacteria.
To minimize friction and abrasion on your clothes, turn them inside out and zip up any zippers or fastenings before placing them in the washing machine. Mesh laundry bags can also be useful for protecting delicate garments. Over or under-filling the machine can cause damage, so be sure to check your machine’s maximum load capacity.
To prevent further wear and tear, air drying your clothes is the best option, as even the gentlest dryer setting can damage garments. Use a washing line or drying rack to hang clothes, and lay delicate items like jumpers and underwear flat to dry, checking their care labels for specific instructions.
TL;DR — The Quick Tips
- Wash in cool water
- Hang to dry
- Limit dry cleaning
- Natural steam
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