It's hard to keep your clothes looking new for as long as you'd like. Between the kids, work and life in general, it seems like your clothes are always taking a beating. However, if you want your clothes to last longer, you can do a few things to make this happen. In this article, we'll share some tips on how you can do just that.
Let's get right into it.
Top Tips to Make Your Clothes Last Longer
Here are the best tips to consider.
1. When you first get your clothes, read the care label.
While not many people look at the label when they first get their clothes, it's essential to do so. The care label will tell you how to wash and care for your clothes properly. This will help them last longer.
2. Check your clothes for loose threads and snip them off before washing them.
Before you wash your clothes, check them for any loose threads. If you find any, snip them off with a pair of scissors. This will prevent the threads from getting tangled in the washing machine and ruining your clothes.
3. Always use a gentle cycle when you wash your clothes.
The gentle cycle on your washing machine is there for a reason. It's designed to be gentler on your clothes than the regular cycle. If you want your clothes to last longer, knowing your washing machine settings and using a gentle cycle when you wash them is crucial.
4. Consider using cold water instead of hot water to wash your clothes.
Hot water can be damaging to your clothes. If you want to prolong their life, consider washing them in cold water instead – unless they are very dirty or stained.
5. Don't overstuff your washing machine.
If you stuff too many clothes into your washing machine, they won't get clean and could get damaged. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how many items you can put in your machine simultaneously.
6. When in doubt, hand-wash your clothes.
If you're unsure whether an item of clothing should be hand-washed or machine-washed, err on the side of caution and hand-wash it. This will help prevent damage to your clothes.
7. Be careful about what you put in the dryer.
Not all clothes are meant to go in the dryer. Delicate items, like bras and sweaters, should be air-dried. Again, it’s crucial to read the care label before putting any article of clothing in the dryer.
8. Use a lower heat setting on your dryer.
If you do use the dryer, make sure to set it to a low heat setting. High heat can damage your clothes and shorten their life.
Also, it’s good to know that the best way to dry your clothes is to hang them up. This will prevent them from shrinking or getting damaged in the dryer.
9. Take your time folding and putting away your clothes.
Folding and putting away your clothes might seem like a chore, but it's essential to do it carefully. This will help prevent wrinkles and keep your clothes looking their best for longer.
10. Store your clothes properly.
How you store your clothes can significantly affect how long they last. Keep them in a cool, dark place, where they'll be safe from damage.
Conclusion
By following these tips, you can make your clothes last longer. Taking extra time to care for your clothes will save you money in the long run. You'll also be protecting the environment by reducing the number of clothes you go through and ultimately throw away.
Photo by youngafrikanna
