The Art of Clothing Care is a book of tips to make clothes last. Check a garment’s quality, avoid over-washing, make simple clothing repairs, remove stains, prevent mothballs and shop for pre-loved clothing. For synthetic fibres (including recycled plastic bottles), launder in a microplastic catcher.
Cotton is a sturdy fabric but it can shrink if washed at high temperatures. Wash cotton in cold water to maintain its shape and colour. For drying, a low heat setting is ideal. For the best results, hang cotton garments to air dry, preserving their natural fibres.
Cold Water Washing
Cold water isn’t just energy-efficient; it’s gentler on your clothes. It prevents fading and shrinkage. Plus, modern detergents work well even in cold water, making it a no-brainer for everyday washes.
Using natural detergents is one way to reduce your environmental footprint. Look for products that are biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals. Additionally, consider washing your clothes in cold water. This saves energy and is often gentler on fabrics. Have you thought about washing less frequently? Airing out clothes can reduce the need for washing, thus conserving water.
Air drying clothes is not only energy-efficient, but it also prolongs the life of your garments. The UV rays from sunlight can help to disinfect and freshen clothes naturally. When it comes to ironing, opt for eco-friendly methods. For instance, using a steam iron can reduce the need for high heat, minimising fabric wear and tear.
Choose Zero Waste Clothes Hangers
You can recycle metal clothes hangers, and donate other ones to charity shops. Refuse hangers in shops if not needed, as 15 billion are produced in the world each year, with most thrown out after 3 months (8 billion go to landfill). ReBorn recycled coat hangers (Wiltshire) have side notches for thin straps, middle notches for ties/belts, and reinforced bars for heavy trousers.
Clippie makes anti-tangle recycled clothes hangers with removable trouser bars for crease-free folding (shops can set up a £1 coat hanger recycling service).
Choose Eco-Friendly Steam ‘Dry Cleaners’
Most dry cleaners use PERC (toxic chemicals) that are bad for the planet and people who work in the shops. Blanc (London) is one of many ‘eco-friendly dry cleaners’ that use steam methods instead, with the same results. Rather than accept plastic garment bags for your suits and dresses, take clothing home in a reusable garment bag that you can use again and again.
How to Remove Stains, Naturally
Read the post on how to remove stains, naturally.
For big stains and tears, you can ask a tailor to do small repairs. Or book online and send to online tailors like Make Nu.
How to Prevent Mothballs, Naturally
Only two moth species eat animal fibres (wool, feather and fur). So the easy way to prevent them are to wear cotton, hemp and linen. To reduce risk for other fabrics, deep-clean clothes, then store in vacuum bags. A bit of simple living wouldn’t go amiss (rather than buy too many clothes to ‘store away for winter’). If using red cedar balls to prevent moth balls, keep away from pets and children.
