TLC for clothes
TLC for clothes
How to make your clothes last
How to care for your clothes
Taking proper care of your clothes will ensure that they last longer, allowing you to make the most of them. To help you out, we’ve compiled a short list of tips that will help you take care of both your clothes and the environment.
1. Repair, repair, repair
Nothing lasts forever and clothes are no exception. But loose buttons, snapped thread and undone seams should not be the end of a clothing item. These are all issues that can be easily fixed. If you're not into DIYs or have an item that requires more complex repairs, you can always go to a tailor. For our own items we offer spare parts and help or guidance, where needed. You just need to reach out to us. We urge you to not give up on your items and have a go at some repairs instead.
2. Prolong time between washes
Regardless of the item or fabric, washing will increase wear and tear, so it is advisable to not overwash items. Really weigh in if your t-shirt or shirt needs to be washed after a single wear or if it can’t be worn again, perhaps around the house. Keep in mind that some fabrics, like wool for instance, can be refreshed by just being aired out between wears. Washing less frequently will not only help your clothes, but the environment, too.
3. Wash full loads as much as possible
When you do wash, make sure it's a full load. The washing machine will consume roughly the same amount of energy and water with three t-shirts as with a full load. This means that you’ll have wasted both water and energy getting fewer items clean. That being said, you also don’t want to have a machine that’s too full to avoid too much fabric friction, especially for items and fabrics that are more delicate.
4. Follow care instructions
Each item will have different care needs based on the fabric it’s made of. So, when in doubt, check out and follow the symbols and instructions on the care label. They are there precisely to let you know what the best and most sustainable way to care for your item is. We keep ours on our website, under the “Fabric and care” tab for each item, for those of you who might want to cut the label off.
5. Sort based on color and care needs
Probably the first washing rule your mom taught you. You need to sort and wash items based on their colors in order to avoid different colors bleeding and staining. It’s also advisable to sort on water temperature needs (warm or cold water) and type of fabric (study vs delicate). For instance, denim is a sturdier fabric and should probably not be washed together with lace or silks.
6. Wash on low temperature whenever possible
It’s estimated that about 60% of the carbon footprint from laundry comes from the heating of water, so if you want to be mindful of the environment, cold water (30°C) is better. Of course, not everything can be washed on cold, but many items, save maybe your sheets and towels, will be just as clean with 30°C water.
7. Use a bag for delicates and for polyester items
A delicates’ bag will protect your delicates especially when they’re being washed with different fabrics or items with zippers, for example. We also like using it for items that are made of finer fabrics, like silk or knit Tencel Lyocell, to make sure they don't snag during washing. For polyester items there are special microplastic washing bags. These bags capture the microplastics that get shed during washing, ensuring that they don’t end up in our rivers and oceans. We recommend the GUPPYFRIEND Washing Bag.
8. Avoid the dryer as much as possible
Whenever you can, choose to air dry your clothes instead of using a dryer. This way you avoid unnecessary use of energy, all the while preserving and protecting items that might not do well when exposed to the dryer’s heat.