Don’t let laundry day be a disaster; here are some essential tips

How to preserve the integrity of your clothes

Mehreen Jan, founder of Isbandh, says “Finding the right frequency for laundering your clothes isn’t merely guesswork, it’s about striking a balance between personal hygiene and preserving the lifespan of your garments.”

She recommends taking the following steps to maintain the integrity of your clothes:

*Spot clean stains promptly to avoid frequent full washes, preserving fabric integrity. 

*Rotate clothing items to reduce wear and tear on specific pieces. 

*Use garment bags for delicate items when machine washing to protect them from abrasion. 

*Air dry clothes whenever possible to reduce energy consumption and extend fabric lifespan.

*Invest in high-quality detergent and follow care instructions meticulously to maintain garment quality.

By understanding the needs of different fabrics, you can ensure that your clothes stay clean and in good condition for longer.

Mehreen Jan, founder of Isbandh, warns against overloading the washing machine, as it can lead to ineffective cleaning and damage to fabrics. (Source: Freepik)

Washing tips for different types of clothes and fabrics

Cotton: Wash cotton garments in cold water with a mild detergent to prevent shrinking.

Silk: Hand wash silk clothes in cold water using a gentle detergent or dry clean to maintain its lustre.

Wool: Hand wash woollen clothes in cold water with a wool-specific detergent, and avoid wringing to prevent stretching.

Denim: Wash denims inside out in cold water to preserve colour, and air dry to prevent shrinking.

Polyester: You can machine wash polyester clothes in warm water with similar colours and tumble dry on low heat to avoid static.

Linen: Linens should be washed in cold or lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, and air dry to prevent wrinkles.

Velvet: Dry clean clothes made with velvet to maintain the texture and avoid crushing the pile.

Rayon: Hand wash rayon garments in cold water and air dry to prevent them from shrinking.

Common mistakes people make when washing their clothes

There are quite a few common mistakes that people make when washing clothes. Jan warns against overloading the washing machine, as it can lead to ineffective cleaning and damage to fabrics

“Do not use excessive detergent, which can leave residue on clothes and cause skin irritation and avoid washing clothes in hot water when not necessary, which can cause colours to fade and fabrics to shrink,” she suggests.