August 25, 2023Sustainability

Sustainable Fashion Tips: How To Make Your Clothes Last Longer?

Hello again! In my previous blog post, I talked about how taking care of our clothes links with sustainable fashion, I started by talking about the importance of checking care labels – a small step that can make a big difference in how long our favorite clothes last. Now, let's dig even deeper into this journey.

Every piece in our wardrobe carries a slice of our story, from cherished vintage gems to trendy additions. Extending the life of these stories not only adds value to our fashion choices but also contribute to a kinder planet and a more sustainable fashion culture.

In this blog post, I am going to focus on simple ways to make our clothes last longer and also be kinder to the environment. I'll center on small shifts in our washing routine. While you might already be familiar with some common tips like washing full loads or grouping similar colors, I'll skip those and instead explore lesser-known strategies. So, let's jump right in and discover how small actions can lead to big positive changes!

Disclaimer:

I wanted to let you know that in this section, I'll be sharing an affiliate link from Amazon.com. If you decide to click on the link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission. However, please be assured that this will not incur any additional cost for you. I only recommend products that I personally find to be of high quality and I believe you will enjoy them as well. Thank you for your support!

Tip#1: Wash With Cold Water

While it's a common belief that hot water is essential for properly cleaning dirty laundry, this isn't necessarily the case.

Cold water washing is not only gentle on your clothes but also kind to your wallet and the environment. Cold water preserves the brightness of your clothes' colors and their original shape, keeping them looking new for longer. Additionally, when we consider energy usage, around 90% of the power consumed by washing machines is dedicated just to warming up the water. Switching to cold washes can make a significant difference.

If you're looking to be even more energy-efficient, washing clothes by hand is an option, although I acknowledge it might not always be practical, especially in our busy lives. Using the cold cycle in the washing machine offers a sensible alternative that still brings great benefits.

However, if you find yourself on a trip, especially in a warmer location, hand washing your clothes and letting them air dry can be a quick and easy solution. When washing and drying, turning your clothes inside out can help protect their colors from fading. If you can, let your clothes dry outside in the sunlight. Sunlight has natural antibacterial properties and can remove bad smells. When you put on the clothes for the first time, they might feel a little stiff, but they'll become softer as you wear them.

There might be a few doubts in your mind about using cold water for laundry. You might wonder if detergents won't work as well, or if cold water can't handle stubborn stains like blood. But let's clear up these misconceptions:

Misconception about Detergents: Today's detergents are specially designed to perform excellently in cold water. They clean your clothes thoroughly, and in many cases, cold water even rinses out the detergent more effectively, leaving fewer residues on your clothes.
Misconception about Stains: Surprisingly, some stains, especially those protein-based ones like blood, respond better to cold water. Hot water can sometimes set these stains, making them more stubborn. In contrast, cold water can prevent such stains from setting in.

While cold water is generally great at getting rid of germs and ensuring cleanliness, it's important to note that in specific situations – like when someone in the household is dealing with illnesses such as COVID-19, the flu, or a cold – washing with warmer water might be a better choice for enhanced sanitation.

If you're interested in delving deeper into the meanings behind the symbols on care labels, here's an image that provides a clear explanation of these symbols:

Tip#2: Spot Cleaning

In the previous tip, I touched on the topic of stains, and I'd like to explore how spot cleaning offers an accessible and eco-friendly method to help your clothes last longer. By treating stains immediately, we can avoid the necessity of putting the entire garment through a full wash cycle, which conserves water, energy, and detergent. This not only saves resources but also helps preserve the quality of the fabric, colors, and overall structure of the clothes.

I always have a Tide to Go (an instant stain remover) with me, but as I am learning more about sustainable fashion, I found that there are natural ways that can do the same job, and here are a few that I found interesting:

Coffee or Tea Stains: A mixture of water and white vinegar.
Red Wine Stains: Salt and a blend of water and white vinegar.
Oil or Grease Stains: Cornstarch or talcum powder.
Ink Stains: Milk and a combination of white vinegar and cornstarch.
Blood Stains: Cold water, salt and cold water mix, or hydrogen peroxide (3%).
Berry Stains: Boiling water followed by lemon juice.
Chocolate Stains: Lemon juice and salt.
Deodorant Marks: Nylon stockings or dryer sheets.
Grass Stains: White vinegar and baking soda paste.
Lipstick Stains: Lemon juice and dishwashing detergent mixture.

Here are the things that caught my interest:

Chemical Principles in Stain Removal: Many stain removal techniques are based on chemistry and the characteristics of substances. For example, when dealing with ink stains (which tend to be slightly acidic), milk (a base) can bind with ink pigments to lift them from the fabric. White vinegar (an acid) and cornstarch can work together to break down the ink through a mild chemical reaction.
Acidic stains and their solutions: Some stains, like those from coffee, tea, red wine, and berries, are acidic. To remove them, we use acidic things like vinegar or lemon juice. These acids break down the stain and make it easier to remove. Even though both the stain and the solution are acidic, they work differently. The solution we use is usually not as strong as the pure stuff that caused the stain. It works to change the stain's structure and helps it loosen from the fabric.

Just like when using products like Tide to Go, I've found it's wise to test these solutions on a hidden part of the garment first. Another thing to keep in mind is to gently blot stains rather than rubbing them, as it helps prevent the stain from spreading. Cold water tends to work best for stain removal, and once you're done with spot cleaning, giving the garment a regular wash can ensure there's no residue left behind.

Tip#3: Repair Before Washing

Before you put your clothes in the washing machine, it's a good idea to fix any small tears or loose buttons on them. This simple step can prevent these issues from getting worse during the washing process. When clothes with tears or loose buttons are tossed around in the machine, they can get further damaged as the fabric rubs against other clothes or the button gets pulled even more.

To provide you with a clearer picture, I've compiled a selection of short videos on my 'Sustainable Fashion Tip' Pinterest board. These videos demonstrate how to address common issues like sewing on a button, fixing tears and rips, and adjusting loose elastic. You can explore these helpful tips by visiting the board through this link.

You don't have to be a sewing expert to handle these repairs! 😊 The goal is to protect your clothes and extend their lifespan. Taking care of these small issues before washing can extend the life of your clothes and save you from having to replace them too soon.

Thank you so much for reading this blog post. I really hope you've found the tips I shared helpful. The good news is that making fashion more sustainable isn't as tricky as it might sound. These small changes can make a big difference for both your clothes and the environment.

If you'd like to stay connected and receive more insights, including petite styling ideas, fashion inspirations, and additional sustainability tips, I invite you to sign up for the email list. You can also find me on Instagram and Pinterest, where I regularly share inspirations.

Thank you for being part of this journey!