Fast fashion has made it easy and equally enticing to buy more than we often need. However, that doesn't mean that we don't care for our clothes, right? According to BBC, India is the top importer of used clothes from countries like the US and the UK, and tonnes of torn and used clothes (made out of natural fibres like wool and cotton) are recycled at mills in Northern India. Then there are fabrics like polyester that take up to 200 years to break down in a landfill, generating a huge amount of waste.
You can avert the possibility of your clothes ending up in a landfill by following these 5 simple steps...
1. Invest in a top-load washing machine
Usually, a top-load washing machine gives an optimum washing performance, ensuring that your clothes are washed with all the care they need.
2. Read the tags on the inside of your garments
One of the biggest reasons for clothes losing their charm is the lack of attention we pay to the tags attached to the inner lining of garments. Whether the tags asks you not to iron or not to machine wash, these instructions need to be followed to the 'T'.
3. Iron or steam to maintain shape
Wrinkled clothes tend to wear out more than clothes that are well ironed as they lose their shape and form. Iron out the creases and the wrinkles — make sure you use the right heat level for the fabric you’re ironing — before storing it in your wardrobe.
4. Store them carefully
We often tend to dump all our clothes in the cupboard. This needs to stop today. Avoid squishing your clothes together as this can cause the garments to wrinkle and fade faster. Also, double check that your wardrobe is cool and dry as exposure to heat and moisture can cause mould growth.
5. Try repairing torn clothes rather than just disposing them off
Whether it's a loose button or a loose thread, try mending your clothes as they incur the damage. Keep a sewing kit handy. You can also get creative and try out DIY tricks to give your clothes a personal touch.
