8 Tips On How To Take Better Care of Your Clothes
We spend a lot of effort, not to mention money, choosing clothes that are just right and help us to look our best, so it would be foolish not to take the best care of them as we can, so that they last longer, and continue to look good for as long as possible, right?
Here Are a Few Tips On How To Take Better Care of Your Clothes
1. Wash With Care (Not Just Chucking It All In)
We’re all guilty of the “everything goes in together” approach to laundry. Whites, colours, delicates—just fling them in and hoping for the best, right?
Wrong! Sorting your washing into colour groups and fabric types is the first step to preventing that crisp white shirt from turning a weird shade of grey. And for heaven’s sake, read the care labels. They’re there for a reason, not just to irritate your neck.
2. Air Dry When Possible
I know the dryer is convenient—especially on a rainy British afternoon when your clothesline has done a runner. But if you can let your clothes dry naturally, it’s worth it. Tumble dryers can be harsh on fabrics, increasing wear and tear.
Plus, if you ever suspect something’s not quite right with your machine (like a blown thermal fuse in the dryer), get it checked. Nothing says “clothing nightmare” like a dryer that’s lost its marbles and turned your garments into crispy tissue paper.
3. Don’t Overwash
Yes, that T-shirt you wore for two hours isn’t necessarily screaming to be laundered again. Overwashing clothes weakens the fibres, fades colours, and shortens their lifespan.
If it’s not visibly dirty or smelly (give it a quick sniff test—just make sure no one’s watching), hang it up and let it breathe. The same applies to jeans: constant washing will leave them looking like a strange denim ghost of their former self.
4. Give Stains Immediate Attention
A glob of ketchup on your favorite top is a crisis worthy of immediate action. The quicker you tackle the stain, the more likely you’ll succeed in banishing it forever. Keep a stain remover pen or spray handy, and act fast. Don’t let that ketchup set in and create modern art on your best blouse.
5. Invest in Quality Hangers
Your clothes deserve more than those flimsy wire hangers that dig into shoulders and leave your garments looking as though they’ve sprouted pointy growths. Wooden or padded hangers help clothes maintain their shape, and your wardrobe will look like a mini boutique rather than a jumble sale.
6. Rotate, Rotate, Rotate
If you always wear the same three shirts, they’re going to wear out quickly. Rotate your wardrobe—give all your clothes a fair chance to shine. It’ll extend their lifespans and give you some variety in your outfits, which is never a bad thing.
7. Store Your Clothes Properly
Overstuffing drawers and wardrobes is a sure-fire way to crush your clothes into crinkly origami. Give them room to breathe. Fold sweaters neatly, hang dresses with care, and keep moths at bay with natural repellents like cedar blocks. Your clothes will thank you, trust me.
8. Mend and Make Do
Don’t give up on your clothes at the first sign of trouble. Popped a button? Stitch it back on! Discovered a tiny tear? Sew it before it becomes a canyon. Learning a few basic mending skills will keep your wardrobe alive and well—and it’s oddly satisfying, like solving a textile mystery.
Here’s to clothes that live long and look good!
