How do we wash clothes so that they last a long time?
Believe it or not, the durability of your clothes depends not only on how they are made, but also on how you take care of them. Proper washing techniques help preserve the quality, color, and shape of your clothes, so you can enjoy your favorite pieces for a long time.
In this blog post, I will share with you how to wash cotton, wool, and colorful patterned clothes so that they last a long time.
Washing clothes made of natural materials
Cotton and linen are some of the most popular natural materials, but improper washing can easily ruin them.
If we don't treat them with care, clothes made of cotton tend to shrink and even lose their color.
1. Choose cold or lukewarm water: Hot water causes cotton to shrink, so it is recommended to wash them only at 30°C or in cold water. Only wash clothes at higher temperatures if absolutely necessary.
2. Use a gentle detergent: Harsh chemicals in detergents not only fade the color of cotton, but can also damage the material. So, natural, chemical-free detergents are the best choice.
3. Avoid the dryer: The heat of the dryer can further shrink cotton clothes. It's best to air dry them, preferably in the shade, to further preserve the colors.
4. Turn clothes inside out: Always turn colored cotton clothes inside out to protect the color of the outer surfaces from wear during washing.
Washing woolen clothes
Wool is a natural material that requires special care. If you wash it incorrectly, it can easily shrink or lose its softness. Fortunately, a few simple tips can help you keep your wool clothes in good condition.
1. Wash by hand or choose a gentle program: Wool is a delicate material, so hand washing or at most using the machine's "wool" program is recommended, which washes at a lower temperature and much lower spin speed.
2. Cold water and special detergent: Always wash in cold water with a special detergent for wool to avoid damaging the fibers. Conventional detergents can dry out and stiffen wool.
3. Avoid rubbing and twisting: Do not rub or twist woolen clothes while washing, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, gently squeeze the water out of them.
4. Lay them out to dry: Never hang woolen clothes because they can stretch from moisture. Lay them out on a towel and let them dry slowly.
Washing brightly colored and patterned clothes
Colorful and patterned clothes are the jewels of our wardrobe, but they fade faster if washed incorrectly. If you want to preserve the original vibrant colors and patterns of your clothes in the long term, it is important to wash them properly.
1. Wash in cold water: Warm water can greatly accelerate color fading. Wash colored clothes in cold water or no hotter than 30°C.
2. Choose a gentle detergent: For colored clothes, choose a detergent that is specifically formulated to preserve colors. These detergents help prevent colors from fading quickly.
3. Don't soak colored clothes for too long: Soaking them for too long can easily break down colored fibers, making the colors less vibrant. Avoid soaking and use a short wash cycle instead.
4. Wash dark and light colors separately: Mixing colored and white clothes in one wash can cause discoloration. Always wash dark and light colored items separately to prevent color transfer. Use a color-blocking cloth if you can!
5. Wash patterned clothes inside out: This trick helps prevent patterns from fading during the washing process. The inside of the garment will take the wear and tear of the washing machine, so the patterns and colors will stay fresh longer.
General tips for washing
If you want to do laundry in a more sustainable way, it is worth considering the following aspects:
1. Reduce the frequency of washing: Not all clothes require very frequent washing. If a garment is not visibly dirty, it can be refreshed with a simple airing, thus requiring less water and energy waste.
2. Use a laundry bag for delicate fabrics: A laundry bag protects delicate fabrics from friction, reducing wear and tear and the chance of damage, especially for colored and woolen clothes.
3. Choose an energy-saving washing mode: Washing with cold water not only protects the condition of your clothes, but also uses less energy, making the washing process more sustainable.
4. Avoid chemical fabric softeners: Chemical fabric softeners can damage fabrics and irritate your skin. Instead, use natural-based fabric softeners, such as vinegar, which will help keep your clothes soft.
With the right washing techniques, your clothes will stay fresh and new for longer, reducing waste and the need to buy new clothes. Sustainable fashion is not only about making conscious choices, but also about taking care of your clothes properly. Remember: strive for natural, gentle solutions with every wash, and your clothes will last longer!