10 Habits That Extend the Life of Your Clothes

Short answer: How long clothes last depends more on your habits than on your washing machine. Wash cooler and less often, skip the tumble dryer and fabric softener, and store clothes clean and dry. Ten small habits can noticeably extend the life of your bamboo clothing.

Habit 1: Only wash what is dirty

A lot of clothing gets washed because it has been worn, not because it is dirty. A T-shirt worn for only a few hours can often just be aired. Every wash wears the fibres a little, so fewer washes mean a longer life. Underwear and socks are of course the exception.

Habit 2: Wash at 30 to 40 degrees

Lower temperatures spare fibres, elastic and colours. Modern detergents work well at low temperatures, so clothes come out clean without unnecessary wear. Bamboo clothing belongs at 30 to 40 degrees, and higher temperatures should only be used if the care label allows it and there is a good reason.

Habit 3: Turn clothes inside out and close zips

Turn clothes inside out before washing, so the inside takes the friction from the drum and other garments. Close zips and hook and loop fasteners, so they do not catch on the smooth fibres. It takes a moment and preserves both colour and surface over many more washes.

Habit 4: Mild detergent, no fabric softener

Use a mild detergent, dosed according to the pack and your water hardness. Skip fabric softener; it leaves a film on the fibres that makes them less absorbent and can attract odours. Bamboo clothing is soft on its own and needs no help to feel comfortable against the skin.

Habit 5: A low spin

A high spin twists and stretches clothing and can leave creases that are hard to remove. Choose a low or medium spin for bamboo. The clothes come out a little wetter, but they dry quickly on a rack, and the fibres are spared unnecessary strain in every single wash.

Habit 6: Skip the tumble dryer

The tumble dryer is the biggest enemy of your clothes. The heat and constant friction wear on the fibres, and the lint in the filter is actually your clothing disappearing bit by bit. Bamboo clothing can also shrink in the heat. Air drying is gentle and free.

Habit 7: Hang clothes up straight away

Take the laundry out as soon as the programme finishes, shake it out, and hang it up. That way you avoid most creases and usually the ironing too. Clothes left damp in the drum wrinkle and can start to smell, which means another wash.

Habit 8: Dry dark clothes in the shade

Sunlight fades colours, so dark and coloured clothing should dry in the shade or indoors. That goes for everything from bamboo T-shirts for men to bamboo socks for men in dark colours. White clothing, on the other hand, can happily dry in the sun, which keeps it bright naturally.

Habit 9: Rotate between several pieces

Rotate between several garments rather than wearing one out. Fibres and elastic benefit from a rest between wears. Two pairs of socks in rotation last longer than one pair in constant use, and the same goes for bamboo leggings for women that are worn several times a week.

Habit 10: Store clean, dry and folded

Only put away clothing that is clean and completely dry, and fold T-shirts, knitwear and leggings rather than hanging them, so they do not stretch. Give your clothes some air in the wardrobe, and avoid direct sun and heat. The maths is simple: clothes that last longer need replacing less often. See also complete washing guide for bamboo clothing and bamboo and economics.

Frequently asked questions

What wears clothes out the most?

The tumble dryer, high wash temperatures and too many washes. Air drying, 30 to 40 degrees and airing instead of washing make the biggest difference to how long clothes last.

Why should I avoid fabric softener on bamboo clothing?

Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that makes them less absorbent and can cause odours. Bamboo clothing is soft on its own and does not need softener.