How to Make Your Clothes Last Longer: A Guide to Smarter Fabric Care
In a world where you want your clothes to last longer than the fashions, keeping your favourite pieces looking fresh for years can feel like a challenge. But with a few simple tweaks to your laundry routine, you can extend the life of your clothes, save money, and reduce waste—all while making more sustainable choices.
Here’s how to care for your wardrobe the right way.
1. Choose Gentle, Sustainable Laundry Detergents
Many mainstream detergents contain harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine bleach, and synthetic dyes, which weaken fabrics over time, dull colours, and irritate skin. Switching to eco-friendly fabric strips eliminates these issues while still delivering a powerful clean.
That’s why we’re thrilled to partner with The Lab Co., a brand leading the way in sustainable fabric care. Lab Co. uses plant-based, biodegradable ingredients that are tough on dirt but gentle on clothes, skin, and the planet. Their laundry strips are plastic-free, lightweight, and dissolve completely in water, cutting down on waste without compromising performance.
Orangade – The Power Colour That Says “I’m Here” 🍊
Why go green with your detergent?
✅ Protects fabrics – Gentle, plant-based formulas prevent fading and fabric breakdown.
✅ Better for your skin – No harsh chemicals means fewer irritants.
✅ Kinder to the planet – Biodegradable, phosphate-free formulas reduce water pollution.
✅ No residue – Say goodbye to artificial brighteners and buildup on your clothes.
Try it for yourself! We’re popping a The Lab Co. laundry strip into every MOO BOU order. Your next parcel won’t just look good—it’ll smell fresh too! Give it a go in your next wash and let us know what you think.
2. Wash Less, Refresh More
Overwashing is one of the quickest ways to wear out your clothes. Each cycle breaks down fibres, causing fading, shrinkage, and stretching. Instead of tossing everything into the machine after one wear, try fabric sprays to refresh garments between washes.
A good fabric mist:
✨ Neutralises odours instead of masking them
✨ Refreshes fabrics instantly with clean, non-toxic fragrance
✨ Reduces washing frequency, preserving fabric integrity
✨ Works on all materials – even delicates and outerwear
Refreshing your clothes between washes is a game-changer, especially for denim, knitwear, and structured pieces that don’t need frequent laundering.
3. Use the Right Wash for the Right Fabric
Not all clothes should be treated the same. Delicate fabrics like silk, wool, and cashmere need specialist detergents that clean gently without stripping natural oils or softening agents.
Fabric-specific detergents:
👗 Delicates wash – Ideal for lingerie, silk, and lightweight fabrics.
🧶 Cashmere & wool wash – Prevents shrinking and keeps knitwear soft.
🏋️♀️ Sportswear wash – Removes sweat and odours without damaging technical fibres.
Using a one-size-fits-all detergent may be convenient, but it won’t protect your more delicate or high-performance fabrics in the long run.
4. Air Dry to Preserve Fibres
Tumble drying may be convenient, but it’s also harsh on your clothes. High heat weakens fibres, causes shrinkage, and can lead to premature fading. Instead, opt for air drying whenever possible.
How to dry clothes properly:
🌬 Lay flat – Best for knits and delicate fabrics to maintain shape.
👗 Hang dry – Works well for shirts, dresses, and structured items.
🌞 Avoid direct sunlight – Prevents colours from fading over time.
By making air drying part of your laundry routine, you’ll notice a big difference in fabric longevity.
5. Store Your Clothes the Right Way
Storage plays a crucial role in maintaining garment quality. The right techniques help prevent stretching, fading, and pilling, so your clothes look fresh every time you wear them.
Smart storage solutions:
🛍 Use laundry bags – Prevents stretching and snagging for delicates and sportswear.
🧶 Invest in a cashmere comb – Removes pilling from wool and knitwear without damaging fibres.
🧳 Fold heavy knits – Hanging sweaters can cause stretching; folding maintains shape.
👗 Use breathable garment bags – Ideal for protecting special pieces like coats and dresses.
A Sustainable Wardrobe Starts with Better Care
Taking care of your clothes isn’t just about looking good—it’s about making more mindful choices for the planet. By choosing sustainable detergents, washing less, drying smart, and storing properly, you’ll keep your wardrobe in top condition while reducing your environmental impact.
Look out for our Lab Co. giveaway! We’re giving one lucky customer a year’s supply of Lab Co. laundry strips, so you can experience eco-friendly laundry care all year round. Stay tuned for details on how to enter!
Small changes in how you care for your clothes can lead to big results—both for your style and the planet.
