We all have our own ways of caring for the things we value most. Some of us are meticulous about keeping our cars spotless, while others put extra effort into maintaining a pristine home. But when it comes to clothing care, how often do we go beyond the basics? Whether it’s tossing everything in the same wash cycle or skipping professional cleaning for special garments, these small decisions can add up—and not in a good way.
That’s why this year is the perfect time to rethink how we care for our clothes. As you jot down those New Year’s resolutions—eat better, exercise more, maybe even take up a new hobby—don’t forget about one resolution that’s easy to stick to and has a lasting impact: better clothing care! With the right habits and professional help, there’s no way you won’t see the benefits.
Why Better Clothing Care Is a Key Part of Sustainable Living
Have you ever thought about how the little things we do every day add up to shape our environment? We often focus on big-picture changes like recycling more or cutting down on plastic, and while those are definitely important, there’s another sustainability step many of us overlook: caring for our clothes the right way.
When you invest time and effort into washing, drying, and storing your garments properly (or relying on a professional dry cleaner who uses eco-friendly practices), you don’t just keep your wardrobe in top shape. You also reduce waste, limit chemical pollution, and make a positive impact on the planet.
The Environmental Cost of Improper Clothing Care
Caring for clothes improperly has far-reaching consequences that impact sustainability efforts globally. Here’s how:
Premature Disposal of Clothes
Clothes that aren’t cared for properly—whether it’s overwashing, drying at high heat, or neglecting professional cleaning for delicate fabrics—often wear out faster. This results in perfectly good clothing being discarded prematurely, contributing to the 92 million tons of textile waste generated annually worldwide.
Energy and Water Waste
Traditional laundry practices, like using hot water unnecessarily or running half-empty loads, consume more energy and water than needed. These habits not only raise your utility bills but also deplete natural resources at a time when water conservation is critical.
Release of Microplastics
Synthetic fabrics like polyester and nylon shed tiny plastic fibers every time they’re washed. These microplastics end up in our waterways, harming marine life and even entering our food chain. The way we wash and care for these fabrics directly affects the level of pollution caused.
Increased Carbon Footprint
Frequently replacing worn-out clothing means more garments need to be produced, transported, and sold. The fashion industry already accounts for roughly 10% of global carbon emissions, and improper clothing care only fuels this cycle.
Why Dry Cleaning Plays a Role in Sustainability
For many of us, the idea of sustainability stops at home laundry, but professional dry cleaning offers unique benefits that complement your eco-friendly efforts. As a matter of fact, dry cleaning has come a long way, evolving into a more sustainable industry through innovation and conscious practices.
But how exactly?
- It Prolongs the Life of Clothes. One of the easiest ways to live sustainably is to make your clothes last longer. Dry cleaning is especially effective for delicate or high quality fabrics like silk, cashmere, and wool that can’t withstand the wear and tear of home laundry. By properly caring for these items, you reduce waste and ensure you don’t have to replace them as often.
- It Uses Less Water. Unlike traditional washing machines, dry cleaning doesn’t rely on large volumes of water. Instead, it uses specialized cleaning agents to remove stains and odors without soaking fabrics. This significantly reduces water usage, an essential step in conserving this vital resource.
- It Reduces Energy Consumption. Professional dry cleaning machines are designed to clean and dry garments efficiently. When compared to multiple wash and dry cycles at home—especially for bulkier items like coats or comforters—dry cleaning can actually use less energy overall.
- It Prevents Damage and Waste. Improper home washing techniques can shrink, fade, or ruin garments, leading to premature disposal. Dry cleaning experts know how to treat fabrics carefully, ensuring your clothes stay in great shape and out of the landfill.
Smart Practices for Effective Clothing Care
1 | Declutter and Organize Your Wardrobe
A well-organized wardrobe makes it easier to care for your clothes by preventing unnecessary wear and damage. It also helps you save time and ensures your garments are stored properly, hence preserving their quality and appearance.
- Start with a Full Closet Cleanout: Take everything out of your closet and drawers, then evaluate each item. If it doesn’t fit, you haven’t worn it in a year, or it’s beyond repair, let it go. Donate gently used items to charities or recycling programs.
- Sort and Categorize: Group clothes by type (e.g., tops, bottoms, dresses) or by occasion (e.g., workwear, casual, formal). This makes it easier to find what you need and reduces unnecessary wear.
- Invest in Storage Solutions: Use velvet or wooden hangers to prevent stretching, drawer dividers for small items, and clear bins for seasonal pieces.
- Rotate Seasonally: Store off-season clothing in breathable garment bags or bins to free up space and protect them from dust and pests.
2 | Learn to Read and Follow Care Labels
Care labels provide specific instructions to help you clean and maintain your clothes without causing damage. Understanding these labels ensures you wash, dry, and store garments in a way that protects their fabric and longevity.
- Decode the Symbols: Familiarize yourself with washing, drying, and ironing symbols. For example, a bucket with a hand means hand wash, and a crossed-out circle means do not tumble dry.
- Follow Fabric-specific Guidelines: Pay special attention to delicate materials like silk and wool, which often require extra care.
- When in Doubt, Play It Safe: If you’re unsure, opt for a gentle cold wash and air drying. It’s better to be cautious than to risk damaging your clothes.
- Create a Quick Reference: Keep a printed guide of common care label symbols in your laundry area for easy access.
3 | Commit to Regular Dry Cleaning for Specialty Items
Certain garments, such as suits, formalwear, linen dresses, leather jackets, and delicate fabrics, need professional care to retain their original look and texture. Dry cleaning removes tough stains and keeps specialty items in top condition, extending their life.
- Identify “Dry Clean Only” Pieces: This includes items like suits, formalwear, and delicate fabrics such as silk or velvet.
- Establish a Routine: For frequently worn items like blazers, schedule dry cleaning after every 3-5 wears. For formalwear, clean it after each event to prevent stains from setting.
- Choose a Trusted Dry Cleaner: Look for a professional service that specializes in delicate and high value garments. Bonus points if they use eco-friendly cleaning methods!
- Prep Your Clothes: Inspect for stains and inform the cleaner about them. Remove accessories or embellishments to prevent damage during cleaning.
4 | Set Up a Wash, Dry, Fold Laundry Routine
A consistent laundry routine prevents clothes from piling up and ensures they’re always fresh and ready to wear. By staying organized with washing, drying, and folding, you maintain your wardrobe’s quality while saving time and effort.
- Designate Laundry Days: Pick specific days each week to wash, dry, and fold to stay on top of your laundry pile.
- Sort Smartly: Separate clothes by color, fabric type, and level of soiling. For example, keep darks, lights, and delicates in separate piles.
- Use Proper Techniques: Turn clothes inside out to prevent fading, use mesh bags for delicates, and avoid overloading your washer and dryer.
- Streamline Folding: Fold clothes immediately after drying to prevent wrinkles. Store them neatly to maintain their shape.
- Teach the Family: If you share the load, make sure everyone knows the routine and follows it!
5 | Switch to Environmentally Friendly Cleaning Products
Environmentally friendly cleaning products reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and are gentle on your fabrics. They also minimize environmental impact by using biodegradable ingredients and sustainable packaging.
- Choose Plant-based Detergents: Look for options free of harsh chemicals like phosphates, chlorine, and synthetic fragrances.
- Use Natural Alternatives: Vinegar works as a natural fabric softener, and baking soda can help brighten whites.
- Avoid Overusing Products: Follow the recommended amount to prevent detergent buildup, which can weaken fibers over time.
- Look for Certifications: Look for labels like EPA Safer Choice or USDA Organic to ensure you buy truly eco-friendly products.
Kick Off the New Year with Smarter Clothing Care Habits—Better Care Starts at Clean’n’Press!
This year, make it a goal to ditch bad habits like overloading the washer, skipping care labels, or neglecting professional cleaning for delicate items. Instead, embrace smarter clothing care habits with Clean’n’Press.
We’ve served neighborhoods across Minneapolis, Minnesota, since 1987 with a mission to “Be the Best Value.” And we’ve made achieving your clothing care goals easier than ever with our free Laundry and Dry Cleaning Pickup and Delivery Service. No need to make a special trip—let us come to you, whether you need expert dry cleaning, wash and fold laundry, or care for your most delicate garments. We handle everything from shirts to formalwear, giving your clothes a fresh start for the new year.
Aside from dry cleaning services, we also handle wedding dress cleaning, comforter cleaning, leather cleaning, and more!
Schedule your free Pickup and Delivery Service today!
📧 Email: contactus@cleannpress.com
📍 Headquarters: (651) 240-3318