Foolproof Tips to Make Your Clothes Last Longer | EQVVS Guide

Having a wardrobe filled with some of the very best designer garments is what the fashion conscious among us aspire towards, but what many of us don’t always consider is how to keep them looking pristine as time goes on. In particular, for those pieces that don’t always get worn on a regular basis, there’s often the worry of your favourite garments falling victim to the perils of moths, damp and mould. On the other hand, there’s the pieces that you wear regularly - how can you prevent fading, snags and overall laundry disasters? There’s certainly a lot to be aware of when it comes to preserving our favourite garments, and believe it or not, many of the ways you can do so are actually pretty simple. That’s why today, we’ve put together our handy guide to help you make your clothes last longer - read on to find out more.

Quick Laundry Tips:

Wash clothes inside out, and fasten buttons/close zippers before washing. This will prevent fading and snagging (and potentially ripping) other clothes in the machine.

Don't over-do the dry cleaning. Harsh chemicals during the dry clean process can erode fabric over time. Invest in a suit brush to dust off your suits and dress shirts in between wears.

Use cedar wood hangers for shirts and jackets. Cedar repels moths and a thicker hanger keeps clothes from stretching over time.

Fold knitwear instead of hanging it up. Hanging it will stretch out the material, so hang dress shirts and t-shirts instead.

Use less detergent. Use 1/2 the recommended amount of liquid detergent and fill the remaining 1/2 with baking soda. This will protect your clothing and is better for the environment.

Dedicated to taking care of your wardrobe? Keep reading for more in depth tips.

Mould

If you’re noticing a musty smell to your clothes, it may be that there’s a problem with mould in your wardrobe. Particularly in older properties or rooms that don’t have much ventilation, it can spread quickly and can be a nightmare to get rid of. Mould thrives in dark spaces, so wardrobes and closets can be a hotbed for the stuff. Reasons behind it can include leaks behind adjacent walls, humidity, or mould from the attic making its way through walls and ceilings. So what can you do?

Again, packing your clothes too tightly is a big one, but simple things like making sure your clothes are completely dry before you store them will make a big difference. If you have built-in wardrobes or closets, try not to store things on the floor, as this risks things getting mouldy if you were to have a plumbing leak. If you’ve had issues with mould developing before, it’s always worth putting in a few dehumidifiers or damp traps in your wardrobe too - just be sure to change them regularly!

Moth Infestations

Moths are one of those insects we all take an instant dislike towards, but having them wreak havoc on our favourite pieces in our wardrobes is a whole different story. Whether it’s a problem you’ve experienced in the past or you simply want to prevent it from happening in the future, there are a number of ways for you to deal with a potential moth infestation.

As with most things, it’s all about prevention when it comes to moths. Invest in some good quality moth sachets for wardrobes and drawers which are usually enough to do the job, but if you’ve experienced a moth infestation before, you may want to go a step further with moth traps. Admittedly, they’re not the most aesthetically pleasing, but let’s face it, neither are holes in your favourite jacket! Another simple way to deter moths from your beloved garments is by ensuring your wardrobe isn’t packed too tightly. Believe it or not, clothes like to breathe! Additionally, moths will also be drawn to oils from human skin, so having your everyday pieces tightly packed in with the “just for best” pieces is going to put them more at risk. For the pieces that you save for special occasions, invest in a good quality, breathable garment bag for extra protection.

It’s also important to take extra care with certain materials too. It goes without saying that cashmere should be given the VIP treatment - moths love dark, warm environments, so cashmere garments should be stored in a clean, well ventilated wardrobe or drawers. For an extra piece of mind, a moth sachet can also be a good idea. Natural fibres are also something that moths are easily drawn to, with wool being the most high risk, so again, ensure that you store them in a wardrobe that’s well ventilated, clean and dry.

Of course, if you have a severe problem with moths, it’s definitely worth looking into getting some experts in to deal with the problem. Infestations can be really difficult to get rid of, so if there’s a major problem, it’s always best calling in a professional pest-control company.

Remember, high quality clothing deserves high quality treatment - taking a few simple steps to prevent mould and moths, as well as a little extra care over how you wash your favourite pieces will make a huge difference in the lifespan of your garments. So, whether it’s an everyday staple or a luxury piece that only makes an appearance once a year, treat it with respect and care and you’ll ensure it stays in pristine condition for much longer!

Written by Amy Jackson - 18th July 2020