When it comes to keeping your clothes in great condition, a little care and thought go a long way. Not only does proper garment care extend the life of your favourite pieces, but using natural methods ensures your clothes are gentle on the skin and kind to the environment.
Here’s are our top pieces of advice to keep your clothes in the best condition:
SORT AND ORGANISE
Before starting your laundry, consider sorting your clothes into different categories based on colour, fabric type, and care instructions. This helps prevent colour bleeding and damage to delicate fabrics. Creating separate piles for whites, darks, lights, delicates, and special care items can streamline the process.
READ CARE LABELS
Take a moment to read and understand the care labels on each garment before washing. Care labels provide valuable instructions for washing, drying, and ironing specific items. Following these guidelines helps ensure the longevity and quality of your clothes.
COLD WASH WHEN POSSIBLE
Most garments (consult the label) do better in a gentle cold wash to preserve the fabric's integrity. Washing in cold or mild warm water is also much more energy efficient.
PRE-TREAT STAINS
This is a big one! The number one tip for successful stain treatment is getting to them quickly. Check your clothes for any unnoticed stains before washing and consider pre-treating using a gentle but effective Stain Removal Concentrate or Laundry Bar for 5-10 minutes, before washing as usual.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT LAUNDRY DETERGENT
Selecting a high-quality laundry detergent that suits your fabric types and addresses any specific concerns, such as sensitive skin or allergies, is important. A speciality wash will clean effectively, without damaging the fabrics fibres so that they last longer. Opt for natural, plant-based detergents that are free from harsh chemicals and synthetic fragrances. Not only are these better for your skin, but they’re also safer for the environment.
DRY WITH CARE
How you dry your clothes is just as important as how you wash them. For delicate items like wool and silk, air drying is usually the best choice. Hang them in a well-ventilated or shady area away from direct sunlight to avoid fading and stretching. For machine drying, use a lower heat setting and remove clothes promptly to reduce wrinkles and prevent overheating.
SKIP FABRIC SOFTENER
While fabric softeners may leave your clothes smelling nice, they often contain chemicals that can irritate the skin and degrade fabrics over time. We've formulated our Laundry washes with natural softening agents such as botanical extracts that naturally soften and leave clothes smelling fresh, without the damage.
STORE CLOTHES PROPERLY
Proper storage is key to keeping clothes in great condition. For seasonal items, make sure they’re thoroughly clean before storing them in airtight containers or garment bags. This helps prevent the buildup of dust, moisture, and pests. Hang delicate items like dresses and suits, and fold sturdier fabrics to avoid stretching and preserve their shape.
REFRESH BETWEEN WASHES
Not every item needs to be washed after every wear - in fact, washing less is best. To keep clothes fresh between washes, try airing them out in a well-ventilated area or using natural fabric mist. Avoid overcrowding your closet, as proper airflow will help maintain freshness and reduce the likelihood of lingering odours.
CLEAN YOUR WASHING MACHINE
It might seem strange to clean an appliance that cleans other things, but it is crucial. Over time, dirts and debris can accumulate, leading to unpleasant odours and mould, causing laundry to smell. Aim to give your washing machine a proper rinse every 2-3 months (or sooner if it's starting to smell funky). To clean it, wipe down all surfaces with a Bench Spray and inspect for unwanted gunk. Then run it empty on a hot wash with a small amount of vinegar.
