The Ultimate Guide To Making Your Clothes Last Almost Forever
If you’re on a journey to achieving a sustainable, eco-friendly lifestyle, a good starting point would be your wardrobe. Most people don’t realize the impact fast fashion and consumerism have on our planet.
Implement new habits easily with our guide to making your clothes last longer:
Invest in high-quality clothing
If you want your clothes to last longer, you might have to splurge on some pieces. Investing in good materials will pay off in the long run since you won’t replace your jacket every few months because the seams ripped off or the zipper is broken.
Building a capsule-style wardrobe with high-quality pieces will last a long time, and you won’t spend time thinking of what to wear again.
Don’t wash clothes too often
If you’re one of those, who have a habit of throwing everything into a hamper, even if you’ve only worn it once for a short time, you should stop doing that. Overwashing clothes can cause damage to the fibers, become dull and lose stretch. Try to wear clothes more than two times before washing them unless they are visibly stained or dirty.
Don’t use the dryer too often
The same goes with washing- putting the clothes in a dryer way too often causes them to shrink, lose their shape and even cause them to fall apart entirely. Not to mention the money you will save on your electric bills. Air-drying is a more eco-friendly option that is better for your clothes and the earth.
Use Cleaning Services sparingly
While laundromats and dry-cleaning services are an easy and convenient way to clean clothes, and for some items, the only way to clean, these services can be harmful to both the environment and your clothes. If your clothes are dry-cleaning only, then instead of just going to any dry-cleaning service, explore alternatives such as this company for green cleaning in Chicago.
Read the care labels
Since all clothes are made differently, it’s expected that they have different ways of care. Read the care labels to determine if you should wash an item with hot or cold water and if it’s suitable for the washing machine. Some clothes are suitable for dry-cleaning only. However, you can wash most items labeled as dry-cleaning only at home by hand.
Prepare the clothes before washing them
Pull up all zippers and button up your garments before throwing them in the washer. This will ensure they don’t snag the other items and don’t get damaged. Turn the item inside out to prevent any damage on the outside and also to minimize color leaking. When washing delicate items, put them in a mesh bag. A small laundry bag is also helpful if you’re washing items that might get lost, such as socks and underwear.
Be mindful of the detergent you use
Putting extra detergent or fabric softener in a load won’t leave your clothes clean. On the contrary, if the sud doesn’t wash out properly, it will cause a film to build up on the surface and make your clothes feel stiff and dull. Follow the dose instructions on the label.
Buy eco-friendly laundry detergent. The water you use in the cycle will end up back in nature, so ensure it’s not polluted with harsh chemicals.
Store the clothes properly
After you’ve followed the washing instructions and laundry hacks, make sure to properly store the clothes after. Leave enough space in the closet for your clothes to breathe. For clothes you should hang, such as your coats, invest in wooden hangers as they are sturdier and hold the shape of your garment better. Don’t hang delicate items like wool or cashmere sweaters. Fold them to help retain their original form.
