If you’re like most people, you work hard and use your hard-earned money to pay for things that bring you joy. For many people, buying clothes is one of their great pleasures in life. However, with so many fast fashion sites coming at us on a daily basis, it’s easy to fall into the trap.
Unfortunately, the quality of these clothes often leads to us wearing them a few times and throwing them away not after the purchase. While ideally, you should steer clear of fast fashion and buy more sustainable brands, there are ways to get more life out of this clothing if you play your cards right.
Here are some ways to make your clothes last even longer.
Follow Washing Instructions
You know those little tags that are attached to the clothes that you buy that include the temperature you should wash your clothes at and whether they’re to be dry cleaned only? Don’t ignore those tags! This is an important part of extending the life of your garments.
Always check the care labels before washing them so that you understand the best method to execute. If you’re the type of person who just throws everything into the washing machine and dryer, then it’s no wonder why your clothes don’t last that long!
Sort your laundry by color and fabric type and of course by how dirty it is. Your white delicates obviously aren’t going to be washed with your brightly colored towels. In addition to the type of washing method you choose, it’s important to choose the right kind of detergent. Not every detergent is created equally, so choose wisely.
Air Dry
It is undoubtedly convenient to put your clothes in the dryer. After all, that means they’re ready to go in as little as 30 minutes. However, that hot air is absolutely frying your clothes, particularly if they’re on the cheaper side.
Whenever possible, air-dry your clothes to extend their lifespan and minimize the risk of shrinking and fading. This approach is not only beneficial for your garments but also helps you avoid the frustration of buying new clothes that shrink after just one wash. Additionally, knowing how to get lint off clothes without a lint roller can keep your clothes looking fresh and well-maintained.
Store Properly
Shoving your clothes into a drawer with no airflow is going to lead to wrinkly and smelly clothes. Proper storage is essential if you hope for them to last and look their best. Hang things up that are susceptible to wrinkles, and fold things away neatly in a dry and cool area.
If your house is susceptible to moisture, you might want to use anti-moisture tablets or sachets which can avoid foul smells and mildew accumulating. This is especially important for your clothing that you put away for the season, as it will be sitting there for several months.