10 Ways You're Ruining Your Clothes & What To Do Instead To Make Them Last A Lifetime
10 Ways You're Ruining Your Clothes & What To Do Instead To Make Them Last A Lifetime
How Long Do Your Clothes Last?
Your wardrobe is an investment, but chances are you’re unknowingly sabotaging it every day, whether it's by throwing them in the wash way too often or neglecting to separate them. However, with a little care and some simple habit tweaks, your clothes could last you much longer, saving you money and saving the planet. Here are 10 ways you're ruining your clothes and 10 strategies for prolonging the life of your beloved garments.
1. Washing Them Too Frequently
Although convenient, automatic washers can be rough on fabrics, breaking down the fibers. Most of us wash our clothes much too frequently; you can actually wear most garments several times before needing to wash them.
2. Washing Them On The Wrong Setting
We've all had that heartbreaking moment when we take a new garment that we love out of the dryer only to find that it's ruined. Pay attention to those care instructions, folks! Using the right setting on the washing machine really matters.
3. Putting Them In The Dryer
The dryer makes a lot of sense for certain garments, and it cuts your time spent waiting for your clothes down by a lot; however, it also tends to beat clothes up. It's a hot and harsh environment, especially for delicate fibers.
4. Using Harsh Detergents
While we're used to them, most detergents are much stronger than needed. Consider buying an all-natural or extra gentle one and make sure only to use the amount indicated, not more.
5. Overloading The Washing Machine
Who is not guilty of cramming the washing machine to avoid doing two loads? Putting too many clothes in there prevents proper movement and rinsing and is potentially damaging.
6. Exposing Them To Sunlight
While it's impossible to completely keep your clothes out of the sun, try to avoid too much exposure. A lot of sun can fade the color and cause dry rot.
7. Improper Storage
Where you store your clothes plays an integral role in how long they last. Keeping them in a damp or humid environment can lead to mildew, rot, and odor.
8. Not Repairing Damage
Failing to repair your clothes when they have a spot of damage will only lead to it worsening. It can cause the clothes to become unwearable.
9. Ignoring Lint
We all forget to clean out the lint container in the dryer now and then, but don't make it a habit. Not only is it a fire hazard, but it also damages the clothes.
10. Not Sorting
Many of us are guilty of cutting corners when it comes to sorting our clothes before a wash, but if you want your clothes to continue looking new, don't skip this step. Mixing them will cause the colors to look less vibrant and has the potential to damage delicate garments.
Now that we've covered common practices that are ruining your clothes, let's talk about how to keep your clothes looking new for longer.
1. Read Care Labels
The little tag on the inside of your top isn't just there to scratch you; it carries important information about how to care properly for that garment. Your life will change drastically once you understand that that's actually important to pay attention to.
2. Wash Less Often
We're not saying to go around with stinky clothes on, but fabric sprays do work wonders. Don't immediately throw clothes into your hamper once you've worn them once. Instead, assess them to determine if they really need a wash.
3. Wash Inside Out
Washing your clothes inside out helps protect the outside of them from being rubbed or scraped. It's a small extra step that can go a long way.
4. Use A Mesh Bag
Putting your delicate garments like lingerie, silk, and lace in a mesh bag during washing can help protect them. The bag helps protect them from friction or getting snagged and stretched.
Josefina Di Battista on Unsplash
5. Avoid Fabric Softener
While fabric softener makes your clothes feel nice to touch, it can drastically reduce the life of fabrics. The residue left by fabric softener reduces absorbency, weakens fibers, and makes garments retain odors.
6. Air Dry
As it aggressively heats and tosses garments around violently, the dryer is a harsh environment for clothing. Whenever possible, air dry clothes, especially if they're of a delicate material.
7. Roll Instead Of Fold
Consider rolling instead of folding your clothes when you put them away. This can help prevent creases and wrinkles.
8. Use Wooden Hangers
If you're hanging up your clothes in the closet, use wooden or wide plastic hangers. Wire hangers are the worst for your clothes because they make marks or even tears on the shoulders.
9. Lower Dryer Heat
If you must dry your clothes in a dryer, turn down the heat. The aggressively high temperature is the major culprit for why your clothes get ruined in the dryer.
10. Learn Basic Sewing
Give yourself one less hurdle to having your clothes repaired promptly by learning basic sewing. You will be surprised how many years of life a little mending knowledge will add to your clothes.
