10 Tips to Extend the Lifespan of Your Favorite Clothes
Do you notice that your favorite outfit looks worn after every wash? This is a frustrating problem, especially if the garment is delicate or expensive.
But don't worry! We're here to help! Today, we're going to share some practical and effective tips to help you extend the lifespan of your favorite clothes, whether they're shirts, dresses, or pants. Let's get started!
Tip 1: Read the Care Labels
The first and most important tip is always following the care labels attached to your garments. These small labels usually feature fiber content, washing instructions, and other essential details. They're guides to help you treat your clothes properly.
Before washing directly, read the care instructions to ensure you won't damage your garments - wash care instructions can also be found on our website for each individual product!
Tip 2: Wear More and Wash Less
How many times do you usually wear a garment before washing it? I believe many of you will answer only one or two times. Washing often will cause your garments to lose their original shapes and the vibrant dyes in the fabric to fade.
So, to take good care of your clothes, you should wear them more and wash them less. But if the garment is very dirty, you'd better clean it promptly. For example, wash your winter coats once a season if they're not particularly dirty. Similarly, wash your jeans after at least three wears.
Tip 3: Use Cold Water
Next, use cold water to wash your clothing. Unlike warm and hot water, cold water won't easily weaken the clothing fibers and cause the dyes to fade. This is especially important for dark colors and delicate fabrics. Plus, using cold water in the washing machine can save energy costs.
Tip 4: Air Dry
Instead of tumble drying, you should try air drying. Why? Because the dryer often shrinks clothes, which is quite frustrating. Also, the heat from the dryer will harm the clothing fibers over time.
But air drying is different because it won't damage your favorite outfits. In the long run, you'll also save energy and money.
Tip 5: Iron Clothing Wisely
Iron your clothing wisely since you've learned the harm of heat. Keep in mind that not all clothes need to be ironed, so read the care instructions in advance.
Many fabrics can withstand high temperatures, but some fabrics can't. Prepare a pressing cloth and put it on top to protect the outfit from the direct heat of the iron. This way, you can iron garments safely.
Tip 6: Proper Storage
Besides washing and ironing, proper clothing storage is equally important. Hang pants, dresses, skirts, and jackets in the wardrobe to keep their shapes and designs. Fold shirts, blouses, and knitwear neatly and put them in the drawers. With proper storage, your clothing will last much longer.
Tip 7: Immediate Spot Cleaning
Sometimes you may spill coffee, tea, or sauce on a favorite dress, leaving ugly stains. What will you do at the moment? Will you throw it away or try to clean it? The better way is to try to clean that stain immediately.
Do some research and find out what works best to remove your specific stain. Spot clean it quickly yet gently. Then, you can wash it as usual. If the stain is tough, try baking soda or a professional cleaning service. Thus, you can save a favorite outfit.
Tip 8: Repair and Mend Small Issues
Over time, your clothes will show signs of wear and tear, like loose thread and small holes. Don't leave these small issues later, but repair them promptly. This means you need to learn how to make quick and easy repairs.
Prepare a sewing kit and learn how to use it to mend loose thread. For small holes or tears, try iron-on-patches, which provide an easy and fun solution. Meanwhile, with various colors and patterns, you can always find one that suits your style!
Tip 9: High-Quality Fabrics
High-quality fabrics let your clothes last longer in a more sustainable way because you don't have to buy new ones that often anymore. Besides, cheap clothes are more likely to fade, tear, and pill. At KINDA we use only the highest quality fabrics so that you can be sure to have long lasting clothing that you will continue to look fabulous in for years to come!
Tip 10: Upcycle and Repurpose Old Items
The last tip is fun if you're a sewing lover or DIY fan. You can recycle and repurpose an old garment to craft something new. For example, you can create tote bags, or wall organizers from old clothing items. Or, cut T-shirts into strips and braid them into a cozy carpet.
Unleash your creativity and give those old items a second new life!
Final Words
To sum up, extending the lifespan of your clothes goes beyond regular washing, drying, and storing. You need to be mindful at every step to take good care of them.
Next time you wash or throw away a garment, consider how you can extend its life. Thus, you'll live in a more sustainable way and enjoy your favorite outfit every time you wear it!
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