How to Protect Your Clothes in the Wash: Tips to Avoid Damage
Washing your clothes may seem straightforward, but improper care during the process can lead to unexpected damage, from tears to shrinking or holes. At Camixa, we care about extending the life of your garments, so we’ve compiled some expert advice to help you avoid these pitfalls.
1. Select the Right Washing Program
Always choose a program that matches the fabric type. Delicate materials like linen and silk require gentle cycles, temperatures below 40°C, and a spin speed under 800 rpm.
- High Temperatures can shrink or or damage fabrics. Check the care labels and avoid settings over 40°C unless specified.
- High Spin Speeds (above 1200 rpm) can stress fibres, leading to wear and damage.
2. Protect Your Clothes From Hardware Damage
Zippers, buttons, and rivets on other clothing items can cause holes or tears during the wash.
- Separate garments with hardware from delicate items.
- Use a laundry bag for added protection.
Tip: This applies to items with delicate embellishments as well.
3. Lower the Spin Speed
High spin speeds (1200–1600 rpm) can stretch or damage fibres. Use lower speeds, especially for lighter or delicate items.
4. Use Mild Detergents
Harsh detergents and overdosing can degrade fibres over time. Opt for mild, fabric-specific detergents. Avoid overdosing detergent—it can leave residues that harm clothes. Use fabric softeners sparingly, as they can sometimes leave stains.
5. Sort and Separate Your Laundry and
Washing heavy items like jeans with lightweight fabrics can lead to tears or holes. Separate by colour, fabric, and delicacy for best results.
6. Protect Delicate Items
Place delicates in mesh laundry bags to shield them from friction and hardware like zippers and buttons on other garments (or bag the "hardwared" clothes).
7. Close Zippers and Fasten Buttons
Open zippers and loose buttons can snag and tear clothes. Always close and secure these before washing.
8. Don’t Overload the Machine
An overloaded washing machine prevents proper cleaning and can lead to friction between clothes, causing damage. Follow your machine’s recommended load capacity.
9. Keep Your Washing Machine in Top Condition
A well-maintained washing machine is less likely to cause issues like tears or rough spins.
- Clean the drum and seals regularly.
- Inspect the drum for damage, such as small dents or sharp edges. Use a nylon stocking or old t-shirt to feel for snags.
- Ensure the washer is level to reduce vibrations.
10. Hand Wash When in Doubt
When handling particularly delicate items or heavily embellished garments, hand washing is the safest option. If using the machine, choose the gentlest cycle with cold water.
Other reasons why you could have damages and holes in your clothes
Insect damage:
Store your clothes (linen jerseys, merino tops or other delicate items) properly, preferably in airtight containers or drawers, and consider using moth repellent measures.
How to protect your clothes from insect damage.
Careful Washing:
Wash linen jerseys or merino tops in cold water, avoid harsh detergents and bleach, and dry them on a low heat setting or hang them to dry.
At Camixa, we strive to equip our customers with knowledge to care for their clothes better. Follow these steps to protect your garments and extend their life. Stay tuned for more garment care tips on our blog!
Do you have any questions or garment care tips to share? Let us know by writing in our webchat —we’d love to hear from you!