15 care tips: so that your favorites last forever

Back to basics: If you care about your items, read the label carefully. You will find important information and textile care symbols such as “Wash cold” or “Dry clean only”.

Sort your wash according to fabric type and color: separate cotton from wool and dark items from light ones. This is because clothes are cleaned most effectively at different temperatures and in different wash cycles. Putting all items in the washing machine at the same time is therefore not a good idea.

Resist the temptation to put as much in the washing machine at once as possible. Your garments will not be cleaned thoroughly and the different materials will rub against each other, drastically shortening their lifespan.

Want to know how to keep your clothes looking good for as long as possible? Don't use more detergent than necessary. This will not make your clothes any cleaner. The excess detergent will make your clothes lose their shine and suppleness.

Certain fabrics shrink at high temperatures. Wool fabrics are particularly susceptible. Read the care label carefully and decide on the optimum temperature. Don't panic: your detergent will provide optimum cleaning performance even at lower temperatures.

Buttoning or zipping up your garments will prevent them from tearing or damaging other items during machine washing. For example, an unclosed zipper could tear your favorite blouse.

Protect the colors and fabrics of your favorite items by washing everything inside out. Your jeans won't fade as quickly, your wool sweater won't fluff as much and the prints on your T-shirts won't fade or crumble as quickly.

Protect your favorites additionally with a mesh bag. Originally, the mesh bag was used to protect delicate fabrics such as lingerie from being spun, but it is also a good choice for other items.

Tumble dryers are practical, but the hot air can cause items to shrink irreparably or lose their shape. If possible, hang your clothes on the clothesline outside to dry. Your clothes will last longer and you will save on electricity costs.

Cheap wire hangers are the number one enemy of your garments. They stretch the fabric too much at the shoulders. Buy high-quality wooden hangers that keep the shape of your favorites.

Crap! Your favorite pants have a hole. Don't throw them away. Grab a needle and thread and repair them. Repairing them might be easier than you think.

Heavy items such as woolen sweaters should never be hung on the bar. If they hang, the fabric stretches too much. Instead, fold them neatly.

Your closet should be cool, dry and not overfilled. Your clothes need to be able to breathe so that they don't fade or crease. If your closet is bursting at the seams, maybe it's time to give it a sustainable upgrade!

Of course, underwear should be washed every day. These are basic hygiene rules. But hang up your pants or jackets overnight, then you can safely put them on two or three times.

Hang a breathable muslin bag filled with lavender next to your clothes. This will leave your clothes smelling nice and at the same time ensure that no moths settle in your closet and eat away at your clothes.

Image credits:
Header image: Shutterstock
Image of overloaded washing machine: Shutterstock
Image of a close-up of jeans button: Shutterstock
Image of clothes air-drying: Stocksy
Image of a stack of folded knitwear: Stocksy
Image of a small bouquet of lavender: Shutterstock