We must concentrate on the garment care that begins at home if we want to change the way we view fashion and adopt a more environmentally friendly method of shopping. In the end, it is up to us to begin viewing garments as investment pieces rather than trends to don sometimes. Here are easy suggestions to assist you start increasing the lifespan of your clothing because even tiny intentional modifications can help to lessen unfavorable environmental effects.
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Comply with the wash care instructions.
The wash care instructions are listed on the labels of your clothing for a purpose, so pay attention to them. To guarantee that your investment pieces endure longer, avoid harming styles through improper washing and take good care of them.
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Cleanse attire when required
Even using moderate cleaning agents on your clothing might remove its natural oils and suppleness and harm the fabric's color. Why not utilize refreshing items when you can and forego your weekly wash? The garment care line from Our Cotton Collection is ideal for revitalizing clothes without causing damage.
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A good idea is to wash clothes in cold water.
Clothes can last longer if you wash them in cold water, use a mild detergent, and stay away from chlorine. When possible, try to hand wash clothing as well, especially when it comes to items made of more delicate materials.
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Store clothes accurately
You can probably increase the life of clothing by storing it in folded heaps out of direct sunlight. Many individuals are unaware of how hanging clothes can alter their shapes and outlines. If hanging clothes is necessary, use the appropriate hangers. Padded hangers, for instance, are ideal for lingerie and other lightweight items, whilst wooden hangers work best for suits and blazers and plastic hangers are suitable for the majority of other articles of clothing. Wire hangers should be entirely avoided, as we advise.
In the meantime, footwear must also be properly maintained. With boot shapers, shoe shapers, and inserts, you can retain the form of your favourite pairs of footwear while keeping them looking their best.
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Neglect the dryer
The heat from a dryer shrinks clothing textiles, but over time, it can also damage their fibres. When washing, use a liquid softener for the fabric, and then hang or put your clothing flat to dry. You'll save money on energy expenditures and your clothing will last longer.
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Treaten stains immediately
Unfortunately, set-in stains may destroy clothing, as we are all aware. Carry a stain-removing pen or stick with you for on-the-go stain treatment, or make sure to address any stains right away.
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Avoid wearing a lot of perfume
Many individuals are unaware of the potential harm that perfume, hairspray, and other beauty items can bring to your clothes. To prevent buildup on your clothing, try using your scents and other products before dressing.
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Utilize the sun
There is usually a recommendation to air dry clothing because it is not only more gentler on the fabric than tumble drying but also uses less energy. Dry colors in a shaded area to preserve them from fading and whites in the sun's rays to keep them bright.
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Wash comparable textiles together.
Although you most likely already separate your whites, darks, and colors, keep in mind that texture is also important. Jeans and a delicate slip should never be thrown in the same load. Use a delicate bag or, better yet, make loads from the same fabric type to avoid friction since zipper and button snags are likely to occur.
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Try laying flat.
If you are familiar with hand washing, you have probably run into a few of these. There is a purpose behind the instruction. Even though it is time-consuming, drying some clothes flat prevents them from losing their shape due to water weight. To do this, spread an old towel on the ground or across an airer, and then drape the item over it.
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A pause in washing.
You'd be surprised at how much harder clothing, such as slacks, jeans, sweaters, cardigans and skirts, can be allowed to air out in between washings. Although odors can linger in fabric, they typically dissipate within 24 hours. Create a separate place, such as a tiny rail or set of hooks, in addition to your wardrobe to hang these kinds of clothes. After a day, put the offender back in your closet so you can wear it again.
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Befriend vinegar and baking soda.
These two are capable of almost everything, including conditioning your hair and clearing a sticky drain. Think about using them for laundry as well. Baking soda can be used in place of bleach to keep your whites bright, while vinegar works wonders on stains and as a fabric softener.
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Inside-out Jeans
Any denim clothing should be washed inside-out to minimize fading. To prevent fading and shrinking, make sure to wash on cool.
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Your bags and shoes should be water-resistant.
Being caught in the rain while wearing shoes or a backpack that weren't designed to withstand it is the biggest killer. To significantly increase their longevity, waterproof all of these before wearing to avoid such situations. You won't feel as guilty about spending more money on better-made items when you can see the water simply roll off of them.
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Think about dye.
A dye can frequently be used to breathe new life into a favorite clothing if the garment still fits nicely but has lost some of its color depth. Get coloring by looking for natural or vegetable dyes with a low chemical burden.
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Prevent overfilling the washer.
You might believe that filling the washer to the brim before beginning a load is the most cost-effective and ecologically friendly choice. Be aware that this could possibly backfire. More friction and wear on the load's components result from too much clothing' reduced space for movement. To allow for movement and thorough cleaning, fill your machine 2/3 to 3/4 full.
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Co-ords should be washed together.
Try to wash coordinated items the same amount of times, whether it's matching undergarments or outerwear, so that they fade uniformly. Nothing is worse than preparing a matching outfit only to discover that the two items are nearly 10 shades away. Unless, of course, you never put the two items together in which case you need not worry about this! In the end If you treat your clothes well, they'll last you a long time.