Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, bsc

Your favorite clothes should last for years, but sometimes they seem to wear out way too quickly. If you’ve ever wondered why your favorite jeans fade, your sweaters pill, or your T-shirts lose their shape, you might be unknowingly sabotaging your wardrobe.

Here are 10 everyday habits that are ruining your clothes—and what you can do to make them last longer!

1. Overwashing Your Clothes

Washing clothes too frequently is one of the biggest culprits behind fabric breakdown. Every wash cycle weakens fibers, fades colors, and causes shrinkage.

Fix it: Spot-clean stains instead of tossing everything in the laundry. Wear items like jeans and jackets multiple times before washing, and always follow care labels.

2. Using Too Much Detergent

More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Excess detergent creates residue that attracts dirt and bacteria, causing fabrics to stiffen and break down.

Fix it: Use the recommended amount of detergent (or even less if you have soft water). Consider switching to a gentle, plant-based detergent.

3. Ignoring Fabric Care Labels

Different fabrics require different care. Washing delicate fabrics like silk or wool in hot water can ruin them, while tumble drying some items can lead to shrinkage.

Fix it: Always check the label before washing. If it says ‘hand wash only,’ don’t throw it in the machine. When in doubt, opt for the gentlest wash cycle.

4. Drying Clothes on High Heat

Heat damages fibers, causing them to shrink, fade, and weaken over time. It’s especially harsh on synthetic fabrics like spandex and polyester.

Fix it: Air-dry your clothes whenever possible. If you must use a dryer, opt for the lowest heat setting or use a drying rack.

5. Using Wire Hangers

Wire hangers stretch out the shoulders of your shirts, distort delicate fabrics, and cause unnecessary wear on your clothes.

Fix it: Invest in padded, velvet, or wooden hangers to maintain the shape of your garments.

6. Stuffing Your Closet

Overcrowding your closet leads to wrinkles, stretching, and fabric wear as clothes rub against each other.

Fix it: Give your clothes space to breathe. Declutter your wardrobe and store seasonal items elsewhere to prevent overcrowding.

7. Wearing the Same Shoes Every Day

Your shoes need a break! Wearing the same pair daily causes faster wear and tear, as well as odor buildup.

Fix it: Rotate between multiple pairs to allow each pair to recover. Use shoe trees to maintain their shape.

8. Not Treating Stains Immediately

Letting stains sit makes them harder to remove and increases the chances of permanent discoloration.

Fix it: Treat stains as soon as they happen. Blot (don’t rub) stains and use a gentle stain remover appropriate for the fabric type.

9. Wearing Perfume or Deodorant Before Dressing

Alcohol-based perfumes and chemical-laden deodorants can break down fabric fibers and cause discoloration over time.

Fix it: Apply perfume and deodorant at least 10 minutes before dressing to let them dry. Consider using fabric-friendly deodorants that don’t contain aluminum.

10. Improper Storage

Leaving clothes in damp areas, stuffing them into drawers, or folding fabrics that should be hung can cause mildew, wrinkles, and fabric stress.

Fix it: Store clothes in a cool, dry place. Fold knits to prevent stretching and hang structured items like blazers and dresses to maintain their shape.

Come to think of it..

Your wardrobe is an investment, and with a little care, you can make your clothes last for years. Avoid these common mistakes, follow proper fabric care, and enjoy a longer lifespan for your favorite pieces.

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