Clean water is one of our planet’s most precious resources. But every time a factory makes a new t-shirt or pair of jeans, it uses or pollutes some of that supply. One way to reduce the impact of the clothing industry on the world’s water is to commit to buying fewer new clothes.
When we’re trying to shop less, we need to do what we can to keep the clothes we already have looking good. Check out our tips for how to protect your clothes and keep them feeling fresh for longer.
Switch up your clothing care routine
The best way to take care of your clothes long-term is to make a few small changes to your routine. Wash your clothes less often. Pick a lower temperature. And air dry rather than using the tumble dryer.
Of course, even with these tips, your clothes will naturally start to fade over time. When that happens, here’s what you can do to give them a new lease of life.
Bring your colours back
If your favourite bright t-shirt has faded, run it through the washing machine with Ecozone Pure Oxygen Brightener Tablets. The product removes stains and grime to restore the original colour of the fabric without bleach or other harmful chemicals.
Restore your whites to white
Keeping whites white is always a challenge. But we’ve got some great options to keep them bright or restore their former glory. First, the Ecoegg for Whites and Lights tackles stubborn stains without harming the planet. Or try Ecover Laundry Bleach, a super affordable natural bleaching agent that gets great results without harsh chemicals. The all-in-one whitener, stain and odour remover Bio-D Laundry Bleach is perfect for that much-loved white t-shirt that’s seen better days.
Get rid of stains
Gone are the days when spilling something down your favourite top spelt the end. Our eco-friendly stain removers are so effective that you’ll be wearing it again before you know it. For a fragrance-free product that will keep the kids’ clothes looking brand new for longer, try Attitude Little Ones Laundry Stain Remover.
We know that washing our clothes less is the key to extending their life. One of the best ways to stretch out the time between washes is spot washing. Instead of throwing the whole garment in the laundry basket, you target any dirty bits directly. The Bio-D Laundry & Stain Remover Bar is designed for this purpose. Simply lather up the bar and rub the targeted area gently. Let it sit, then rinse and repeat until it’s good to go.
Press reset
We all have those sheets and towels at the back of the cupboard that aren’t good enough for guests. But instead of buying new, try stripping them. Stripping is when you remove buildup of detergents, minerals, dirt and bacteria, eliminating any smells and restoring the fabric’s original properties. Of course, many methods rely on the use of harsh chemicals to get the job done. But Dri Pak delivers a result that’s just as good using natural ingredients like soda crystals, bicarbonate of soda, white vinegar and borax substitute. Ecodoo’s Stain Remover and Bleaching Agent will also get your linens looking lovely once more.
Mend or upcycle
No matter how well we take care of our clothes, a burst knee in a pair of jeans or a tear in a favourite blouse is bound to happen. But there’s always something you can do. If the tear is along a seam, it’s straightforward to repair with a colour-matched thread. If the damage is hard to mend invisibly, why not make it into a feature? Search the hashtag #visiblemending on Instagram for inspiration.
If needle and thread really isn’t your vibe, visit a local tailor who will be able to repair your item for less than the cost of a new one.
With a little care, your clothes can last much longer, preventing water waste. And by using eco-friendly products, you’re also preventing water pollution.
>>Check out our range of eco-friendly laundry products
>>Find out about caring for clothes when you have sensitive skin