Factors that impact how long an item of clothing is kept include the willingness of the owner to wear the same item repeatedly, technical aspects such as resilient fabrics, dyes, and colors, consumer ability to repair or alter clothes, and how owners look after their clothes.
Taking good care of an item of clothing can help to significantly increase its lifespan, which is why we are sharing some of our top tips for taking care of your clothes so they stay looking great for a long time.
Wash at low temperatures
When the time comes to do a clothes wash, wash at lower temperatures with a gentle and natural laundry detergent to keep the fabric clean and soft, and also to prevent color fading. A lot of the emissions produced during the ‘in-use’ stage of its life cycle are from washing and tumble drying – washing at 30°C or less helps to reduce those emissions as well as protect your clothes. The exceptions might be items that are in close contact with your skin, such as underwear, bedding, and towels – which may need a higher temperature wash.
Read about cleaning/dry cleaning on cleaning companies’ websites
How do dry cleaners clean clothes?
How long will dry cleaners hold clothes?
In order to act as safely as possible, you need to consult professionals or apply for their services. Just Google “how to do dry cleaners (dry) clean clothes?” and read their blogs. Try to find websites or apps with high ranking and better reviews, so that you can easily trust them and start following their instructions.
Pay attention to care labels
Different materials need different approaches to laundering. Wool, for instance, should only be washed when absolutely needed, using a specific wool detergent on a gentle cycle or a hand wash. It is important to properly care for delicate fabrics such as cashmere and silk, which are particularly vulnerable to damage by harsh chemicals and heat. Pay careful attention to the instructions on the label, which advise you on the maximum recommended temperature an item should be washed at. If the label says dry clean only, check how long usually dry cleaners hold clothes in the dryer and how exactly they treat particular fabrics.
Use eco-laundry powders and detergents
Using specialist laundry products can also go a long way to making your most treasured items last longer. There is now a growing number of eco-laundry products that are made from biodegradable, plant-derived ingredients, and which also have the added bonus of being refillable.
Wash inside out
An extra handy tip is to wash clothes inside out when machine washing, and to avoid overfilling because this can cause friction and damage the fibers.
Air dry
There’s nothing like that freshly laundered, the air-dried smell when you get your clean clothes in from the washing line. And not only does it smell great, but air drying is also better for your clothes and the planet.
Shake out your clothes and hang either outside on the washing line, drying rack, or on hangers to air dry. Again, pay attention to clothing labels as some garments, such as woolen jumpers, might be better dried flat.
Store properly
Correct storage can really prolong the lifespan of a garment. Try to store all clothes in a cool and dry space to protect them from dampness, sunlight, and heat, which can all cause damage. Make sure clothes are clean before storage, as dirt and surface debris can attract clothes moths, which will damage your clothes. Try storing your knitwear with lavender for added protection against clothes moths. It’s important to not overfill your wardrobe, as clothes need breathing space – this will also prevent wrinkling and color loss from clothes rubbing together.
Repair damage
Do not hurry to throw your garments away when they lose their shiny appearance. Repair any damage to a garment when you first notice it. This will not only keep the item out of the landfill and in a wearable state but will increase the lifespan of the item as the damage will likely get worse over time if left unresolved.
You can also refresh and restore items to keep them looking their best. De-pilling that jumper you’ve worn every day, or rehydrating that old leather jacket that’s become dry or cracked over time will preserve them and keep them in wearable condition.