The most recent Yes! Magazine gives some good tips on how to extend the life of your clothes:
- Wash spills or stains by hand when you can, rather than running the item through the washer. The less you wash your clothes, the longer they’ll last.
- Don’t overload the washer. Overloading can cause irreparable contortions in the fabric.
- Fasten all buttons before washing. This helps protect the buttons and also prevents other items from catching–and potentially pulling or ripping–on the buttons.
- Have a stuck zipper? Save your favorite jeans or jacket with a little olive oil or soap. Greasing the zipper with either will get it moving smoothly again.
- Turn clothes inside-out before washing. The side that rubs against other clothes and the sides of the washer will fade more quickly.
- Minimize time in the dryer. The high heat of the dryer puts a great deal of stress on clothes.
- Store clothes made from delicate material, especially nylon, in plastic bags so that they don’t catch on the inside of your dresser.
- Fix small holes and frays before they grow. If you’re not handy with a needle and thread and have a problem with a particularly expensive item of clothing, get an estimate on repairs from a professional tailor. Many small problems can be repaired for under $20.
- Get creative! Iron-on patches on the inside of holes can prevent a raggedy appearance, and interesting patches on the outside can create a whole new look.
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