While the world of fast fashion has normalized the idea of purchasing new pieces every season; learning how to properly wash and care for your favourite pieces can help you extend their lifespans. Whether it be a big-ticket fashion investment (Max Mara coat, anyone?), a thrifted gem, or a simple white tee—this slower fashion turnaround is not only more environmentally sustainable, but it just makes good financial sense as well.
Here’s a roundup of our favourite laundry tips that will help you preserve your wardrobe season after season. From air drying to opting for the cleaning power of OxiClean to treat tough stains, get ready to make your favourite pieces last season after season.
Tip 1: Use a laundry bag for delicate items
Silk. Wool. Lace. Keep delicate fabrics looking brand new by opting for laundry bags. These mesh bags act as a shield for your delicates, protecting them from snagging or tearing on bulkier clothing items. Another win? You’ll be able to find your delicates in a pinch, so you don’t accidentally toss your monogram Gucci nylons in the dryer.
Tip 2: Zip up zippers & tie loose strings
Ensure beloved pieces don’t get nicked by pesky rogue zippers. Take a moment to zip these up. Likewise, tie up anything with loose strings–sweatpants, bathrobes, hoodies–using a simple knot.
Tip 3: Reach for OxiClean to proactively treat stains and spot clean
Spilt wine on a brand-new ‘fit? Or want to breathe some life back into an oldie, but a goodie (shout out to our fellow thrifters). Get a head start on treating stains with a game-changing product, like OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover. This chlorine bleach-free and colour-safe formula harnesses the power of oxygen to lift tough stains out of clothing and household items. If you’re dealing with a stain that’s already set, pre-treat it by soaking the fabric in OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover dissolved in warm water. You can also use it in the washing machine with each load–it helps boost the water’s pH to improve your detergent’s cleaning power.
When life gets in the way (think: work, home, and focusing on your own well-being), you can also reach for OxiClean Max Force Laundry Stain Remover Spray. It has the power of five stain removers in one, effortlessly breaking down and removing the most stubborn, and even dried-down, stains (grease, oil, grass, blood, soil, tea, the list goes on) in a single pass. Its handy spray nozzle makes applying the formula a breeze, and like its counterpart, it’s also chlorine bleach-free and colour safe.
Tip 4: Hang dry or lay flat
Everything is going great… until you realize you shouldn’t have put your new Alo sets in the dryer with the cotton towels. Hot tip: never toss anything with stretch (Lycra, Spandex) in the dryer, as heat will break down these materials. Instead, hang them up to dry. When it comes to fine knits, ditch the hanger, and opt for a flat surface–this ensures the damp garment won’t stretch out like it would if it were draped on a hanger.
Tip 5: When in doubt, read the label
If you’re truly not sure whether you should toss something in the wash, look no further than the laundry label. Located on the inside of your clothing, these tags are printed with symbols that indicate whether a garment is machine-washable or dry-clean only. Here, you’ll also find symbols on how to dry the piece (hang to dry, tumble dry low, etc.) and ironing instructions. Once you’ve familiarized yourself with these symbols, laundry will be like second nature.
Click here to level up your laundry game and to learn more about OxiClean’s range of products.
The post 5 Laundry Hacks for Preserving Your Capsule Wardrobe appeared first on FASHION Magazine.
