We can all agree that doing our own laundry is one of those adult chores that we just can’t escape. As we grow older, we master the art of doing it faster yet we still wish it would do itself instead. You might want to rethink this part. There’s so much about washing clothes that requires your careful attention because the consequences can include hopelessly ruined clothes.
One of the easiest ways to ruin your clothes is by using detergents and other cleaning products that are actually damaging. Here are 4 ways you can stop destroying your clothes due to what you clean them with!
Know When to Buy Quality Clothes
Knowing when to purchase quality clothes is the first step in cutting the problem from the source. If you make this investment from the beginning, there’s less of a chance for your clothes to be easily destroyed by chemical-infused detergents and other harsh conditions they might be put under.
Trendy clothes you just want to try out are okay to go cheaper on, especially if you don’t plan on wearing them much. But, don’t skimp out on the basics and intimates that you plan on wearing many times! The latter are clothes you wear often that would be put in the wash on a consistent basis.
As a tip, read reviews about clothes before buying them, especially when buying online. For example, do research and read through a t-shirt, jeans, and even intimates like push up bra review to ensure that they are made with quality material. The last thing you want is to have something go through the wash one time and be destroyed.
Understand What the Products Do
You might not be in control of the durability of the clothes you’re drawn to, but you can still take extra precautions with what you put on them when you wash them. As you might know, laundry detergents are filled with chemicals both to make them work and to make them last longer on the shelf.
While you don’t need to read the label of your detergent and understand every chemical and substance that’s in it, there are some that you should be on the lookout for. Here is a couple:
- Fragrances: Did you know that scented detergent can actually be worse for your clothes than unscented? Even though your clothes might smell nicer and seem cleaner, the chemicals used to create that fragrance can slowly deteriorate your favourite shirts.
- Bleach: Before using bleach, be sure to check the tags on your clothes. While most cotton clothes can be bleached, there are some specific pieces you might own that can’t be bleached. Additionally, avoid bleaching anything made from silk, spandex, or wool, as bleach has the potential to permanently damage them.
Condition Your Clothes
Just as you would condition your hair after rinsing away the shampoo, it’s also important to condition your clothes to protect its fibres from the damage that regular cleaning products might have caused. This is applicable to almost all kinds of clothes, especially the most delicate ones that aren’t as durable just from the feel of them.
However, athleisure clothes with sweat-wicking powers and other performance purposes are not to be conditioned because it might affect the stretch that is directly related to their ability in supporting you in extraneous activities. This can also be true for other clothes made out of synthetic materials.
Be Careful About Bathroom Products Getting on Clothes
Apparently, it’s not only washing products that can cause harm to your clothes. Some of your personal products that you use in the bathroom or just in general can contain harmful chemicals too. Bath products like shampoo, conditioners, face creams, shaving gels, and toothpaste could contain alkaline and types of bleach that aren’t good when put on fabrics.
Some hygiene products like deodorant, rubbing alcohol, body sprays, and perfumes can have acid and alcohol in them that aren’t good to get excessive amounts on your clothes. These chemicals can cause faint staining and discolouration, especially if the products sit on the fabric for long.
Conclusion
You can do more to care for your clothes than just separating the whites from the coloured ones. It starts by knowing when to purchase quality clothes and then actively making an effort to extend their lifespan by avoiding detergents that can do more harm than good!