10 Easy Ways to Make Your Clothes Last Longer

As a wife and mom, I’ve become a pro at stretching our family budget, especially when it comes to clothing. With prices sky-high, it’s crucial to make each piece in our wardrobe last as long as possible.

From treating stains to avoiding the wear and tear that comes with regular washing, I’ve picked up plenty of tricks to keep our clothes looking new.

Here are 10 of my tried-and-true hacks that have helped us save money and reduce waste, ensuring our favorite outfits withstand the test of time and plenty of toddler messes.

Carry Stain Remover On the Go

As someone who’s always balancing family life with a bit of style, I’ve learned the hard way that stains wait for no one. Keeping a stain remover handy in your purse is a game-changer. Whether it’s a splash of coffee or a dribble of ketchup at a picnic, being able to tackle stains immediately means they don’t have a chance to set.

My go-to has been the Tide pen for everyday messes, but for those tougher challenges, like oil or a rogue pen mark, I swear by the Janie Stick and Amodex. They’re both lifesavers that keep my favorite outfits looking spotless and ready for another wear.

Swipe Away Deodorant Marks

Nothing ruins a good outfit like those pesky deodorant streaks, and over time, they can even cause damage to the fabric. That’s why I’ve started keeping a deodorant remover pad in my bag. The Gal Pal remover has been a revelation—it’s quick and easy, and it helps me avoid those embarrassing white marks or yellow stains. Just a quick swipe and my clothes are as good as new.

It’s one of those small tools that make a big difference in keeping my clothes looking fresh, especially when I’m running from one event to the next.

Air-Dry

As much as I love the quick fix of a dryer, letting clothes air dry is my little secret for making them last. It might take a bit longer, but laying clothes flat or hanging them up to dry keeps them looking newer for longer.

No more shrinkage or faded colors, and those cozy sweaters won’t pill as quickly. It’s a small step that cuts down on energy use and keeps those bills in check—something we can all appreciate.

Hand Wash Your Delicates

With two little ones running around, I know how precious time is, but some things are worth the extra effort. Hand washing delicate items like lingerie and swimwear is one of them. It’s gentle on the fabrics and keeps everything from stretching out or losing its shape.

Choose Quality Over Quantity

Stepping away from fast fashion isn’t just a budget choice—it’s about cherishing the clothes we wear. Those trendy pieces from fast fashion outlets may catch the eye with their low prices and up-to-the-minute styles, but they tend to give up the ghost way too soon.

By choosing better-made clothing, you’re not only investing in pieces that withstand the test of time but also supporting practices that are less harmful to the planet. It’s about paying a bit more now to avoid the cost of constant replacements later.

Sort Wisely on Laundry Day

Sorting isn’t just for colors—it’s also about protecting your clothes from each other. Imagine tossing a delicate blouse in with a batch of heavy-duty jeans. It’s like putting it in a boxing ring! To keep your clothes from getting beat up in the wash, group them by weight and fabric type.

This way, your light and airy pieces won’t get bullied by the heavy hitters, keeping everything from stretching out or getting snagged. A little sorting goes a long way toward keeping your wardrobe in top-notch condition.

Protect with Mesh Laundry Bags

Mesh laundry bags are a little trick up my sleeve for keeping clothes in tip-top shape. They’re not just for your delicates! Using them for all sorts of garments can prevent the wear and tear that often happens during wash cycles.

The mesh barrier protects your clothes from the rough and tumble of the washing machine while still allowing soap and water to clean effectively. By reducing tangling, you also minimize the risk of stretching or tearing your favorite outfits, ensuring they come out clean and intact.

Heed the Laundry Tag Advice

Every piece of clothing comes with a laundry tag hidden somewhere inside, and those tags are like the secret manual to extending your wardrobe’s life. They offer specific instructions about washing and drying, tailored to the fabric’s needs. Paying attention to these details—like washing similar colors together and keeping bras out of the dryer—can make a significant difference.

It’s all about respecting the fabric’s needs: using cool water, choosing the right detergent, and opting to air dry can prevent premature aging of your clothes, keeping them fresh and wearable for much longer.

Choose Cold Water Washes

When it comes to keeping your clothes looking like new, the gentle wash cycle and the cold water setting on your washing machine are your best friends. Hot water can fade your bright colors and weaken your fabrics much faster than you might realize.

Using cooler water not only preserves the fit and color of your clothes but also reduces energy usage, making each laundry load a little kinder to our planet.

Inside Out Is the Way to Go

Before you toss your clothes into the wash, take a second to turn them inside out. This easy step is more powerful than it seems—it shields the outer surfaces of your garments from getting beaten up in the wash cycle.

This means less fading and wear on the parts of your clothes that everyone actually sees, helping those favorite tees and patterned blouses look better and last longer.