Garment Care
Think twice before washing your clothes. Washing garments too often can actually cause damage to the fibers and decrease their lifespan. This is especially true with dry cleaning, which uses harmful chemicals that flatten the natural fiber follicles in some fabrics.
If an item isn’t dirty but just needs freshening up, rather than tossing it in the wash bin, try hanging it outside or in a steamy bathroom to let it breathe first.
Wash at Low Temperatures
When the time does come to do a clothes wash, wash at lower temperatures. Washing at 30° or less helps reduce emissions and protects your clothes. Use gentle and natural laundry detergents to keep the fabric clean and soft, and to prevent color fading.
Exceptions might be items in close contact with your skin, such as underwear, bedding, and towels, which may need a higher temperature wash.
Use Eco-Laundry Powders and Detergents
Standard detergents can contain fossil fuel-based substances that harm the environment. Use specialist laundry products made from biodegradable, plant-derived ingredients. Brands like Ecover, Method, and Clothes Doctor offer eco-friendly options.
Wash Inside Out
Wash clothes inside out when machine washing, and avoid overfilling the machine, as this can cause friction and damage the fibers.
Air Dry
Air drying is better for your clothes and the planet compared to tumble drying, which uses a lot of energy and can damage certain fibers. Shake out your clothes and hang them to dry on a washing line, drying rack, or hangers. For garments like woolen jumpers, dry them flat as per the care label instructions.
Store Properly
Correct storage can prolong the lifespan of a garment. Store clothes in a cool, dry space away from sunlight and heat. Make sure clothes are clean before storage to avoid attracting moths. Use lavender or mothballs for extra protection and avoid overfilling your wardrobe to give clothes breathing space.
When hanging clothes, use wooden or padded hangers to protect garments from becoming misshapen.
Satin Fabric Care and Repairs
Snags and pulls in satin can be repaired by pulling the fabric taut or using a needle and thread to gently fix the snag. Steam the fabric to help it hang correctly.
Pilling
Pills form when short or broken fibers become tangled into tiny knots due to abrasion. They are common on areas that experience the most friction, like underarms or between thighs. To reduce pilling, wash clothes carefully and avoid mixing different types of fibers in a single wash load.
General Care for Natural Fibers
For detailed instructions on caring for natural fiber garments, read more here.
Care for Garments Bought at Maia
Always check the care label on your garments. If you’re unsure how to care for them, email or call the Maia store for assistance.
Email: info@maia.lk