If you are someone who loves your clothes and wants to be more sustainable – this list is for you. Threads can be expensive, and therefore we would like them to last as long as possible.

Also, for eco-conscious fashionistas, making garments last longer is the first step to an ethical and sustainable wardrobe. As a result, making your clothes last longer will save you money and cut your consumption – which helps reduce your carbon footprint. This post will guide you how to keep your cherished pieces looking fresh and lasting longer.

• Buy quality items
• Read fabric care labels
• Wash on warm. Max.
• Dry on medium. Max
• Wash less
• Carry stain removal pen 
• Reduce detergent amount
• Wash dark clothes inside out
• Don’t overload washer or dryer 
• Store in a cool and dry environment 

Buy quality items

When it comes to buying clothes, quality should always trump quantity. Would you rather buy a £300 jacket that lasts 10+ years or buy a different £70 jacket every winter? The answer should be simple. 

Often higher quality items are better for the planet, people and animals. Similarly, higher-quality pieces will usually last longer due to superior materials and construction. Don’t be afraid to spend a little more on certain items that will last longer. You’ll take better care of them, and they will last longer – meaning you won’t have to keep buying new clothes.

Read fabric care labels

When was the last time you actually looked at the laundry label before washing it? Unless you are a well-experienced laundry expert, you should read the fabric care labels every time. 

If the label tells you to wash on a cold temperature, then believe it and stick to it. The labels will advise you on how to ensure the clothing retains its new look for longer. 

Wash on warm. Max.

A big misconception when it comes to doing laundry is to wash on hot for the best results. Washing on cold usually gets the job done, and it is often what the clothes label recommend you wash on. Heat is not ideal for natural fibres, and will often do more damage than good to the clothing.

Dry on medium. Max. 

As well as not setting the washing machine too high, we must also remember not to dry our clothes on the highest setting. Similarly again, read the tag. If it says tumble dry on low? Tumble dry on low. 

One main problem we face when doing our drying is wanting the clothes to dry as fast as possible. Most people’s first thought is that the higher you set the tumble dryer, the quicker the clothes will dry. But, people forget that this will ruin the fibres in your clothing. As a result, many of us find our clothes shrunk or misshaped after setting the tumble dryer to high. Speed counts for nothing if its end result is a ruined garment. 

Carry a stain removal pen 

If you are unlucky enough to get an unwanted stain on your favourite white t-shirt, the first rule is to act as quickly as possible. Stain removal pens and wipes are the latest and greatest innovation in the stain removal world. 

Follow the instructions carefully and be sure to go over it again when you get home. The pens are wonderful, but they are not magic, and you will still need to launder the garment to stop further damage.

Reduce detergent amount 

We have all been guilty of this one at one time or another. Most people just assume the more detergent you use, the cleaner your clothes will come out. 

However, more detergent does not equal fewer stains. The extra detergent settles back on the clothes, leaving the finish dull and stiff. Using too much detergent can have a very detrimental effect on the life of your clothing. So, make sure you follow the labels on both your clothing and the detergent bottles. 

Wash dark clothes inside out

One of the major problems with buying dark clothing is that the colour fades pretty quickly after a few washes. No one buys a black t-shirt and hopes it will fade to a dark grey colour. 

To avoid this happening to your dark clothes, wash them inside out to preserve their colour. The same theory can be applied to printed t-shirts, turning them inside out will prevent the print from cracking. 

Don’t overload the washing machine or dryer

Speed does not equal efficiency when it comes to doing your laundry. So, while doing more loads of laundry will take more time, your clothes will benefit from it. 

You do not want to stuff your machine to the point of it exploding open mid-wash. The washer can’t do the required work without some space for the water and detergent to do their magic.

Store in a dry and cool environment

Clothes deteriorate when kept in confined spaces or when over-exposed to light. To stop this you should avoid storing your clothes in places like basements or your bathroom, where bacteria can grow and ruin them. 

By giving your garments breathing space in your wardrobe, you can avoid wrinkling and colour fading from clothes rubbing against each other. When it comes to more sensitive items like a suit, store them on hangers in a breathable canvas bag, to ensure less creasing and avoid mould. 

If you’re in need of a top quality laundry service to clean your clothes, Laundryheap will collect, clean and deliver your clothes to you within 24 hours.