How to care for clothes so they last twice as long
Short answer: Five habits make almost the whole difference to how long clothes last. 40 degrees, no fabric softener, inside out, low heat when drying, and fewer washes overall.
40 degrees
A higher temperature rarely makes clothes cleaner but breaks down elastane and loosens dye faster than necessary. 40 degrees is enough for almost all washing in an ordinary household, and sticking to it saves both energy and the clothes' lifespan. See washing and care.
No fabric softener
Fabric softener leaves a film on the fibres that blocks moisture transport and traps odour instead of letting it disappear. There is no real gain on soft, functional fabric, and clothes actually hold up better without it. See bamboo underwear for women.
Inside out
Friction in the machine hits the side you see when clothes are washed right side out. Turn them inside out instead, and the inside takes the wear, keeping the surface and colours looking good for longer.
Low heat when drying
Elastane loses its stretch from heat far faster than from ordinary wear, and high heat in the tumble dryer is therefore the single habit that matters most for underwear and other close-fitting clothes. Choose a gentle drying setting or air it instead. See bamboo underwear for men.
Fewer washes
Outer layers can often be aired for an hour instead of washed, and every wash puts strain on both fibres and elastane, however gentle the programme. Fewer washes extend the lifespan directly and measurably, especially for clothes without direct contact with sweat.
Adjust the spin to the fabric
A high spin pushes water out quickly but also puts more strain on delicate fabrics and elastane. Lower the spin on underwear and other items that need to keep their shape, even if that means a slightly longer drying time afterwards.
Wash bedding gently
Bedding is often washed more often than other clothes, which makes the five habits especially worthwhile here. Keep the temperature down, skip the fabric softener, and let it dry fully without unnecessary heat, and it will last noticeably longer. See bamboo bedding.
Towels last longer without hot water
Towels rarely need as high a temperature as many people think, and 40 degrees is enough to keep them clean day to day. The extra heat mostly wears down the towelling loops and flattens the towel faster. See bamboo towels.
Close zips and buttons before washing
Open zips and loose buttons snag other clothes inside the drum and can create small holes over time. It takes only seconds to close them before a wash, and it is one of the most overlooked habits for making clothes last longer.
Frequently asked questions
What extends the lifespan of clothes the most?
Low heat when drying. Elastane breaks down far faster from heat than from ordinary wear, especially in underwear and close-fitting clothes.
Is 40 degrees enough?
For almost all washing in an ordinary household, yes. A higher temperature rarely makes clothes cleaner but puts more strain on both fibres and colour.
Can clothes be aired instead of washed?
Outer layers often can. An hour in fresh air removes most of the smell, and fewer washes extend the lifespan directly.
You can find the full range at Bamboo-Clothing.com.
