Garment Care
The sustainable fashion industry is growing and many brands are finding innovative ways to produce garments with a lighter footprint. However, we are far from truly becoming "sustainable" — where we stand today we are only making something harmful, less harmful. As long as new garments are being produced and we are conducting business there will be a footprint. The most sustainable piece of clothing is already in your wardrobe, so the best thing you can do is make it last as long as possible. Here are some tips on garment care.
Wear more, wash less
Most clothes are not worn out, they are washed out. Many of us may be a culprit to washing our clothes after each use, but this is more due to habit than hygiene. In most cases, there is no need to wash your clothes after each use and by doing so the fabric of your clothes will break down faster and start to look worn out. By washing less it slows down the fading of color and aging of your clothes in general.
Wash responsibly
When washing, follow the care label instructions labeled on your clothes. It may feel like a lot of work to review and remember these instructions for each piece of clothing, but different clothing and materials require different care. If these are not followed properly your clothes can be ruined. When in doubt wash at lower temperatures. This puts less stress on your clothing and the environment.
Skip the dryer
Skipping the dryer probably has the most impact. How often do you need washed clothes immediately? Most likely not often. Air drying is a significantly better option for our environment and to keep your clothes in good shape for longer. Make sure to dry your clothes immediately and don't let them sit in the washing machine. This will cause wrinkles and may eventually cause mold and mildew.
Steaming is a better alternative
When you need freshen up your clothes and remove wrinkles, we recommend steaming over ironing. It is much gentler on fabric fibers so your clothes will last longer, the steam reduces odors, bacteria, and dust, and deepens the color and fabric vibrance. The Cirrus No.2 Steamer from Steamery is one of the best steamers on the market. This can also be used on bed linens, curtains, and fabrics of all sorts.
Use fabric shavers to save your older clothes
Old clothing can start to show signs of pilling and lint. When this happens you may think its time to move on and look for something new. Fabric shavers can save these clothes by removing the lint and pilling. It will smoothen out the surface of your clothes and make them look good as new. The Pilo Fabric Shaver from Steamery is top class — compact yet extremely powerful. This can also be used to freshen up couches, blankets, cushions, etc.
Reduce microplastic pollution
Microplastics are tiny pieces of plastic that are entering our waterways at a staggering rate. This harms both aquatic and land ecosystems and can enter our bodies through food and waster. There is not one primary source, but clothing play a bit role in microplastic pollution. Clothing made from synthetic materials, such as polyester, nylon, and elastane, shed microfibers when washed and enter our water supply and eventually into ecosystems. To reduce microplastic pollution you can use the Guppyfriend Washing Bag when washing clothing made from synthetic materials. The washing bag will catch the microfibers that are shed from the wash and reduce the number of microfibers entering the waterways.
