5 Ways to Extend the Life Cycle of Your Clothes
Making your clothes last as long as possible is an important part of living a sustainable lifestyle! It’s also a great way to save time and money. If you’re looking for ways to keep your favorite clothes looking good as new, we have some tips!
Here are five ways to extend the life cycle of your clothes:
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Wash with care
Clothing can be damaged when it’s not washed properly. Always try to follow the instructions on the labels of your garments. When in doubt, wash your clothes in cold water with a mild detergent. Bleach should only be used in special circumstances! If you have delicate fabrics, like lace or wool, you may be better off washing them by hand to prevent damage from the washing machine.
Ditch the dryer
We’ve all been there: your favorite sweater somehow ends up in the dryer, where it ends up three sizes smaller than it should be! To avoid heat damage from the dryer, always hang up delicate or shrinkable fabrics or lay them flat to dry. Your clothes will last a lot longer, and you’ll save on energy bills by cutting back on dryer cycles.
Use quality hangers
Make sure you’re using the right hangers for your clothes. Wood hangers are best for heavy jackets, like suit coats. Use padded hangers with rounded corners for dresses and sweaters. Plastic hangers will work for other types of clothing, like t-shirts! Try to leave room between your clothing items in the closet, so they maintain their shape and don’t get wrinkly.
Store clothing properly
When it’s time to store seasonal clothing, be sure you’re cleaning your clothes before you pack them away. Use a plastic or cardboard storage container to keep your clothes out of direct sunlight and away from moisture and insects. Another smart storage option is an empty suitcase! Fold your clothes carefully, using acid-free tissue paper to protect delicate items. You can also place a few dryer sheets in the container to keep your clothes smelling fresh.
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Donate your clothes
Another great way to extend the life cycle of your clothing is to donate gently-used items to Goodwill. You may not need those items anymore, but someone else is sure to appreciate them! All you need to do is gather up your donations and take them to your nearest Ohio Valley Goodwill donation center.
Your donations will be resold in our retail stores, where they’ll generate funds that support life-changing job skills training and employment services for individuals with disabilities and veterans. Donating to Goodwill is a smart way to help the planet and your community!
Goodwill’s Cycle of Success
Ready to donate to Goodwill and make a difference? Find a Goodwill donation center and take your donations to Goodwill today. Thank you for your donation support!
