Good clothing should stay with you for a long time – but small mistakes can cause even the best piece to lose its shape far too early. To prevent that, we’ll show you five common mistakes and how to easily avoid them.
1. Washing too hot
Let’s be honest: who hasn’t thrown everything into the machine at 40 or 60 degrees out of convenience? The problem: high temperatures stress the fibers and cause fabrics to stretch out or fade faster. Tip: always check the care label and wash as cold as possible!
2. Fabric softener on performance or natural fibers
Fabric softener sounds tempting – soft and nicely scented. But be careful: on performance materials and natural fibers like wool or linen, softener can damage the structure. Better: use a mild, eco-friendly detergent.
3. Putting everything in the dryer
Dryers are convenient, sure. But they’re real fiber killers – especially for delicate fabrics like viscose, wool, or blends. Better: let items air-dry. It’s more sustainable anyway and kinder to your favorite pieces.
4. Incorrect ironing
A hot iron on a delicate fabric – and suddenly you’ve got a shiny spot, or worse. Tip: always read the ironing instructions first and start with low heat. And if possible, use a pressing cloth.
5. Storing clothes incorrectly
Do you cram your clothes into overfilled closets or hang heavy items on thin wire hangers? Then you’ll soon be saying goodbye to your favorite sweater. Better: store sweaters and heavy pieces folded, and hang lightweight clothing on wide wooden or fabric hangers.
A little extra attention when it comes to care is often enough to keep your clothes looking great for longer – and to enjoy them for longer, too!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about clothing care
Why shouldn’t I wash clothes too hot?
Excessive temperatures can damage fibers, alter the fit, and cause colors to fade. It’s better to wash cold and follow the care instructions.
Is fabric softener suitable for all textiles?
No, especially with natural fibers like wool or linen and with performance clothing, fabric softener should be avoided as it can damage the fibers.
Which fabrics should not go in the dryer?
Delicate materials like wool, viscose, or blended fabrics should be air-dried to prevent shrinkage and fiber damage.
How do I iron delicate fabrics properly?
Delicate fabrics should be ironed at a low temperature, ideally inside out and with a pressing cloth. Always check the label before ironing.
How do I store clothes correctly so they don’t stretch out?
Store heavy clothing folded and hang lighter items on wide wooden or fabric hangers. Avoid overfilled closets to maintain shape.
