To avoid rapid wear and tear on your clothes, it’s important to know how to wash, dry, and iron your clothes. If we add to these factors another factor, such as using a good detergent that cares for and respects the fibers of the clothes, then it will remain as effective as it was on day one.
Discover the best tips and ideas to make your clothes last longer and have that “clean smell” we love so much.
The durability of a garment depends on the quality of the materials from which it is made, the purpose of the garment, the detergent used in the washing process, and how we handle the garment after purchasing it.
We make a lot of mistakes with our clothes before, during, and after washing, such as using the wrong amount of detergent or washing fabrics at a higher water temperature than indicated on the label. These two mistakes (as well as others) can cause the garment to become more brittle, fade, and in many cases, end up ruined within a few weeks.
To prevent your favorite clothes from wearing out quickly, take note of these 10 ideas for caring for your clothes to make them last longer, wash after wash.
Tips to make clothes last longer
If you want to care for your clothes and extend their life, be sure to remember the washing, drying and ironing instructions and use a color-protecting detergent.
1. Organize clothes
Sorting clothes by shades of color is all about avoiding fading, but what about the softness and texture of the clothes? We have to take care of it too!
You may not think it’s necessary to separate the clothes you’re washing based on the softness of the fabric, but keep in mind that clothes are constantly rubbing against each other during the wash cycle, causing considerable wear and tear on fibers and seams over time.
Therefore, to avoid further wear and tear on your clothes, we recommend that you separate your clothes by color and material. This simple action will greatly extend its lifespan.
2. Always read the care label
Checking the care label is also crucial to protecting the color and texture of your garment. This step, although important, is often overlooked or forgotten, which is why clothes wear out faster.
Remember, to know exactly how to wash, iron, and dry fabric (without damaging it), you must follow the instructions specified on the label.
At this point, always remember that water temperature is the most important aspect of protecting your clothing. If the garment does not have a label, it is best to wash it individually by hand.
3. Wash the clothes inside out
Another basic step to take care of your clothes and maintain their original color is to always wash them inside out, especially dark-colored clothes. This way the seams, beads and mainly the color of the garment are protected during the spinning process. For example, jeans should always be washed inside out to prevent fading, as should printed T-shirts or sweaters.
Again, we recommend using a soap that protects the color of your clothing.
4. Treat stubborn stains before washing
If you find a stubborn stain on your shirt or pants, treat it! It’s a good idea to apply a little detergent to the stain and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before putting the clothes in the washing machine.
This is what you should do, especially if they are pen, paint, or makeup stains. Otherwise, you could end up soiling the entire wash cycle and using unnecessary energy and detergent.
It’s important to consider the type of stain and choose a wash temperature that’s best suited to treating it. Some stains, such as blood, will set harder if hot water is used, which is why it’s best to always treat them with cold water.
5. Do not overload the washing machine
Just as it is not recommended to use the same program for all washes, it is also very important not to overload the washing machine, for two very simple reasons: on the one hand, the clothes do not wash well; Detergents (especially laundry detergents), on the other hand, don’t dissolve well and can leave horrible detergent stains on your clothes.
Again, we recommend adding detergent in moderation, as too much can also create these horrible stains. The two wrong conclusions are that we have to wash the clothes a second time on the same day, which will undoubtedly make the clothes wear out faster. Now you know, use your detergent wisely.
6.Care for delicate fabrics
You must protect certain types of clothing in a special way: delicate fabrics (which should always be washed with shorter wash cycles), special detergents for delicate clothing and cold water (max. 30°C). Mixing this type of clothing with any other non-refined clothing can easily cause wear or damage.
In fact, many garments made from organic silk are only allowed to be hand washed or “dry cleaned” for better preservation. Other items, such as leather goods, should also not be placed in the washing machine. In the latter case, you can dry-clean them with a sponge, moisten them with a special wax or oil and hang them on a hanger.
On the other hand, we recommend using fabric softener when washing as it protects the fibers and color of your clothes, thereby extending their lifespan.
Extra tips: If you want to wash unlabeled clothing in the washing machine, use a special bag (or pillowcase) to protect it from other clothing, buttons, and zippers.
7. Use the wash cycle (well)
The same washing program does not fit all situations. In fact, using the same procedure on cotton, linen, denim or polyester will eventually damage the structure of the garment after months or weeks.
Therefore, one of the most important tips for making your clothes last longer is to learn how to use the wash cycle correctly. And, all you have to do is choose a program based on the care needs of each garment.
Extra tips: If the clothes are not very dirty, it is best to wash them in cold water, which saves energy and retains color better.
8. Learn to hang clothes
Just as important as washing your clothes is hanging or drying them when you’re done with the wash cycle. It’s crucial to prioritize using the clothesline over the dryer during this step for one simple reason: Excess heat can quickly wear down the fibers of less durable clothing.
In this sense, we must point out that although it is possible to use a dryer, avoid very delicate clothes such as wool and silk, since it is better to hang the clothes on a clothesline outdoors.
Also, the correct way to hang is to turn the garment inside out and use clips to secure the garment to the sides, right on the seam line. Also, if you can place the heaviest part downwards.
Finally, to avoid further wear on dark or black clothing, do not store it in the sun. We’re not kidding. Direct sunlight on dark clothes can cause them to lose their original color and shine. Simply put, turn these garments inside out and place them in the open air in the shade to dry.
9. Ironing is okay, but be careful
Each material requires a different ironing temperature to stay in good condition. Ironing polyester is different than ironing cotton or spandex.
Below, we indicate the ideal temperatures based on the material of the garment.
- Polyamide, polypropylene, elastane and acetate: ideal temperature between 70 and 120°C.
- Cupro, polyester, silk, triacetate, viscose and wool: ideal temperatures between 100 and 160°C.
- Cotton and linen: Ideal temperature is between 140 and 210°C.
10. Let your clothes and wardrobe breathe
When storing clothing, try to be efficient and organized. This includes folding T-shirts, pants, and light sweaters and storing them in drawers away from sunlight and moisture.
Likewise, reserve a specific space for items such as shirts, blazers, and dresses, as they are best hung and separated based on material type.