The Art of Preserving Your Clothes: An Eco-Friendly Guide to a Sustainable Wardrobe

Taking care of your clothes is essential to prolong their life and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Bonus: good linen care reduces wear and tear and preserves the quality of fabrics, while preserving the environment.

Here is a detailed guide to properly care for your clothes and other textiles.

1. Read clothing labels carefully

Each garment has a label with specific instructions regarding washing, drying, ironing and sometimes dry cleaning. Following them helps protect the fibers and avoid mistakes that can damage the fabric.

Common symbols :

• The basin of water means machine washing.
• The triangle indicates whether whitening is permitted.
• The square with a circle inside is for machine drying.
• The iron symbolizes ironing, with dots to indicate the temperature.
• A circle indicates whether dry cleaning is necessary.

Taking the time to understand these symbols can help you avoid costly mistakes, such as shrinking a wool sweater or damaging a delicate garment.

2. Remove stains from the laundry before washing.

General tips for treating stains:

• Act quickly : The sooner you treat the stain, the more likely it is to be easily removed.
• Never rub hard : Dab the stain rather than rubbing to avoid spreading it, discoloring or damaging the fabric.
• Always test on a small area : Before applying a product to the entire stain, do a test on an inconspicuous part to avoid damaging the garment.
• Use cold water : For most stains, cold water is best, as warm water can set the stain.

Getting rid of stains on clothing can seem like a challenge, but with the right techniques, it's often possible to remove them effectively. Here's a guide to removing different types of common stains.

1. Grease or oil stain

Grease or oil stains are common, but they can be treated effectively.

• Method : Blot the stain with a paper towel to absorb excess grease. Then sprinkle the stain with baking soda, talcum powder, or cornstarch and let it sit for a few hours. Rub gently, then wash with hot water and detergent.
• Tip : For delicate garments, use dishwashing liquid (not recommended for silk or wool) before washing.

2. Red wine stain

Red wine is notorious for its stubborn stains, but there are several techniques for removing them.

• Method 1 : Immediately soak the wine stain with salt to absorb the liquid. Rinse with cold water, then wash with a mild detergent.
• Method 2 : Use white vinegar or lemon juice diluted with a little water to dab the stain, then rinse and wash normally.

3. Coffee or tea stain

Coffee or tea stains can be removed with simple solutions.

• Method : Quickly run the stain under cold water. Then, dab with a solution of water and white vinegar (or mild liquid soap). If the stain persists, a little baking soda added directly to the stained area may help. Rinse and wash.

4. Ink stain

Ink stains can be tricky, especially if not treated quickly.

• Method : Soak the stain with milk or 90° alcohol depending on the fragility of the fabric. Dab gently with a clean cloth without rubbing, then wash the garment in cold water.
• Tip : For water-soluble inks, a simple wash may sometimes be enough.

5. Blood stain

Blood is easier to remove if treated immediately.

• Method : Rinse the stain with cold water (never hot, this would set the stain). Rub gently with Marseille soap or hydrogen peroxide (oxygenated water) for more robust fabrics. Then wash as usual.
• Tip : Baking soda mixed with cold water can also be used as a paste to scrub the stain.

6. Grass stain

Grass stains are common on children's clothing or during outdoor activities.

• Method : Dab the stain with white vinegar or 90° alcohol. Rub gently, then rinse with cold water. Then wash with a regular detergent.
• Tip : White (non-colored) toothpaste can sometimes help to gently scrub the stain before washing.

7. Makeup stain

Foundation or lipstick stains require special attention.

• Method : For foundation, use a little shaving foam on the stain, leave for a few minutes, then rinse and wash. For lipstick, dab with 90° alcohol or a mild makeup remover.
• Tip : Avoid rubbing too hard to avoid spreading the stain.

8. Sweat stain

Sweat stains, especially under the armpits, can turn white clothes yellow.

• Method : Mix baking soda with water to form a paste, apply it to the stain and leave it for 30 minutes before rinsing and washing. You can also use white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide for more stubborn stains.
• Tip : To prevent these stains, apply an aluminum-free deodorant.

9. Tomato sauce or ketchup stain

These stains are often difficult to remove due to their intense pigmentation.

• Method : Rinse the stain immediately with cold water. Then apply liquid soap and rub gently. If the stain persists, use white vinegar or a small amount of baking soda to help remove the stain.
• Tip : Avoid rubbing too hard to avoid spreading the stain.

10. Mud stain

Wait for the mud to dry before treating the stain to avoid spreading it.

• Method : Once the mud is dry, brush off as much as possible. Then dab with mild soap and water, then wash as normal.
• Tip : If the stain persists after washing, you can soak it in water with a little white vinegar.

3. Sort laundry before washing

Sorting your laundry is a crucial step to prevent fading and ensure each type of fabric receives the proper care. Here's how to do it:

• By color : Separate white and light laundry from dark laundry to avoid color transfer. Red and black clothes are especially prone to fading.
• By fabric type : Delicate fabrics (silk, lace) should be washed separately or in washing bags to avoid damage. Cotton clothes and towels can be washed together.
• By level of soiling : A very dirty garment should not be mixed with another almost clean one. A more intensive wash is necessary for stained or very worn garments.

4. Choose the right washing temperature

Washing at the right temperature is essential to maintain the quality of fabrics. Here are some tips:

• Cold (30°C and below) : Perfect for delicates, dark colours, synthetic fabrics, and lightly soiled clothes. Cold washing is also more environmentally friendly, as it uses less energy.
• Medium temperature (30-40°C) : Suitable for most everyday clothes, especially cotton or fiber blends.
• Hot (60°C and above) : Reserved for sheets, towels and very dirty laundry. Be careful not to wash delicate clothes at this temperature, as it may shrink or damage the fibers.

5. Use the right detergent

The choice of detergent plays a crucial role in the longevity of clothes. Here are the main types of detergents to know:

• Classic detergent : Suitable for most everyday clothes.
• Colour detergent : Contains specific agents to preserve the vibrancy of colours.
• Mild or hypoallergenic detergent : Recommended for sensitive skin or delicate clothing (silk, wool).
• Ecological detergent : Composed of natural ingredients, it is more respectful of the environment and of clothing fibers.

It is also recommended to respect the dosages indicated on the packaging to avoid soap residue on clothes.

6. Use natural tips for laundry care

There are several natural solutions for maintaining your laundry in an ecological and economical way:

• White vinegar : Used as a natural fabric softener, it also neutralizes odors and revives colors.
• Baking soda : It helps remove stains from clothes and eliminate bad odors. Add a tablespoon to the drum of your machine.
• Lemon : Ideal for naturally whitening white laundry, without using aggressive chemical agents.

7. Drying: air dry or machine dry?

Drying is an important step that can affect the lifespan of your clothes. Here are the two main methods and their benefits:

• Air drying : This is the gentlest method to preserve textile fibers. It is recommended for delicate clothes, jeans and anything that may shrink in the dryer. However, avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, as this can fade the colors.
• Tumble dry : Useful for towels, sheets, and other durable fabrics, but be careful not to use it for delicate clothing, as it can cause shrinkage or weakening of the fibers.

8. Iron carefully

Ironing is another key step in maintaining your linen. However, it must be done with care to avoid damaging the clothes:

• Set the temperature : Each fabric requires a specific temperature. Follow the instructions on the label.
• Use a protective cloth : For delicate fabrics like silk or clothes with prints, place a clean cloth between the iron and the garment.
• Relax laundry before ironing : Shake clothes after washing to reduce creases and make ironing easier.

9. Store laundry properly

How you store your clothes plays a role in how well they last. Here are some tips:

• Fold or hang properly : Knit, wool or stretchy fabrics should be folded to prevent them from losing their shape. Shirts, dresses and other clothes that are prone to wrinkles should be hung on hangers.
• Air out your cupboards : Make sure your cupboards are not too full to allow for good air circulation. Use moisture-proof bags to prevent mould.
• Protect seasonal clothing : Store winter clothing in protective covers during warmer months to prevent dust and moths.

10. Repair damaged clothes

Rather than throwing away a slightly damaged garment, it is possible to repair it. Here are some simple tips:

• Sew on a button : With a little thread and a needle, it's easy to sew on a fallen button.
• Mending a hole : For small holes, use thread that matches the fabric and make a few tight stitches. You can also add a decorative patch.
• Revive a misshapen garment : Soak it in cold water and gently reshape the garment before letting it dry flat.

11. Limit excessive washing

Washing a garment too often can accelerate its wear. Some items, such as jeans or wool sweaters, do not need to be washed after each use. Simply air them out or use a refreshing spray between washes.

Conclusion

By following these simple and practical tips, you will extend the life of your clothes while taking care of the environment. Between sorting, choice of detergent, suitable temperatures and specific care, every action counts to preserve the quality and durability of your laundry.

Are you concerned about the environmental future? Discover simple actions to reduce your impact.

To build a sustainable wardrobe, start by purchasing high-quality clothing in a style that suits you, so you can keep them for longer.

Finally, educate yourself on textile fibers to make informed choices during your shopping trips!