How do you care for your clothes to make them last longer?

The importance of good garment care

Clothes are a part of our daily lives, but their care is often neglected. However, washing, ironing, dry cleaning and storage are all key to maintaining the quality of our clothes.

The first benefit of regular care is that it prevents premature wear and tear. Clothing that is not cleaned regularly can be damaged by stains, odors and bacteria. Regular cleaning can help extend their life.

In addition, regular maintenance can also help you save money in the long run. Clothes that are regularly cared for are less likely to need costly repairs or premature replacement.

Garment care methods

Machine washing: our tips for preventing wear and tear on textile fibers

Machine washing is a common method of care. However, it is important to follow these tips to avoid premature wear and tear:

• Use an appropriate wash temperature according to the care label instructions. High temperatures can damage fibers.
• Use the appropriate type of detergent according to the color and the type of fabric.
• Avoid overloading the washing machine to allow for optimal cleaning and avoid excessive friction.
• Use an additional rinse cycle to completely remove the detergent.
• Avoid using a dryer as it can also damage the fibers. If you must use a dryer, use a low or medium heat setting and remove clothes as soon as they are dry.

Ironing: our tips for ironing your clothes without damaging them

Ironing is an essential step in maintaining the appearance of your shirts, dresses and other wardrobe items. However, it can also damage fibers if you don't follow these tips:

• Use an appropriate ironing temperature according to the instructions on the care label. High temperatures can burn the fibers, while temperatures that are too low may not be sufficient to remove wrinkles.
• Use a steam iron to avoid burning the fibers and to make ironing easier.
• Use a clean ironing board to avoid transferring stains or dirt to the garment.
• Avoid ironing directly on buttons, zippers and decorations to avoid damaging them.
• If you are unsure of the proper temperature for ironing a particular garment, use a cotton cloth to test the temperature before you begin.

Dry cleaning: when and how to choose a professional dry cleaner?

Dry cleaning is a common care method for delicate pieces or pieces made from materials that cannot be machine washed. However, it is important to know when dry cleaning is necessary and how to choose a trusted professional dry cleaner.

Dry cleaning is usually necessary for silk, wool, cashmere and suede pieces. If a garment has stubborn stains or persistent odors that cannot be removed by machine washing or ironing, dry cleaning may also be necessary.

When choosing a professional cleaner, be sure to look for reviews online and ask your friends and family for recommendations. Also, make sure the professional cleaner uses environmentally friendly methods and does not use chemicals that are harmful to your health.

Storage: our tips for storing your clothes properly every day

Storage is also an important step in regular care. The following tips will help you store your clothes properly to avoid stains, wrinkles and other damage:

• Clean your pieces before storing them to prevent stains from becoming permanent.
• Hang them using suitable hangers to avoid wrinkles and distortion.
• Avoid hanging fragile pieces such as silk or satin, as they can stretch and lose their shape. Use storage covers to protect them from dust and insects.
• Avoid storing them in areas exposed to direct sunlight as this may cause discoloration of the fabric.
• Make sure the storage area is properly ventilated to prevent mold and unpleasant odors.

Materials to care for

In addition to the various maintenance methods, it is important to know how to care for specific materials to avoid damage and extend the life of your favorite pieces.

Cotton: how to care for it to avoid shrinkage and stains?

Cotton is one of the most commonly used materials because of its durability and comfort. However, cotton can shrink and stain easily if clothes are not cared for properly. Here are some care tips:

• Wash cotton in cold or warm water to avoid shrinkage. Avoid using water that is too hot, which can damage the cotton fibers.
• Use a mild detergent to avoid discoloration: detergents containing bleach or bleaching agents can easily discolor.
• Dry at low temperature to avoid shrinkage. Avoid drying at high temperatures as this can damage the fibers.
• Iron at medium temperature. High temperatures may burn the cotton fibers.

To find out more about maintenance methods, consult our specialized guide.

Wool: how to care for it to avoid lint and stains?

Wool is a delicate material that requires special care to avoid lint and stains. Here are some tips on how to care for it:

• Wash your wool pieces by hand or machine using a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid using hot water, which can shrink them.
• Use a mild detergent for washing while avoiding detergents containing bleach or fabric softeners, which can damage the fibers.
• Dry flat to avoid lint. However, avoid hanging up a woolen garment to avoid distorting it.
• Iron on low heat using a protective cloth to avoid burning the fibers.

To find out more about maintenance methods, consult our specialized guide.

Silk: how to care for it to avoid stains and wrinkles?

Silk is a delicate and luxurious material that requires careful maintenance to avoid stains and wrinkles. Here are some tips on how to care for your silk pieces:

• Hand or machine wash using a gentle cycle and cold water. Avoid using hot water, which can damage the fibers.
• Use a mild detergent while avoiding detergents containing bleach or fabric softeners, which can also damage the fibers.
• Avoid wringing or spinning the silk garment to dry. Instead, wrap it in a towel to absorb excess water, then lay it flat to air dry.
• Iron on low heat using a protective cloth to avoid burning the fibers.

To find out more about maintenance methods, consult our specialized guide.

Other materials: how to care for leather, linen or lace?

Each material requires specific care to prolong its life. Here are a few tips on how to care for the other most common materials:

• Leather: for both garments and bags, use a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust. Do not use harsh chemicals or solvents that could damage the material. Prefer a specialized conditioning product for leather to keep it supple and prevent it from drying out or cracking.
• Linen: Machine wash linen pieces in warm or cold water using a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach or bleaching agents, which can cause fading. Air dry or dry at low temperature to avoid shrinkage.
• Lace: Hand wash lace using warm water and a mild detergent. Avoid rubbing or wringing the lace as this can damage it. Lay flat to air dry.