Our clothes follow a recurring cycle of wearing, washing, drying and ironing. To close this cycle in terms of sustainability and extend the life of a garment, careful handling and, above all, correct care are important. The information on the care label serves as a common thread for the specific requirements of each item of clothing, which must be observed - general tips and basics can be found here.
WASHING & AIRING
The first step is to decide whether the garment really needs to be washed or whether airing is sufficient for the time being. After all, every wash not only puts a strain on the fibers, but also consumes water and energy. Garments with man-made fibers can also release microplastics during the washing process. Jeans and wool in particular benefit from airing instead of washing. As a general rule: never wash garments hotter than recommended, but colder is often perfectly possible. This is gentle on the fabric - but also on energy resources. Delicate fabrics are protected by a laundry net, the environment and our health are protected by the right choice of detergent - because an eco-detergent contains fewer harmful substances for people and nature and is also more suitable for allergy sufferers.
DRYING
Air drying is particularly gentle and efficient. The tumble dryer should only be used sparingly - it strains the material, can lead to shrinkage and also uses twice as much energy as a wash cycle. Freshly washed clothes should be completely shaken out as quickly as possible, shaped and hung up on a hanger or washing line. Wool dries best on a thick terry towel that is rolled up briefly to absorb excess moisture. The clothes are then air-dried lying down.
SMOOTHING
As is so often the case, the first question is whether the item needs to be ironed at all or whether small creases will disappear on their own when shaken out and hung up wet in the bathroom. The care label sewn into the garment will tell you how hot you can iron it. Lightly spraying or using a steam iron makes ironing even easier. Silk must not be sprayed and must always be ironed at the lowest temperature. Dark clothing or clothing with decorative elements and prints in particular should be ironed inside out to avoid pressure marks or damage. A good alternative to the iron is the steamer. It smoothes garments more gently and takes up less space, making it suitable for when you are on the move.
REMOVING STAINS
Stain removers from the drugstore should first be tested on an inconspicuous area on the inside of the garment. Some household remedies are more environmentally friendly and less expensive: a solution of about two sachets of baking soda and water removes sweat stains or yellowing. Salt and lemon juice will get rid of blood stains. And vinegar essence successfully removes deodorant stains and the like. However, the same "test obligation" applies to all home remedies as to chemical products. If used incorrectly, even the most natural stain remover can leave unwanted traces. Some stains disappear by themselves simply by drying in the sun.
Some materials are particularly sensitive and require special cleaning - this is indicated on the care label. In professional textile cleaning, the water is usually replaced by a chemical solvent that dissolves stains. When choosing the right dry cleaner, you should pay attention to whether the provider cleans in an environmentally friendly way, e.g. in an ozone chamber. Organic cleaners do not use toxic chemicals, as most conventional chemicals are harmful to health and the environment.