Clothes for people who wash often
Short answer: If you wash often, your clothes need to cope with repeated washing without losing shape, colour or softness. Follow the care label, use mild soap and go gently on the fabric so it lasts longer.
Frequent washing leaves its mark
Every time clothes are washed, the fibres are exposed to water, detergent and mechanical movement. Over time that can lead to fluff, colour change and loss of shape. If you wash often, it is therefore important to choose clothes made to cope with it and to look after them in the machine. Clothes do not last for ever, but with a little care you can extend their life and keep the feeling of freshness even after many washes.
Low temperature and mild detergent
Most fabrics do best at 30 to 40 degrees, and that saves energy as well. Use a mild detergent in the amount stated on the pack, because too much soap leaves residue in the fibres and makes clothes stiff. Choose a gentle programme for the most delicate pieces and avoid fabric softener, which can leave a film on the fabric. See JBS of Denmark. Always check the care label before you wash new clothes for the first time.
Turn clothes inside out
When clothes are turned inside out, the surface wears less from friction against the other pieces and the drum. This is especially useful for clothes with printed designs, dark colours and soft material that tends to pill. Use a laundry bag for the most delicate pieces and close zips and hook and loop fasteners so they do not catch on other clothes. See bamboo bodysuit. Small steps like these mean a great deal over many washes.
Underwear and close fitting clothes are washed most often
Underwear and clothes next to the skin need washing most often, because they take up sweat and skin oils. See bamboo panties. Keep enough changes so that you do not have to wash every day, and wash the clothes promptly if you have been sweating. Choose a programme with sufficient rinsing so no soap residue is left behind. If your skin is sensitive, an extra rinse can be an advantage.
Drying that is gentle
A tumble dryer on high heat is hard on many fabrics and can make them shrink and lose elasticity. Let the clothes dry flat or on a hanger and avoid direct sun, which can bleach the colours. Pull the garments into shape while they are damp so they keep their form. If you have to use the tumble dryer, choose a low temperature and take the clothes out before they are completely dry.
When are clothes worn out
After many washes clothes naturally change. The fabric becomes thinner, the colour fades and the elastic loses strength. That is normal. Worn pieces can be moved down to home wear or used as cleaning cloths, giving them an extra life. When you buy new, choose pieces you expect to wear often and pay a little more attention to the quality of the fabric and the seams.
Frequently asked questions
How much does frequent washing harm clothes
It depends on the fabric and the wash. Low temperature, mild detergent and gentle drying reduce wear markedly.
Should clothes be turned inside out
Yes, it protects the surface from friction and helps against pilling and faded prints.
Why do clothes become stiff
Often it is too much detergent or fabric softener, which settles in the fibres. Use less and rinse well.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
