How to extend the life of your favourite clothes
Pilling, shrinking, fading: There is something heartbreaking about investing your hard-earned cash in new clothing only to find it doesn’t last the distance.
According to fashion and cleaning experts, there are many ways you can extend the life of your clothes. Here are their best tips.
1. Don’t use hot water
According to Australian fashion designer Alex Perry, hot water breaks down the fibres in your clothes and can lead to shrinking.
He prefers an “old school” approach, using laundry soap to hand-wash collars, cuffs stains before adding them to the washing machine.
2. Invest in the best technology to clean your clothes
The right washing machine with the latest technology can extend the life of your clothes.
"I love the Electrolux UltraMix washing machine," said Mr Perry, "because it premixes the water and detergent in a special chamber before the beginning of the cycle to maximise cleaning power at a cooler temperature.”
3. Wash inside-out
Cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper recommends turning denim inside-out and hand-washing it in cold water.
4. Don’t dry-clean often
According to Mr Perry, “dry cleaning fluids on pale items can discolour the fabric over time.”
5. Move quickly on stains
Don't allow stains to set on your clothes. Instead, use water or soda water on any stain straight away.
“Then get the garment into the wash as soon as possible,” said Mr Perry.
6. Add fabric softener to your wash
According to Mr Perry, it freshens your clothes and makes them “smell and feel nice”.
7. Don’t use the dryer on denim
Cleaning scientist Mary Johnson recommends skipping the dryer to extend the life of your denim and laying it flat to air dry instead.
