Undress and assess Laundry cycles are stressful for clothes due to the agitation, heat and general chaos they must endure each time. A jaunt in the drum can lead to excessive fibre loss; dyes can fade and garments can lose their shape. Instead of just chucking an item of clothing in the laundry basket at the end of the day, take a look at it. Does it really need to be washed? Allowing a garment to skip unnecessary washing cycles will instantly prolong its life. Freshen it up For gently worn, fragile or fast-fashion garments, try these alternatives to a wash. Air it A good old-fashioned airing can do a garment the world of good. For best results, hang it inside out, outdoors, for a few hours. Steam is fast becoming the darling of the laundry world. This method is low on risk and high on reward, making it essential for garments you love. Steaming will eliminate odours, freshen up fibres and, of course, remove wrinkles, all without the use of any toxic chemicals. You can choose from a range of appliances to fulfil your steam dreams, from steam washing machines to steam wardrobes. However, the most popular is still the trusty handheld steamer. Spot cleaning Never underestimate a gentle spot clean instead of a full wash. For grease stains, massage on a dab of washing-up liquid. For protein stains, opt for vinegar. If in doubt, use a shop-bought stain remover. Line up your load Don’t just put everything in one wash. You’ll know already that separating whites, brights and darks is a must to avoid colour run, but there are other things to consider when sorting through the pile. First is fibres: synthetics such as polyester shed microplastic in every wash and so need gentler cycles than cottons, for example, or they start to lose their volume. Garments with straps (such as underwear), embellishments or fast fashion pieces can get damaged even on a gentle cycle. Split these from your more robust items. Some fabrics can harm other materials in a wash because of their weave (for example, denim rubbing against your fave satin cami). Bag it up Now that there are two piles … enter the washing bag. These are a stunning addition to any laundry routine as they allow you to wash a mix of different fabrics and needs in one go – meaning you don’t waste money running the machine for small loads. Simply pop the garments that need protection inside, zip up and add to the drum. A simple net laundry bag will set you back a few quid and go on to save you much more. If you want to up the ante and increase the life of your clothing even longer, opt for bags that reduce fibre shed. These are about £30. This type of bag will not only reduce fibre loss, as it lessens garment agitation – it will also catch any microplastics that come off. Then you can pop them in the bin instead of having them go down the drain and into the ecosystem. A win for your pocket and the environment. Dare to prepare A must. Close all zips, open all buttons. Zips should be closed to avoid teeth scraping against fabrics; buttons should be open to avoid damage to the buttons, buttonholes, and the garment itself. The exception is jeans: zip and button closed. Collar stays should be taken out, Velcro should be firmly sealed, and all garments should be inside out to allow body oils and protein stains to be washed off thoroughly. Load right For a wash to work wonders you need to make sure that the drum is not underfilled (which will encourage fibre loss and warping) or overfilled (meaning thorough cleaning cannot occur). For most cycles, the right size of load is when there is enough space for you to form a fist on top of the clothes. If you are using a washing pod, pop it to the back before you load. This means it will have more time with the water as the drum fills and give you a more effective clean. Ponder your products When it comes to a long-lasting wardrobe, the less product the better. Fabric softener, for example, is designed to stay on fabrics after washing. This leads to odour and bacteria buildup, dulling of whites and, of course, a reduction in the effectiveness of performance fabrics. Anything that leaves a coating will affect breathability, comfort and absorption. Instead of oily, chemical-rich fabric softeners, consider vinegar. Adding a cup of distilled white vinegar (no higher that 5% acidity – buy it from the food, not the cleaning, aisle) will keep garments, towels and bedding soft, whites bright and odours in check. Don’t worry about smelling like chips: it dries odourless. Get the right temperature Most people wash their clothing on cycles that are far too hot. Higher temperatures are useful in some cases, of course, but for most garments they are a menace. Hot washes will result in fading, shrinkage and deterioration. Heat is also a nightmare for elastane. Garments with a stretch – think tight jeans, gym gear, underwear – need to be kept to cool washes to keep their integrity. For your next wash, consider the following, while ensuring you never exceed the temperature on the care label. 0-20C for anything bright, dark or lightly worn. You can wash darks and brights at 30C-40C, but they will lose colour quicker. Many modern detergents are effective in cold water cycles: check the label. 30C is fine for items worn close to the body, such as underwear and socks, or heavily worn garments. 60C or similar hot washes are great for bedding and towels. 90C is too hot for most clothing. Save this for bedding if someone has been ill, or for a monthly clean of your machine (add a cup of vinegar for amazing results). Cycle slowly If you want your clothes to last longer, avoid hectic cycles such as fast washes. Low and slow is the name of the game. The more agitation, spins and speed in a cycle, the more stress your garments will be under. A general rule of thumb is that cotton cycles are harsh and synthetics cycles are gentler due to the qualities of each fabric. Bear this in mind if these are an option on your machine. If not, check out the chart in your machine’s manual and choose slower, cooler cycles.