Fast fashion harms the environment with wasteful production and short-lived trends. Sustainable fashion counters this by focusing on quality and longevity. When you take good care of your clothes, you extend their lifespan, reducing the need for constant replacements and supporting eco-friendly practices.
This blog provides essential tips on how to take care of clothes including washing, drying, professional cleaning, ironing, storing, and tailoring to help you maintain your clothes and embrace sustainable fashion. Let’s dive into the best practices for preserving your wardrobe and in turn, helping the planet.
Proper Washing Techniques
How to Wash Clothes to Make Them Last Longer
Improper washing can damage clothes, causing colors to fade, fabrics to shrink or stretch, and fibers to weaken, leading to premature wear and tear. To extend the lifespan of your clothes, follow these washing tips:
- Sort clothes by color and fabric type, and separate heavily soiled items from lightly soiled ones to avoid cross-contamination.
- Use cold water for dark and delicate fabrics; warm water for whites and sturdy fabrics. Avoid hot water, which can cause colors to fade and fibers to weaken.
- Opt for a gentle cycle to minimize wear and tear. For especially delicate items, consider a hand wash.
- Turn garments inside out to protect the outer fibers. This is especially important for clothes with prints, embellishments, or dark colors prone to fading.
- For delicate fabrics, use a mild or specialized detergent. For whites, consider a detergent with optical brighteners to maintain their brightness.
- Pre-treat stains by applying a stain remover or a small amount of detergent directly to the stain before washing.
- Use fabric softener sparingly, as excessive use can build up on fabrics and reduce their absorbency.
- Avoid using bleach on colored fabrics. Instead, opt for oxygen-based bleach alternatives.
- For knitwear and woolen items, use a mesh laundry bag to prevent stretching and deformation.
Laundry Symbols Explained
The symbols on clothing tags provide specific washing instructions to preserve the color, quality, and longevity of clothes. Below are common laundry symbols you may have observed in some of your garments, next to their meanings:
| Symbol | Definition |
| Basin with a hand | The item should be hand-washed. |
| Circle | The item should be dry-cleaned only. |
| Temperature dots | Indicates the maximum water temperature: one dot for cold, two dots for warm, and three dots for hot. |
| Plain triangle | Indicates any bleach can be used. |
| Triangle with lines | Indicates only non-chlorine bleach can be used. |
| Square with circle | Indicates tumble drying, with dots for heat setting: one dot for low heat, two dots for medium, and three dots for high. |
| Square with horizontal line | Means the item should be laid flat to dry. |
| Square with vertical lines | Suggests drip drying. |
| Iron with dots | Specifies the safe ironing temperature: one dot for low, two dots for medium, and three dots for high. |
| Crossed-out circle | Means the item should not be dry-cleaned. |
| Crossed-out triangle | Means the item should not be bleached. |
| Circle with P | The garment can be dry-cleaned with any solvent except trichloroethylene. |
| Circle with F | The garment should be dry-cleaned only with a petroleum solvent. |
Drying Methods
Drying methods play a crucial role in garment care, with the primary options being air drying and machine drying. Air drying, which includes line drying and laying garments flat, is gentler on fabrics and reduces the risk of shrinkage and damage. It also helps with preventing wrinkles. This method is particularly beneficial for delicate items such as wool, silk, and embellished clothing.
On the other hand, machine drying is more convenient and efficient, especially for bulky items like towels and bedding. Utilizing the appropriate settings, such as low heat for delicate fabrics and high heat for durable materials, can prevent excessive wear and potential damage. Combining these methodsโair drying delicate items and machine drying sturdier fabricsโcan extend the life of your clothes and maintain their appearanceโ.
Professional Cleaning and Stain Removal
Professional cleaning is vital for maintaining your most treasured garments, especially pieces like bridal dresses. Wedding dress cleaning requires specialized care to preserve the delicate fabrics and intricate details. A professional cleaner uses gentle solvents and methods that effectively clean without damaging the gown’s fabric, lace, or embellishments.
For everyday garments, professional cleaning can handle stubborn stains and deep cleaning needs that home methods might miss. Dry cleaning, for example, is ideal for items made of wool, silk, and other sensitive materials that could be harmed by water and regular detergents.
How to Remove Stains
Different stains require different treatments. For example, enzyme-based cleaners work well on organic stains like food and sweat, breaking down the proteins for easier removal. For oil-based stains like grease, a solvent-based cleaner is more effective.
Act fast when it comes to minor stains. Gently blot the stain with a clean cloth to absorb as much of the spill as possible. Do not rub because this can push the stain deeper into the fabric.
For particularly tough or delicate stains, professional services can provide a higher level of care. They have access to specialized cleaning agents and equipment designed to handle a wide range of stains without harming the fabric.
Storage Solutions
Knowing how to keep clothes looking new doesnโt just end with washing and drying your garments. Proper storage for clothes also contributes to your wardrobeโs longevity. Here are some essential cloth care tips for storing your wardrobe effectively:
- Use the Right Hangers: Choose hangers that match the shape and size of your garments. Padded hangers are ideal for delicate fabrics, while sturdy wooden hangers work best for heavier items like coats and suits.
- Fold Heavy Knits: Heavy sweaters and knits should be folded rather than hung to prevent stretching. Store them in breathable fabric bins to keep them safe from dust and pests.
- Seasonal Storage: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally. Store out-of-season clothes in vacuum-sealed bags or airtight containers. This not only saves space but also protects clothes from moisture and pests.
- Protect Delicates: Use garment bags for delicate items like silk dresses and suits. These bags provide an extra layer of protection against dust and potential damage.
- Avoid Overcrowding: Give your clothes room to breathe. Overcrowding your closet can lead to wrinkles and fabric damage. Ensure each item has enough space to hang freely.
- Keep It Cool and Dry: Store clothes in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and mildew growth. Avoid attics or basements where temperature and humidity levels can fluctuate drastically.
To further simplify storage and streamline clothing choices, consider adopting a capsule wardrobe. A capsule wardrobe consists of versatile, essential items that can be mixed and matched, significantly reducing the need for excessive storage space while ensuring you always have stylish and functional outfits ready.
Tailoring and Alterations
Tailoring and alterations can transform your wardrobe, making clothes fit perfectly so that they remain usable at different stages of your life. Here are some practical tailoring hacks:
Taking in Clothes That Are Too Big
When taking in clothes that are too big, use tailorโs chalk to mark where the fabric needs to be adjusted. Pin the excess fabric along the seams, then sew along the marked lines. For a cleaner finish, trim the excess fabric and serge or zigzag the raw edges to prevent fraying.
Lengthening Sleeves or Pants
To lengthen sleeves or pants, let out the hem. Carefully unpick the stitches and press the fabric flat. If you need more length, consider adding a fabric extension. Choose a fabric that matches or complements the original garment, sew it to the hem, and then re-hem the garment.
Tailoring Jeans for a Perfect Fit
To tailor jeans, start by adjusting the waistband. Open the waistband and take in or let out the sides as needed. To taper the legs, turn the jeans inside out, pin along the new seam line, and sew. Finally, hem the jeans to your desired length. Use a denim needle and heavy-duty thread for best results.
Fixing Rips and Tears
To fix rips and tears, place a fabric patch under the tear. Use fabric glue or pin the patch in place, then sew around the edges of the tear with a zigzag stitch to secure it. For a seamless look, use a patch that matches the fabric pattern and color.
Tailoring for Different Body Types
Darts are your best friend when tailoring to different body types. Add darts to the back of shirts or dresses to create a more fitted look. For a curvier figure, adjust side seams to add more fabric where needed. Always fit the garment on the body to ensure accurate adjustments.
Upcycled Clothing Projects with Tailoring
Upcycled clothing projects can be fun and sustainable. For example, turn an old dress into a stylish top by cutting it to your desired length and hemming the raw edge. Add new elements like ruffles or lace to refresh the garment. Use leftover fabric to create matching accessories.
Sustainable Fashion Through Clothing Care
Careful clothing management is not just about maintaining your garmentsโ appearance; itโs a commitment to sustainable fashion. To extend the life of your garments, adopt proper washing techniques, utilize effective drying methods, seek professional cleaning when needed, iron and steam correctly, and employ smart storage solutions. Tailoring and alterations also help ensure your clothes fit perfectly and stay in style longer.
These practices reduce waste and decrease the demand for fast fashion, which is often harmful to the environment. By making mindful choices and investing in quality care, you contribute to a more sustainable future.
This is a guest post written by Tony Kantzavelos.
Author Bio: Tony Kantzavelos is the CEO of Love Your Dress, a premier dress-cleaning company in Ontario with over three decades of experience in dress cleaning and alteration. It operates in an impressive 10,000-square-foot facility in West Toronto.
