Garment Care Basics — Double Your Clothes' Lifespan
Know fabric-specific washing and even expensive pieces last
Garment care looks tedious but five minutes doubles your clothes' life. Just know the basics per fabric.
Cotton
The forgiving one. Machine wash OK, 30-40°C, hang dry. Dryers shrink it. Iron when slightly damp.
Wool
Dry clean is safest. If the label says "hand washable," use lukewarm water + wool-specific detergent + gentle motion. Never wring. Lay flat to dry.
Cashmere
More delicate than wool. Hand wash, lay flat. Don't hang for storage — fold with moth deterrent.
Silk
Dry clean recommended. If hand washing: cold water + neutral detergent + under 5 minutes. Direct sun fades it.
Denim
Don't over-wash. New jeans: first wash alone, inside out, cold water. A cup of vinegar helps lock color.
Synthetics (poly, nylon)
Easiest to care for, but static and pilling are the issues. Fabric softener helps. Buy a fabric shaver once and use it for life.
Storage
Never let mothballs touch fabric directly — use breathable bags. Hangers should preserve shoulder shape, not flatten it.
For black clothes, slip on a dark non-woven cover to keep dust off.
Styling Points
At purchase, check the label and note the wash method
Use fabric-specific detergent (wool/silk need their own)
Dryer only for some cottons, air dry the rest
End of season: store in breathable bags
Pros
- ✓ Doubles garment life
- ✓ Saves money in the long run
- ✓ Premium pieces become worth it
Cons
- ✗ Takes time
- ✗ Cost of detergent, hangers, etc.