How to to make your clothes last longer

Avoid the washing machine

Sometimes the lazy way is the best way. ⅓ of microplastics in the ocean come from washing textiles (Ellen McArthur Foundation). The more we wash our clothes, the more they break down and become at risk of releasing microfibres which can end up in our water systems. Laundry also accounts for about 15% of water use in the home, with modern washing machines using around 50 litres of water per load. Woof!

So simply, avoid the washing machine unless it really needs it. Experiment with spot washing out marks and giving clothes a sniff test before automatically sending it to the laundry basket. Can you get another wear out of it? If yes, then do! Your bills will thank you, too.

Avoid shrinking and dry-clean your knitwear

We have all been there. The heart sinking moment when you pull your favourite jumper out of the washing machine to find it shrunken, lifeless and sad. Take your knitwear to your local dry cleaners (you can usually find these near train stations) once or twice a year. If you want to opt for washing them at home, make sure you use the “Wool” setting on the washing machine or try hand-washing in cold water. These settings are accurately tested to find the least risky way of washing your knits. Hang them to dry and never, under any circumstances, put your knitwear in the tumble dryer.

Wash on 30, wash on a gentle spin

Again, these simple switches can help reduce microfiber release and fabric breakdown. It's a softer, gentler way of washing your clothes and does as good a job at 40. If your machine has an “Eco” setting, go for that. If something is really soiled, try presoaking it before washing or make a judgement on whether it needs a hotter wash.

Store your clothes in a cool, dry environments

• Keep clothes out of direct daylight to avoid discolouring.
• Store woollen items in cardboard or wooden boxes, not plastic. Plastic can turn wool yellow.
• Take clothes out of your cupboards regularly to check for moth damage. Take any moth damaged clothes to the dry cleaners as soon as possible or temporarily store them in the freezer until they can be treated.
• Make your own natural moth repellent. Dried rosemary, thyme, lavender and bay leaves are all big turn offs for moths. Store them in a bag and hang them up in your wardrobe to keep the moths at bay.

Get mending

Don’t be scared of needles. There are lots of tutorials on TikTok and Youtube that can help you with sewing buttons, repairing holes or hemming clothes. Visible mending is a growing trend, too, so you can be confident about your perfectly imperfect skills. It really is a lot easier than it looks.

If you’re not convinced, check out apps like Sojo who will put you in touch with local seamsters who can offer alterations and repairs.

Carry a Stain Removal Pen

This video of Florence Pugh celebrating the “magic of Tide pens” lives in our head rent free and we’ve never seen a better advertisement for carrying a stain removal pen. There are a few brands on the market but these handy, portable pens will help you avoid a stain crisis and do some emergency DIY on any marks, no matter where you are.

There you have it. Easy ways to keep your clothes as good as new with very little effort. Sorry mice, better luck next time.