We all love our clothes and we want to make our clothes last longer. People do many things but they still fail to do so because they are doing it in a wrong way.
But there is no need to worry about anything because I got you. In this article, I will share with you how you can take care of your favorite clothes. It’s important because we like our clothes, we invest in them, we prefer them, and we don’t want them to go to waste.
All right, I will share how to sort your laundry and how to wash your clothes in the correct settings to prevent shrinkage or damage. Sit back, relax, and pay your full attention because some useful stuff is coming about how to make your clothes last longer.
Step by Step guidance how to make your clothes last longer:
In this article we will discuss e almost-effortless how to make your clothes last longer and continue to help protect the environment.
1. Consider Quality over Quantity:
Often, in the excitement of buying a lot of clothes, we ignore their quality, and then it is obvious we end up regretting it. So, try to make a little effort in this regard because the good things last longer, and the difference isn’t much, but it still matters the most.
You might notice some people who are not that rich but still wear quality clothes. You wonder every time you see them, but let me tell you there is nothing special about them. They are just clever with their budget management. They wear less but always prefer quality over quantity.
If you are also having budget issues and want to wear quality clothes, my suggestion is to look for good brands that are not that costly or wait for the sales. Believe me, it will make a huge difference.
You should also keep in mind that cost doesn’t define quality. Sometimes, companies mark things really high, so you have to be very careful when buying. Quality clothes have qualities like high-quality stitching and quality fabric used.
If you are struggling with the budget, then you can look for second-hand clothes, whether from a traditional thrift store or from anywhere where it’s available. 
2. Sort Your Laundry:
Before we move to the washing guidelines, the first important thing to do is properly sort your laundry. Proper sorting will keep your whites white and your sweaters in excellent condition.
Different people might separate their laundry in different ways, but here’s what I do and what’s been working for me, and this will also help you how to make your clothes last longer.
Sort by Type of Clothes:
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- First, you have to sort your clothes by the type of fabric. For that, I will make three piles one for Cotton one for synthetics and one for more delicate fabrics.
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- If synthetic fabrics such as polyester or acrylic are mixed with cotton, I will leave them in the synthetic pile, but if they are mixed with wool, I will move them to the delicate pile.
Sort by Color:
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- After sorting them by type, I will now sort them by color. I will have white in one pile and light colors in another pile. You keep your whites separate because sometimes color can transfer from one garment to another. Obviously, you want to keep your whites white.
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- Importantly, the dark colors could spill on the light ones, so that’s why I like to keep my lights in a separate pile. Dividing your clothes into different piles might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it’s totally worth it.
- Importantly, the dark colors could spill on the light ones, so that’s why I like to keep my lights in a separate pile. Dividing your clothes into different piles might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it’s totally worth it.
3. Wash Your Clothes Less:
Here is the top tip: Washing your clothes less frequently can actually helps how to make your clothes last longer. Every time you wash your clothes, they undergo mechanical stress in the washing machine.
Most of your clothes probably do not need to be washed more often. Your sweatshirts, sweaters and even your denim, just like your jackets and coats, definitely do not need to be washed every time you wear them.
Your cotton pants, like your chinos, can be washed after every four or even five wears. If you wear them more often, like daily, then it’s good to wash them two times a week. But if you have a good rotation of clothes and wear different pants each time, then it’s a good idea to wash them even one time in two weeks.
Your sweatshirts, sweaters and hoodies, like you’re not working out in them, then wash them after five or even six wears.
By washing your clothes less often, you save them from wear and tear. More importantly, washing machines use water and energy, so washing your clothes less often is also good for the environment. You will consume less electricity, and it will be cheaper. It’s a win-win for everyone: your clothes, your wallet and the environment.
4. Hand Wash Your Clothes:
Washing machines can damage delicate clothes, so always prefer hand washing. I know it’s difficult and time-consuming, but protecting your clothes is important.
Hand washing allows you to control the washing process and better care for your clothes. It is recommended for delicate fabrics like silk and wool.
Hand washing ensures that your clothes maintain their original shape, especially clothes like bras, sweaters, and tailored garments these clothes can lose their shape while washing in washing machines.
Overall hand washing approach is more gentle and protects your garments and how to make your clothes last longer.
5. Checkout Garment Tag:
Before you wash your clothes, you have to check the garment tag for specific instructions. Find the bucket symbol, and there will be instructions like at what temperature you can wash your garments. If there is a cross (X) mark, it means it is not machine washable, and in this case, you have to dry clean your clothes and how to make your clothes last longer.
6. Washing Machine Settings:
If you are not able to hand wash your clothes, there is no need to worry because here are the guidelines for washing machines. There are three main settings you need to select on your washing machine: The program, The Temperature and the spin. In many cases, The Programmed and The Temperature will be selected at the same time.
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- Temperature Settings
As a general rule, the colder the temperature, the more gentle the washing will be on the fibers. The clothes will be less likely to shrink or discolor, and your washing machine will consume less electricity, which is better for the environment.
But remember that colder temperatures are also less effective at removing tough stains. So, in some cases, if you’re washing heavily soiled items, it’s not a bad idea to use a hotter temperature.
For dark colors, I recommend 30 degrees because raising the temperature higher than this limit might cause your clothes to fade. For whites, I recommend 40 degrees, not going any hotter than that.
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- Spin Settings
Now, let’s discuss your washing machine’s spin speed. The lower the speed, the gentler it will be on your clothes, but in this case, your clothes might come out slightly more wet.
On the other hand, the higher the speed, the less wet they will come out, but there is a higher likelihood of your clothes getting damaged. So, tougher fabrics like cotton will be able to sustain a higher spin speed than, say, more delicate fabrics like wool.
The general speed recommendation you will find online for cotton is 1200, but I think that’s a bit high. I prefer to keep it much lower to be on the safer side and not damage my clothes. For cotton, I will recommend 800, and for other clothes, I will recommend 600.
7. Laundry Detergents:
I prefer using liquid detergents as opposed to tablets or powder. It’s really just personal preference; I find it easier to do. You can also use powder if the water isn’t cold enough. I always prefer detergents that have quality ingredients.
Laundry detergents always play a crucial role in washing clothes. They are specifically designed to remove dirt and stains from fabrics effectively, so choose wisely.
More detergent does not mean better wash. If you use too much detergent, it’s difficult to remove it properly from the clothes. It will get stuck in your clothes, and it can stiffen up your fabrics.
8. Turn Them Inside out:
Always wash your clothes inside out. You must be a little extra careful with delicate clothes. Turn your clothes inside out before putting them into the washing machine.
Dark clothes are more prone to losing their original color, so turning them inside out not only saves their color but also preserves the print and makes it last longer.
9. Fabric Softener:
If you have the budget then you can also use fabric softener because fabric softener can potentially extend the life of clothes. It reduces the friction between the fibers while washing. We will discuss the fabric softener in this paragraph, and how to make your clothes last longer for a period of time
But don’t use it on workout clothes because these clothes are usually made of polyester, which has properties that repel sweat and keep your body cool during exercise. Fabric softener coats the fabric with a waxy film, blocking those sweat-wicking properties and making your clothes less effective.
10. Air Dry Your Clothes:
Air dryers are much gentler on clothes than dryers. The heat of the dryer can damage clothes, leading to shrinkage, stretching, and weakening of fibers over time. Air drying eliminates all of these risks and helps the clothes last longer.
Air drying allows clothes to dry at their own pace, preventing them from over drying and helping them maintain their softness and flexibility. I do this in my laundry routine; I always prefer air drying over-drying clothes in the dryer.
11. Store Your Clothes Properly:
The most efficient way to store your T-shirts is to hang them properly. This will save a lot of space. You can also fold your T-shirts, sweaters, hoodies, etc. If you hang them incorrectly, they could get damaged as the weight of the fabric pulls down with gravity. We will discuss about store your clothes properly in this paragraph, and how to make your clothes last longer for a period of a time.
If you have delicate clothes, you might think that hanging them will cause them to lose their shape. In that case, you can be safer by folding them and placing them in the best available space.
12. Use a Fabric Shaver:
Fabric Shaver is a small thing, but it’s a lifesaver. When I started using this on my sweaters, it changed my whole game. Do you know why your clothes start looking aged? They start pilling, and these little fuzz balls really look bad on your clothes.
Fabric Shaver removes these little balls and renews the life of your sweaters or any cloth that is more prone to get pills.
The use of a Fabric Shaver is super simple: Just take the cap off, and then you start shaving. This will remove all pilling, and your clothes will start looking fresh again. Moreover, it how to make your clothes last longer in this way.
13. Iron at the Correct Temperature:
Just like you wash your clothes at different temperatures, the same goes with ironing. On the Garment tag, there is an iron symbol. This symbol will tell you at which temperature you should iron your clothes.
Some garment tags have one, two or even three dots inside the iron symbol. Here, one dot stands for the coolest temperature, two dots stand for a medium temperature, and three dots stand for the hot temperature.
Most importantly, when ironing polyester fabric, you should use a protective cloth between your iron and the piece of clothing. As we know, polyester is plastic, so it might melt during the ironing. It happened to me once: I ironed my pants, which were made of polyester, and I did not know they were made of polyester, so I messed up. So, you have to be very careful because the heat can really mess up the clothing.
Closing Thoughts On How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer:
In Conclusion, the key to extending the lifespan of your clothes lies in simple yet effective care techniques. From sorting laundry by fabric type and color to opting for gentle washing cycles and air drying, every step taken contributes to preserving fabric quality, you can ensure that your wardrobe remains fresh and vibrant for years to come. By following these instructions, you will enhance the lifespan of your clothes and promote a more sustainable approach to fashion.