COVID-19 has changed so many aspects of this crazy thing called life, With Brits attempting to pivot to ‘the new normal’ whilst also trying to figure out exactly what that is, it’s fair to say that many are in a muddle.
Prior to lockdown, the average Brit was splashing out close to £1,000 annually to keep up with the latest fashion trends. However, in the wake of the pandemic, reports suggest that people have reduced spending habits when it comes to anything frivolous, fashion included, by adopting a thiftier approach. As such, our Instagram feeds have been awash with banana bread, DIY projects and a ‘make do and mend’ attitude to our wardrobes.
No matter how many trends come and go, we’ve all got those treasured items in our wardrobes that we can’t do without but that over time have ended up looking a bit dull, whether it’s a pair of jeans that fit just right, a flattering t-shirt, an item with huge sentimental value or an occasion dress that has never not risen to it. Rather than saying goodbye, and with the help of Vapona, here are 7 simple tips to make your clothes last longer.
DARE TO MIX
Even the most diligent dirty laundry doer has encountered the dreaded colour run, making a whole wash load of clothes unwearable. But by using a product like Colour Catcher, you can prevent colour run accidents by trapping any loose dyes released during washing, ensuring the longevity of your wardrobe in the process.
When using these handy laundry sheets you have the freedom to wash colours, patterns, and whites together, keeping your clothes brighter for longer and making the dreaded red sock in a pile of white laundry a thing of the past.
LESS CAN BE MORE
Although Colour Catcher allows you to mix your laundry load, it’s also important to keep in mind the amount of clothing you’re putting into the drum. While loading the washing, try to adopt the ethos of less is more as too many clothes mean less movement, which equals more friction on clothing and less cleaning. Yep, less equals more equals less equals more equals less here. You got that?
To ensure your load gets a thorough clean, fill the drum to ¾ full so there’s enough movement.
ROOM TO BREATHE
If you’re really not a big fan of loading the washing machine, why not extend the time between washes? You’ll be amazed at how long you can prolong a garments’ life by not washing it so frequently and simply airing it out.
Fun fact: Fabric can hold odours, but these often fade within 24 hours if left to air out, meaning you might not always need to wash clothes you’ve deemed in need of one, after all.
GET CREATIVE
To give your favourites a new lease of life if the colour has started to fade, try DYLON Dyes easy to use Machine Dyes. Available in a variety of bright and colourful shades, the dyes are perfect for revamping or upcycling garments that may look a bit glum.
Get even more creative by attempting the perennially popular tie dying method seen recently being worn by Kendall Jenner and Victoria Beckham, amongst others. It requires a couple of DYLON Hand Dyes, some household salt and large rubber bands, and can be done at home in as little as two hours.
Check out these tips from Cosmopolitan on how to tie dye your clothes for more information on, well, doing just that.
CLEAN YOUR CLEANER
Did you know that limescale deposits can build up in the fibres of your clothes, making them feel rougher? For a quick and effective way to remove limescale deposits from your washing machine, use Oust Dishwasher and Washing Machine Descaler. Simply add the contents of one sachet to the drum and run a 60C cycle without pre-wash.
DITCH THE HANGERS
Yes, hanging clothes is definitely less time consuming than folding them, but for certain items folding is the far better option in terms of ensuring their longevity. To preserve the shape of jumpers or any stretchy garments it’s best to fold rather than hang as overtime they might begin to sag. To spark a bit of joy, check out decluttering guru Marie Kondo’s KonMari method for doing so; a revelation for many, including us.
KEEP THE MOTHS AWAY
Late Spring and early Summer represent the peak season for moths and if left untreated an infestation can lead to hundreds of pounds worth of damage to your belongings. Zen’sect by Vapona is an effective moth proofer for your wardrobe, with soft scents of lavender these tiny bags provide long lasting protection and eliminate clothing damage caused by moths, larvae and eggs.
If you fancy trying a DIY remedy, try filling a few fabric bags with dried lavender and placing them in drawers and wardrobes through the home. Not only will these methods help prevent infestations but they will also help keep your clothes smelling lovely and fresh.