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Fast fashion and frequent washing can take a serious toll on your wardrobe. If you've ever noticed your favourite t-shirts fading, your jeans thinning, or your sweaters pilling after just a few washes, you're not alone. The good news? With a few simple laundry habits, you can extend the life of your clothes, save money, and reduce textile waste - all while keeping your wardrobe looking fresh. Here's how to make your clothes last longer:
1. Wash Less Often
Not everything needs to be washed after one wear! Over-washing can cause fabrics to break down faster, leading to fading, shrinking, and unnecessary wear and tear. Instead, follow these general guidelines:
- Jeans: Was after 4-5 wears
- Sweaters: Wash after 3-4 wears (unless worn against the skin)
- Jackets: Wash once per season
- T-Shirts & Undergarments: Wash after each wear
If your clothes aren't visibly dirty, try airing them out instead of tossing them in the wash.
2. Wash in Cold Water
Hot water might seem like the best option for getting clothes clean, but it can actually cause shrinking, fading, and fiber damage over time. Washing in cold water is gentler on fabrics and helps colours stay vibrant. Plus, it saves energy - win-win!
3. Use the Right Detergent (And the Right Amount)
Using too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes, making them stiff and dull over time. Many liquid detergents contain unnecessary fillers that coat fabrics, leading to faster wear.
Switch to Nellie's Laundry Cubes! These pre-measured, highly concentrated cubes are free from fillers and harsh chemicals, giving your clothes a deeper clean without unnecessary buildup. Plus, no measuring means no wasted detergent!
4. Turn Clothes Inside Out
Before tossing clothes into the wash, turn them inside out - especially items like jeans, graphic tees, and dark-coloured clothing. This small step helps prevent fading, pilling, and friction damage.
5. Air Dry Whenever Possible
The dryer is one of the biggest culprits behind fabric wear and shrinkage. While it's tempting to toss everything in on high heat, air-drying your clothes will help them last significantly longer.
Best practices for air-drying:
- Hang delicate fabrics like sweaters and activewear to dry flat.
- Use a drying rack for jeans and cotton items to prevent misshaping.
- If you must use a dryer, opt for low heat and remove clothes while they're still slightly damp.
6. Store Clothes Properly
How you store your clothes can make a huge difference in their lifespan. A few key habits to follow:
- Fold heavy sweaters instead of hanging them (to prevent stretching).
- Use padded hangers for delicate items.
- Keep shoes in dust bags to prevent scuffing.
- Store off-season clothes properly (wash them first, then pack them in a breathable storage bag).
7. Treat Stains Immediately
One of the best ways to protect your clothing is to treat stains as soon as they happen. Letting stains sit makes them harder to remove and can lead to permanent discolouration.
Quick stain fix: Grab a Nellie's WOW Stick, rub it directly onto the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then toss the item into the wash with a Laundry Cube. No toxic chemicals, no stress!
Protect Your Clothes, Protect the Planet
Taking better care of your clothes doesn't just save you money - it also reduces textile waste and helps the planet. By making a few small changes to your laundry routine, you'll keep your clothes looking fresh, feel good about making planet friendly choices, and extend the life of your favourite outfits.