Keeping Your Favorite Clothes From the Donation Bin

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Saving a few dollars on upkeep of your clothing can mean the world of difference, and can help you get more bang for your buck, per se, than if you had otherwise treated your clothing less-than it should be treated.

Throwing your clothes in the washer and dryer without looking may be the biggest sin of keeping clothes longer. While this may seem like the easiest option, there are ways to keep them in better shape for longer. Here are some tips on how to keep your clothing fresh, and unblemished.

Image from ecosalon.com

Image from ecosalon.com

Wash with cold water

  • Instead of dry cleaning, try washing your clothes in cold water to keep them longer. Also, be sure to pay attention to the wash guidelines on the clothing’s tags.

Rack Dry

  • Instead of drying your clothing in the dryer, try rack/line drying your clothes for a better outcome. Heat can break down clothing fibers and dull colors.

Rotate

  • Rotating clothing is commonly understood among bra-owners that rotation is key. I was once told by a Nordstrom employee that I should always rotate my bras and also always should put them in lingerie bags. This goes for other clothing too, especially more delicate items like those with sequins and silk. Rotate, and wash in a lingerie bag to keep these items in prime condition.

Storage

  • Storing clothing in the right way can also exponentially increase your ability to keep your favorite pieces. Wood hangers can work miracles over plastic or wire hangers that can stretch out your clothing and leave you with unshapely, unrecognizable from first wear, items. Storage is especially important when it comes to pricey suits and dresses.

Avoid Dry Cleaning

  • Avoid dry cleaning when you can. The chemicals used to dry clean clothing can add to clothing deterioration over time.

Overall, the best way to keep your clothing longer is to, frankly, be sure the clothing you buy is of sustainable quality. This doesn’t mean you have to purchase the most expensive clothing, only that you should be well aware of what fabrics are sturdiest against wear and tear and which designers/stores sell those types of pieces.

This article was written by PR specialist, Kurie. You can follow her on Tumblr and Twitter @KurieFitz

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