How to Care for Your Sustainable Fabrics - Ecofriendly Cloth Washing
By Kapil Bhatia
Introduction Ever wondered why your favorite t-shirt goes downhill in just a blink of an eye? Or that expensive sustainable hoodie loses its own softness just after a few washes?
It’s not the fabric – it’s how we look after the fabric! Sustainable clothes are basically designed to last, but only if we treat them well. So how can you wash, dry and store them without destroying the eco magic?
Think of it this way: Your clothes definitely look after you, so why not return the favour to the clothes? Let’s get going into the smartest ways to keep our own sustainable fabrics fresh, in fabulous condition and long lasting – without harming the planet.
Wash Less, Wash Smart Frequent washing wears out fabric and wastes a lot of water. Sustainable clothes usually require fewer washes. Spot clean and air them out to keep them fresh. If a full wash is necessary then only consider washing similar fabrics together to reduce unnecessary wear and extend their lifespan.
Use Eco-Friendly Detergents Regular detergents may contain harsh chemicals that weaken fabrics strength and pollute water. Choose biodegradable, plant-based detergents without sulfates or synthetic additives. Harsh chemicals also affect sensitive skin, so using gentle alternatives is beneficial for both the wearer body and the planet.
Washing with Cold Water Hot water breaks down fabric fibers and consumes more energy. Cold water preserves fabric strength and reduces shrinkage. Additionally, cold water prevents fading of clothes and helps retain the original texture of delicate fabrics like bamboo and linen.
Choose Gentle Wash Cycles Sustainable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, and linen need gentle handling. Use a delicate wash cycle(less wash time) or handwash to prevent damage. A mesh laundry bag during machine wash can also help protect finer garments from snagging or stretching in the machine.
Skip Fabric Softeners and Bleach Softeners and bleach contain toxic chemicals that weaken fibers. Using white vinegar or baking soda to soften clothes and remove stains naturally can be a good alternative. Vinegar also eliminates odors and acts as a natural antibacterial agent, making it a safer alternative for maintaining freshness.
Air Dry Instead of Using a Dryer Tumble drying is harsh on fabrics and consumes energy. Air dry your clothes in the shade to preserve their quality and color. Drying clothes in direct sunlight can also lead to fading, so opt for an indoor drying racks or a shaded outdoor area to keep colors vibrant.
Steam Instead of Ironing High heat from irons weakens the fibers. Use a steamer to remove wrinkles or iron on a low setting. Steaming is gentler on all fabrics and also helps eliminate bacteria, reducing the need for frequent washes of the fabrics.
Store Clothes Properly Keep clothes in a dry, cool place. Avoid plastic covers that can easily trap the moisture. Use breathable garment bags for storage of clothes. Folding heavier garments instead of hanging them also prevents stretching of clothes, maintaining their original shape for longer.
Repair, Don’t Replace Extend garment life by fixing minor tears, stitching buttons, or reusing old clothes instead of throwing them away. Learning basic techniques helps reduce waste and encourages a more sustainable wardrobe. Brands like Unirec support responsible fashion by creating durable clothing that can easily withstand wear and tear.
Use Eco-Friendly Dry Cleaning Some fabrics require dry cleaning, but traditional methods of dry cleaning use harmful chemicals. Look for eco-friendly dry cleaners that now use non-toxic alternatives. Wet cleaning and liquid CO2 cleaning are safer methods that still provide thorough cleaning and also protect delicate fabrics.
Wrap-Up: Smart Care for Smarter Fashion Taking care of sustainable fabrics is simple. Wash less, use natural detergents, and air dry whenever possible. Proper maintenance extends the life of your fabrics, reducing the waste and saving money and the planet. Small changes in how you take care for your clothes make a big impact. Explore Unirec’s sustainable collection at the Unirec Store and make a difference with your fashion choices.
