Properly caring for your clothes isn't just about aesthetics, but also about ecology. The longer your clothes look good, the less often you replace them. This means less waste and less resource consumption. So today—specifically, without clichés—we're sharing tips on how to wash your clothes to keep them looking new longer.
1. Sort not only by color, but also by material type
It sounds like something your grandmother used to make – and she was right. Don't mix whites and darks, that's obvious. But it's also worth avoiding throwing a heavy sweatshirt and a delicate top into the same load. Different weights = different needs. Mixed washing can lead to pilling, stretching, and faster wear.
2. Wash inside out
This is a simple trick that protects colors and prints. Clothes washed inside out pill less, and colors don't fade as quickly. This is especially true for dark T-shirts or oversized sweatshirts – you'll see a difference after just a few washes.
3. Avoid high temperatures
Most clothes really don't need a 60-degree wash. For most fabrics, 30-40°C is sufficient. This is not only gentler on the fabric, but also more environmentally friendly.
4. Choose the right laundry detergents
A one-size-fits-all detergent? Not this time. Light-colored fabrics prefer different detergents than dark ones. Instead of blindly bleaching everything, opt for gentle dye-specific liquids or special detergents for delicate fabrics.
Search for resources:
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no enzymes if you wash elastane,
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no bleach if you wash the color,
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marked "delicate" or "for wool" if you are dealing with thinner knits.
5. Don't spin like crazy
Maximum spin speed can damage the fabric's structure, especially if you're washing oversized, larger garments. Optimal spin speed: 800–1000 rpm. This is enough to extract water without deforming the garment.
6. Oversized? Dry flat.
Don't hang heavy, wet clothes on narrow hangers. This can easily stretch them. It's best to dry oversized sweatshirts and T-shirts flat—on a towel, rack, or a drying rack with a wide back. This will help them maintain their shape and prevent them from looking worn out.
7. Don't overdo the washing frequency
Not every garment needs to be washed after one wear. Sometimes, simply steaming, wiping, and hanging is enough. Washing consumes not only water and energy but also the fabric itself. Especially those without elastane or polyester, which can lose their properties more quickly if washed too vigorously.
To summarize: how to wash clothes to make them last longer?
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Sort by colors and materials,
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Wash inside out,
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Use appropriate detergents,
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Avoid high temperatures,
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Don't spin to the max,
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Dry flat,
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And — most importantly — treat your clothes with care.
This not only prolongs their lives. It's also a lifestyle in itself.
