Many of us have experienced the thrill of rummaging through our parents’ or grandparents’ closets and discovering timeless treasures like shirts, jackets, and scarves. It’s remarkable to see how once-outdated pieces are now back in style and considered “vintage.” However, most of these finds are too worn out to wear and are eventually discarded. Here are some tips on how to extend the lifespan of your favorite clothing items. Who knows? Perhaps, one day, someone else will cherish them just as much as you do.

Pre-Treat Stubborn Stains

If you accidentally stain a beloved item of clothing, the best way to improve your chances of saving it is through pre-treatment. Create a paste by mixing warm water with Oxygen Brightener or a few spritzes of Stain Spray, apply it generously to the stained area, and let it sit before washing. Alternatively, you can soak the item in cold water before washing to help loosen the stain. By taking these steps, you can increase the likelihood of removing the stain and potentially save your favorite piece of clothing.

No Need for Dry Cleaning

While many clothing labels advise “Dry Clean Only,” it’s not always necessary to follow these instructions. Dry cleaning involves using a chemical solvent to clean clothes’ surfaces, which can actually harm certain fabrics.

Fabrics such as linen, wool, and silk can safely get wet and usually fare well in a gentle or quick cycle (use a mesh bag to reduce friction). If you’re concerned about color bleeding, test a small area first. By reducing your reliance on dry cleaning, you’ll protect your clothes from unnecessary wear and tear and save money in the process.

Turn Dark Laundry Inside-Out to Prevent Fading

To prevent your dark clothes from fading, try washing them inside-out. This easy tip can help prevent the color erosion that can occur when washing dark shades like black, navy, and forest green. When you turn your clothes inside out, the fabric surfaces are less likely to rub against each other, which can cause the color to fade over time. While the interior of the garment may experience some color loss, the exterior will remain protected, keeping your clothes looking vibrant and new for longer!

Stop Overusing Laundry Detergent

Contrary to popular belief, using more detergent doesn’t always result in cleaner clothes. In fact, overdosing on detergent can cause a buildup on garments, making them feel stiff and scratchy, and lose their color over time, leading to faster aging. Overusing detergent can also result in leftover buildup, which can clog machines and cause them to become less efficient over time… say hello to costly repairs!

To avoid these issues, consider using pre-measured detergents like Clean People Laundry Detergent Sheets or Pods, which are designed to provide the optimal amount of detergent per load, with no mess or guesswork required. This ensures your clothes are clean and protected, while also preserving the lifespan of your laundry!

Almost Always Use Cold Water

Opting for cold water when possible is a great way to protect your laundry. Hot water can be harsh on fabrics, causing them to shrink or stretch over time. Cold water is especially gentle on dark and bright colors since hot water can cause fading. In addition to preserving the quality of your clothes, cold water is also an energy-efficient choice that helps the environment and reduces your utility bills.

While cold water is a good choice for most items, there are some instances where warm water may be necessary, such as when washing jeans or white clothing. Reserve hot water for heavily soiled whites and towels. By making these simple adjustments to your laundry routine, you can help extend the life of your clothes and reduce your environmental impact.

Opt for a Shorter Washing Cycle

Opting for a shorter washing cycle is generally the best choice, especially if your items are not heavily soiled. This is especially true for delicate fabrics, which require a gentle cycle. By reducing the number of times your garments spin in the wash, you can extend their lifespan. Not only will this preserve the quality of your clothes, but it will also save on energy costs and help the environment by reducing water and electricity usage. Did someone say “win, win … WIN?!”

Choose the Appropriate Dryer Settings

It’s important to choose the right dryer setting to prevent damage to your clothes. “Normal” or “regular” settings can be misleading because they use high heat, which can be harmful to most garments. These settings should only be used for heavy items like towels, jeans, and bedding.

For delicate items, use the delicate setting, which provides low heat to prevent shrinking and damage to materials. Some dryers have specific settings for wool, silk, and dress shirts, providing special treatment to these types of garments. If you have an item with threaded embellishments, choose the tumble-dry setting. This setting air dries your clothes without the additional heat, ensuring your pieces stay intact. By selecting the appropriate setting, you’ll increase the lifespan of your clothes and save money on replacements.