Clothing Care 101: How To Clean and Preserve Your Wardrobe
Taking care of your clothing is more than just a mundane chore; it's a crucial step in preserving the longevity and quality of your wardrobe. While most people are familiar with the basics of washing, drying, and ironing, there are insider tips that can elevate your clothing care routine to the next level. In this article, we'll review the fundamentals and unveil some lesser-known secrets to help you keep your clothes fresh for years to come.
Before Washing, Consider:
Is it actually dirty (stained, bad smell), or just worn? One of the best ways to increase longevity of your clothing is less wash cycles, as water and chemicals in cleaners wear on garments over time.
Pro tip: You can often get rid of clothing smells without washing by putting items in the freezer, as cold temperatures kill many odor-causing bacteria. This method is often used for raw denim but can apply to all clothes (and shoes too).
Sorting with Precision:
Separate your clothes by color, fabric type, and dirtiness. You can prevent color bleeding and maintain vibrancy by categorizing laundry not only by color but also by fabric type and how soiled the items are.
Pro tip: Keep delicate fabrics like silk and wool separate from heavier items to avoid unnecessary friction during washing.
Temperature Matters:
Use cold water for most loads to be gentle on fabrics and preserve colors. Reserve hot water for stubborn set-in stains, as it can be more effective in their removal.
The Power of Inside Out:
Turn clothes inside-out before washing to minimize friction between the fabric and the washing machine drum, reducing the chances of pilling and fading. This step is especially crucial for maintaining the vibrancy of dark or colorful clothing.
Pro tip: Just like washing & drying, steaming/ironing your clothes inside out is crucial. This will preserve graphic prints (which should never be ironed) and serves as a safety net for burns to the outward facing material (in case you forgot to change those temperature settings).
Drying Wisdom:
While it may be time-consuming, air-drying is still the best and gentlest option for clothes. We recommend laying clothes flat to air dry. If using a dryer, use lowest heat settings available and minimize cycle time. Consider using wool dryer balls to naturally soften fabrics and reduce static, providing a more eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets. Dryer sheets coat your clothes in softening agents and waxy material, which is especially problematic for any breathable or performance fabrics. Chemicals in dryer sheets can also be harmful to the skin and environment.
Pro tip: add a dry towel to accelerate drying time, saving energy and reducing wear and tear.
Steam, Don't Iron:
Invest in a quality steamer to remove wrinkles without subjecting clothes to the harsh direct heat of an iron. Steaming is quicker, safer, and ideal for delicate fabrics that can't withstand contact with a hot iron.
If you're in a pinch have to use an iron, make sure to select heat settings based on the type of material (most irons have a guide on the temperature dial). Start with low heat and adjust if necessary.
Stain Management:
Blot, don't rub! Address stains promptly by blotting instead of rubbing to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fabric or damaging delicate fibers. For oily stains, apply a small amount of talcum powder or cornstarch before washing to absorb and lift oil-based stains.
Natural Fiber Love:
Opt for clothing made from natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool, as they tend to age more gracefully and respond better to natural cleaning methods than synthetic materials.
In Closing:
The art of clothing care involves a combination of diligence, knowledge, and a touch of insider insight. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you'll not only keep your wardrobe looking impeccable, but also contribute to a more sustainable and mindful approach to fashion.
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