Machine wash at a low heat (40 degrees max). Delicate wash garments inside-out, with similar colours. Use a mild detergent. Avoid using bleach. Use non-chlorine bleach if necessary. Do not use fabric softeners. Tumble dry on a low cycle. Hang-dry for longer life. Cool iron inside-out. Do not iron directly on the print. Do not dry clean.
By caring for your shirt you can extend its lives, and reduce each garments carbon footprint by around 20–30%. Here are a few simple tips to help you maximise the life of your garments —keeping both your favourite pieces, and the planet, in better shape.
Wash Less: Throwing your clothes in the washing basket is often more of a night-time ritual than anything else. Most of the time, a bit of time hanging outside in the sun is enough to freshen up most garments, as ultraviolet light from the sun has disinfectant properties that can help kill bacteria. Not only is this excellent for the environment, saving a whole lot of water and energy, washing your clothes less prolongs the lifetime of your garment as the heat and abrasion involved in laundering are reduced.
If you need to treat a stain, instead of throwing a whole garment in the wash, try spot-treating it instead. Remember, the faster you treat a stain, the more likely it is to be eliminated — so work fast! Spot treating is far kinder to the planet, your garment, and your wallet too. Plus, a more targeted clean stands a much better chance against that stain on your favourite tee.
