We all want our favorite clothes to last as long as possible. But sometimes, it feels like they wear out faster than they should. What if we told you that we, not the clothes are often to blame? It all begins with our limited knowledge of fabric maintenance.
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The good news? With a few smart laundry hacks, you can keep your wardrobe looking fresh and fabulous for years to come. Find out how below.
1. Check those Labels, Darling!
Let’s begin with labels. Yeah, we know! It’s easy to ignore those tiny instructions, but trust us, they’re important. Checking clothes labels will help you understand the best way to wash, dry, and iron your clothes, which can make all the difference in their lifespan.
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For instance, many of us never notice the instructions to not use washing machines on some of our clothes.
2. Wash Clothes Inside-Out
How do you wash your clothes? If you didn’t know, turning your clothes inside-out before washing can improve their durability.
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This simple trick helps protect the outer layer from friction, reducing peeling and fading. Your favorite tees and jeans will stay looking newer for longer this way.
3. Use Cold Water for Most Washes
It’s easy to believe that hot water washes your clothes best because of their germs-killing quality. While this may be true, it can also be harsh on your fabric. Cold water, on the other hand, is gentle and effective for most clothing types, preserving color and preventing shrinkage.
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In addition, it’s energy-efficient, saving you money on your utility bills. So, you can take this as a cue to start washing with cold water.
4. Sort Clothes by Fabric Type and Color
We’ve all heard about sorting laundry by color, but don’t forget to sort by fabric type, too. It’s almost as important as the former.
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Delicate clothing, heavy fabrics, and synthetics all have different washing needs. Sorting helps prevent damage and ensures each item gets the care it needs, extending its lifespan.
5. Avoid Overloading your Washer
Stuffing your washing machine to the brim might save time, but it’s not great for your clothes. Overloading causes more friction and wear on the fabrics.
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As a result, it’s necessary to give your clothes some space to move freely, allowing for a more thorough and gentle clean.
6. Use the Right Amount of Detergent
In contrast to what many people think, more detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. In fact, using too much can leave residue, which attracts dirt and causes fabrics to break down faster.
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So, stick to the recommended amount for your load size, ensuring a clean rinse and extending your clothes’ life. You’ll even get to save your detergent.
7. Keep Your Washing Machine Clean
A dirty washing machine can’t clean your clothes properly. Hence, consider washing your machine at least once a month by running an empty cycle with hot water and white vinegar or a washing machine cleaner.
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This keeps your machine in top condition, ensuring your clothes come out fresh and clean every time.
8. Handle Stains Immediately
There’s no point waiting for laundry day when you notice an obvious stain on your clothes. The faster you tackle a stain, the better your chances are of removing it completely.
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Blot (don’t rub) the stain and treat it with an appropriate stain remover as soon as possible. This prevents the stain from setting, keeping your clothes looking clean.
9. Iron Carefully and Sparingly
We recommend ironing your clothes to smooth out wrinkles. But it can also wear down fabric fibers over time. One of the ways to manage this is to iron on a low heat setting and always check the care label for specific instructions.
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Also, whenever possible, skip the iron and let clothes air dry on hangers to minimize wrinkles naturally.
10. Store Clothes Properly
Like with many other items, proper storage is key to maintaining your clothes’ longevity. For example, fold heavy items like sweaters to avoid stretching and hang lighter items to maintain their shape.
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Also, use padded hangers for delicate fabrics and keep your closet organized to prevent crushing and wrinkles.
11. Say No to Fabric Softeners
Fabric softeners might make clothes feel softer, but they can leave a coating that diminishes fabric quality over time. This buildup can also reduce fabric breathability and absorbency, leading to dullness over time.
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Instead of artificial softeners, try white vinegar as a natural alternative. Add half a cup during the rinse cycle. It’s gentle, effective, and won’t damage your clothes.
