How to look after your clothes and keep them in good condition

Keeping your clothes in good condition is about much more than just washing. Whether you want to prolong the life of your go-to garments or protect items from your latest haul, a proper care routine keeps them (and you) looking sharper for longer. You'll also save time and money.

But there are other, perhaps more important reasons to take better care of your clothes. Fast fashion now dominates the industry. Garments have become cheaper to produce and sell, and consequently more likely to be thrown away. It's estimated that around 10,000 clothing items are sent to landfill every five minutes in the UK!

Want to do your bit to reduce these staggering waste figures? Be careful with what you buy and take good care of your clothing. Here are our top tips on how to look after your clothes.

Always read the label

Don't chuck all your laundry into the washing machine without thinking. Each item of clothing has a care label with instructions on how best to wash and dry them.

Pay close attention to the washing symbol which looks like a little tub filled with water. This recommends the best methods and temperatures to use. Washing above or below the recommended temperature can fade colours, shrink fabrics and make clothes lose shape. The same goes for drying, represented by a square symbol on care labels.

Some delicate materials such as silk, wool and cashmere need a gentle hand wash or dry cleaning. Other clothes might not fare well in a tumble dryer. Understand the range of laundry symbols and you'll have a better idea of how to keep your clothes in good condition.

Treat stains with caution

Tackling stains is one of the more challenging laundry tasks. It's important to take the right steps or your clothes are more likely to be left with permanent marks.

Don't clean fresh stains (particularly protein-based ones like blood) with hot water immediately because this could set the stain in place. Don't rub them off either – this can make them spread and embed further into the fabric.

Instead, treat the stain as quickly as possible by dabbing it with cold or lukewarm water before it has the chance to set. For more stubborn stains, target the area directly with a pre-wash stain remover or liquid laundry detergent before putting it in for a cycle.

Remember, always check the care label to see what washing methods are recommended for an item of clothing.

Avoid tumble drying if you can

Tumble drying is one of the most convenient ways to dry clothes, especially when it's too cold inside or outdoors for drying. However, it's not always the most caring method.

Delicates like natural fabrics can shrink massively when exposed to this level of heat. Try to stick to line drying outside or lay them on an airer indoors if possible. This dries them gently and reduces the chance of shrinkage or shape loss. A dehumidifier may be useful over the winter if you need to reduce moisture in your home for drying purposes.

Some garments such as underwear, as well as towels and bedding, are usually safe in a tumble dryer. If in doubt, check the care label and look out for the square tumble dry symbol.

Get help from a tailor or seamstress

When something tears, rips or breaks, or is showing signs of wear and tear, don't be afraid to exercise your sewing skills or take the garment to a specialist. Sometimes, a simple repair is all that's needed to extend the lifespan of your clothing.

Tailors and seamstresses can even help when items aren't damaged. Take pieces to them if you don't like the fit or want something embellished to make it more your style. You'll breathe new life into old clothing and won't have to shell out for something new!

Store your clothes properly

If you've been wondering how to make clothes last longer, it's also worth considering how you store them. Your habits here can make a big difference.

Buy good quality hangers that are the right size. If they're too big or small, your clothes will hang in the wrong places and become warped over time. Don't hang hand-knitted pieces because they're more likely to distort. These are best folded in a drawer or on a shelf.

If you're storing seasonal clothes, clean and sort them before packing them away. Vacuum packing is a good idea if you're limited on space, although not for items made of delicate furs, wools and feathers. Wherever you're storing them, make sure it’s clean and well-ventilated to reduce the risk of mould.

Cramped wardrobes can crease and damage your clothes. If you need more storage space, perhaps it's time to upgrade to some bespoke fitted wardrobes. These can be designed to maximise the space available in your room, even if that's limited.

Give your clothes somewhere better to hang with Hammonds

If storage space is lacking in your bedroom, come to the experts for design inspiration, custom-fitted furniture and more. Book a free design visit today for a consultation with one of our Hammonds experts.