The outfits we wear are deeply personal to us all, reflecting our individual styles, personalities, and the way we present ourselves to the world. It’s vital, therefore, to care for these precious items in the best possible way to make them last. Here are our top tips for keeping your clothes looking tip-top, maximizing their lifespan, and ensuring they stay as stylish as you!
Choose The Right Washing Temperature
The first step to ensuring your clothes last is to check the laundry instructions and wash them at the specified temperature! Hot water can cause some fabrics – including denim – to shrink, as well as result in color fading, and fabric weakening. Most clothes fare best in cold or lukewarm water. Reserve hot water washes for items like towels and bedding that need deeper cleaning. Plus, washing in cooler water also saves energy!
Wash Items In a Mesh Bag
Some items, especially those with straps or clasps, benefit from being placed in a mesh laundry bag first. Doing so stops them from getting caught on other clothing or the machine’s drum, as well as helping them to maintain their shape. It’s a simple precaution that only takes a moment extra but can make a big difference in preserving the items’ lifespan.
Only Dry Clean When Necessary
Some items specify that they need to be dry cleaned. If this is the case, don’t be tempted to wash them in the machine and see what happens – it’s simply not worth the risk! Delicate items such as silk scarves likely don’t need to be washed too often; in fact, save your trip to the dry cleaners for when they become visibly soiled.
It’s worth noting that, although delicate, silk can last forever when cared for properly – which is undoubtedly a good thing, considering the beauty of this fabric! However, to offer maximum protection from abrasions, store your silk scarves in a drawer (make sure it’s completely dry inside) when not in use and take care to fold them without creating any creases.
You can also hang them over a padded hanger in the closet and even iron them on a low heat when necessary.
Turn Clothes Inside Out Before Washing
Have you ever had a treasured t-shirt with a printed logo or image on the front only to see the design crack and fade after only a few washes? This problem has a simple solution: Turn the garment inside out before washing. By exposing the inner side, rather than the outer surface, to the agitation of the machine, it reduces friction during the wash cycle.
This, in turn, helps maintain the garment’s original appearance. It’s also a good trick for items with delicate embellishments, such as embroidery, beading, or sequins, which are seeing something of a revival.
Treat Stains Straightaway
We’ve all had that moment of panic after spilling something notorious for staining – think red wine, turmeric, or tomato sauce. Next time it happens, remind yourself that the sooner you deal with a stain, the easier it is to remove. The best approach is to blot it using a clean, damp cloth (try not to rub as the friction may inadvertently make the stain worse, while damaging the fabric).
There are various natural stain removers, such as white vinegar, lemon juice, or baking soda. Simply daub them on prior to washing the item.
As well as an investment, our clothes are an important part of the way we present ourselves to the world. Thankfully, by following our top care tips, it’s possible to keep them looking as good as new for as long as possible!
