Doing your laundry regularly is the best way to keep your clothes clean, but the way you wash your clothes might do your garments more harm than good. Even though throwing all of your clothes into the washing machine is the most convenient way to do laundry, this method can damage garments that are made from delicate or special fabrics.
It’s the smart thing to do to make sure your clothes last as long as possible. Doing so will allow you to enjoy them in their best condition for much longer, as well as achieve a more environmentally sustainable approach to fashion that doesn’t require you to buy new clothes frequently.
If you’re noticing that your laundry methods are gradually ruining your clothes, now’s the perfect time to change the way you wash them. These seven tips can help you can maintain the quality of your clothes better and ensure that they last longer:
Read the Care Instructions First
It may be tempting to load all of your clothes into the washing machine and start the laundry cycle right then and there. However, your clothes aren’t all made from the same type of fabric, so the default setting of your machine might be too rough on garments made from certain materials like silk, leather, and velvet. Some types of clothing even require to be washed a certain way to ensure that they won’t loosen or get torn. Before you start doing the laundry, it’s a good idea to read your garments’ care instructions first.
Most clothes come with care instructions, and they’re usually found attached to or on the back of the clothing labels. These instructions are there to ensure that you properly wash and care for your garments, and the washing procedures differ depending on the type of clothing.
Some types of tights, for example, must be hand washed separately in cold water. You should also only use non-chlorine bleach on tights, which is gentler than regular bleach. What’s more, it’s better to drip-dry your tights rather than dry them in the tumble dryer. This way, the tights’ color, stretch, snugness, and structure remain intact.
Sort Your Clothes Properly and Use Mesh Bags As you may already know, separating your dark clothes from the whites can prevent the color from bleeding into your lighter-colored clothing. However, separating your clothes by their color isn’t the only way you should segregate your laundry. It’s also a good idea to sort your clothes by the weight of their fabrics and how heavily soiled they are.
This way, clothes that are made from lighter fabrics won’t get jostled around with garments made from heavier materials. Segregating your clothes correctly also keeps the washing and drying times of your clothes consistent, reducing their risk of getting damaged as a result. If you’re washing delicate garments, it’s also a good idea to put them inside mesh laundry bags so they don’t get tangled around each other.
Treat Stains on Clothes Before Putting Them in the Wash
When it comes to dealing with stains, it’s better to treat them with a stain removal solution first before throwing your clothes into the wash. Some stains are notorious for being difficult to remove, and sometimes a regular wash and dry cycle won’t be enough to get rid of them.
Using a stain removal solution or stain stick beforehand will help loosen whatever has stained the fabric, making it easier for your washing machine to eliminate them. This will allow you to keep your garments spotless and therefore usable for longer.
Wash Jeans Inside Out
Although jeans can handle your washing machine’s default wash and dry setting, they might not be able to handle the laundry agents you’re using. Your laundry detergent, for example, can cause your jeans’ colors to fade quickly. One way to preserve your jeans’ iconic look longer is to turn them inside out when you wash them to slow down the color-fading process. Jeans can be worn for years if taken care of correctly, so make sure you get the most mileage out of your denim by cleaning them properly.
Zip Up All Your Clothes with Zippers
If you have clothes that come with zippers, it’s a good idea to zip them up before putting them in the washing machine. This way, your other clothes won’t be snagged by the zipper during the washing cycle. Zipping up your clothes also prevents the zippers from clanging against the washing machine drum and causing damage to your washer or to the zippers themselves.
Be Gentle with Your Delicates
It’s important to set your washer and dryer settings to delicate mode when washing your lingerie. Your underwear, bras, and nightgowns are likely made from lightweight fabric, so they need a gentle wash to ensure that they stay intact while in the laundry.
As mentioned, you can also use a mesh laundry bag for added protection. The bag can also help you keep your sets of underwear together so you won’t forget any pieces in the wash after.
Don’t Go Overboard with Your Laundry Chemicals
Using more detergent, bleach, and other cleaning products doesn’t automatically mean that the condition of your clothes will improve. In fact, the more laundry agents you add, the more likely your clothes will get damaged due to the increased amount of chemicals you’re using.
You shouldn’t go overboard with your laundry chemicals if you want to keep your clothes in good condition after you wash them. Also, consider using laundry products that use a milder formula so that you can keep each garment’s colors vibrant.
Maintaining your clothes with a washing machine and cleaning products does more than simply keep your clothes clean. The right methods of upkeep allow you to maintain your clothes’ quality and durability even longer. With the help of these seven tips, you can rest assured that your clothes will last you for many happy and fashionable seasons.
