Caring for your clothes
With the colder weather, it’s a good chance to re-evaluate your wardrobe! Maybe it’s time to do a wardrobe clean-out and join us at a Rummage with those items to sell? Or perhaps you are on the lookout for a turtleneck or jacket at your local clothing exchange, to keep you warm during winter? Wherever you're at, we have compiled some tips for caring and extending the life of your clothes to keep your wardrobe feeling fresh.
How to care for…
DENIM
Did you know jeans can go up to a month without washing?
Jeans can be spot cleaned in between washes
Take a cloth and some castile soap to freshen things up your denim!
You can use a fabric spray to spritz any unwanted odors and then hang your denim in an airy place to give them a chance to breathe. Or make your own spritz with filtered water and essential oils like tea tree, cedar or eucalyptus.
When you do wash your denim be sure to empty all the pockets, unzip and use an environmentally conscious laundry detergent
You can also steam your denim clothes to have them looking great again.
STAINS
Google the type of stain you are dealing with and find some simple/eco solutions to get you started!
There’s plenty of chemical free ways to remove pesky marks! Try something gentle like castile soap or tackle stains with white vinegar and bicarb soda.
Invest in a natural laundry product from Kin Kin, Planet Ark, Earth Choice or check out Biome’s website for great zero waste and eco stain removers.
It takes a bit of time to experiment and find what works but it’s great knowing the products you use have a lighter impact on the water system and can be just as effective as commercial brands.
KNITWEAR, DELICATES & UNDERWEAR
Delicates can include knitwear, vintage items, underwear and bras and special items that are made of things like lace, sequins, crochet.
It's important to hand wash your delicates to preserve their longevity.
To wash your delicates, fill a sink or bath a quarter of the way and add your laundry liquid and swish.
Place your delicate items in and give them a good old fashioned scrub.
Ring out well and hang your delicates out to dry (preferably inside so they aren't damaged in the elements.)
STORAGE AND WARDROBE ROTATION
Rotating your wardrobe with the seasons has is the perfect way to keep your outfits fresh!
Pack Summer clothes away during the cooler months and take stock of what you have for Winter and vice versa.
Once you know what items you DO have, you can plan how to wear them and work out if there are any items that you need. Head to your local Rummage, clothing exchange or thrift store to find sustainable fits for this coming winter.
Condense your wardrobe by mixing and matching the outfits you have to create different looks.
Get a clear idea of your personal style by making a Pinterest board or Instagram Saved album of outfits that you like.
Invest in storage boxes to place clothes as the seasons change so they are protected from moths and other critters when they are not being worn.
Try using essential oils, wooden cedar blocks and environmentally conscious draw liners to protect your clothes and keep things feeling fresh.
We hope you learnt something new and are excited to care for your clothes!