These Simple Changes to Your Laundry Routine Will Protect Your Clothes—and Help Them Last Longer

Reading Garment Care Labels Before Laundering

Here’s the good news: the best way to wash any item of clothing isn’t a mystery. Laundry Sauce Co-Founder and COO Robert Cardiff tells me, “Always read garment care labels for specific instructions on washing and drying.”

By following those instructions, your clothing will last longer and stay newer-looking. 

Not Washing Clothing Every Time You Wear It

Of course, you want to feel fresh and clean every time you get dressed, but if you wear a t-shirt for a quick trip to the mailbox and the end of your driveway, you probably don’t need to put it in the washer and dryer immediately. This not only wastes water, detergent, and electricity, but it also shortens the lifespan of garments. 

“Clothes tend to wear out faster when they’re washed too often,” says Lindsay Zollman, laundry expert and Senior Consumer Analyst at Hisense.

While you should definitely clean anything with odors or stains, if something was only worn briefly and you didn’t sweat in it, you can likely wear it again.

Limiting Laundry Load Size

We all get busy, and many of us assume large loads are the most efficient way to do laundry. But overloading the washer can wreak havoc on your clothes. “A common mistake is overloading the washer. Clothes need space to move, and if they’re crammed in too tightly, they’ll wear down faster and won’t rinse properly,” warns Zollman.

Sorting By Fabric

While you probably already sort by color, go next level sorting by fabric type and weight. “Sorting by fabric type and weight prevents damage from heavier items,” notes Cardiff.

Develop Laundry Microhabits

Throwing your laundry into the machine as-is can speed up wear and tear. Zollman suggests turning clothes inside out to protect colors and prints, especially for darker fabrics or pieces with designs that tend to fade or crack.

It’s also important to be mindful of small details. “Little habits make a big difference: buttoning zippers and fastening hooks,” she reveals.

If you already feel overwhelmed every time you do laundry, consider doing these things before you toss your clothes in the hamper.  

Choosing The Right Detergent

Unless you have a physically demanding job where your clothing becomes heavily soiled (or you have young children who get everything shockingly dirty), you probably don’t need a harsh detergent. According to Zollman, these detergents can actually damage fabric over time. “The detergent you choose matters—harsh ingredients, brighteners, and strong fragrances can break down fabric over time.”

She recommends using a mild, plant-based, or pH-balanced detergent, especially for high-quality or delicate items.

Measuring Your Laundry Products Correctly

Yes, you can use too much detergent. Zollman tells me, “It can leave residue that dulls clothes and attracts more dirt—and the same goes for fabric softeners, scent boosters, and even dryer sheets.”

If you often use too much detergent because you accidentally overfill the cap due to a heavy bottle, try switching to a pod for more consistent dosing.

Choosing The Best Cycle For Every Load

While you might choose the normal cycle by default, this often isn’t the best choice, explains Cardiff. “To make clothes last longer, the best cycles are typically delicate or gentle cycles with cold water. These settings use less agitation and lower spin speeds, which minimizes stress on fabric fibers.”

If your clothing gets especially dirty, you sweat a lot, or accidentally drops your chicken masala on your pants at dinner last night, Zollman recommends using the permanent press cycle. “For everyday clothes, permanent press is a great in-between option that’s effective without being rough.”

Washing In Cold Water

Don’t boil your clothing! “Cold water helps prevent shrinking, fading, and damage to elastic or delicate embellishments, preserving the integrity and appearance of your garments over time,” explains Cardiff.

Air Drying

“Air drying is one of the gentlest ways to extend the life of your clothes,” says Zollman. “It’s especially important for synthetics, anything with stretch, or items labeled ‘lay flat to dry.’”

If you don’t have space to air dry everything, consider using your dryer’s air-dry setting—or use the low heat setting if that’s not available.