How to Care for Eco-Friendly Fabrics to Make Them Last Longer

As we become increasingly aware of the cons of fast fashion, seeking out eco-friendly alternatives has become a necessity. People are now shifting from fleeting trends and investing in natural and organic fabrics. After all, why settle for eye-candy fashion when one can wear something that looks good, feels good, and does good?

However, once the switch to these eco-conscious fabrics is made, the next big challenge is ensuring their longevity. The good news? These natural fabrics can actually outlast their synthetic counterparts when cared for properly. You might be surprised how a few simple tweaks to your laundry routine can totally transform the lifespan of your favorite eco-friendly pieces.

Several fashion brands across the globe are now embracing the slow fashion movement and are making customers feel seen, heard, and valued. One such noteworthy brand is  Reistor. A US-based sustainable fashion brand that believes in creating a connection between people and fashion in a way that prioritizes “taking care” of your wardrobe, the planet, and the future of fashion. At Reistor, sustainability isn’t just a feature, it’s their foundation.

Mindful Washing: How Often Should We Wash Our Clothes, Exactly?

Unknown to the fact, most of us probably wash our clothes way too often. Our laundry routine arises typically by habit and not by necessity. Our automated response of dumping clothes into the laundry basket after just a single wear leads to overcleaning. This not only compromises valuable resources like water but also prematurely ages our cherished pieces.

Did you know that most eco-friendly fabrics have antimicrobial properties that can naturally prevent steady bacterial growth, keeping nasty odors at bay. Linen, organic cotton, and Tencel™, cultivated without synthetic pesticides, hold their structural integrity longer when the washing cycles are limited. This means going green fabric-wise comes with the added advantage of doing less laundry. Sounds like a win-win situation, right?

Many garments that may seem “dirty” can easily be refreshed simply by hanging them in the open air for a short period of time. And what if you get a little stain on your favorite piece? No need for a full wash! A quick spot cleaning does the trick by treating only the affected area rather than subjecting the entire garment to a full wash cycle.

Why (& How) to Ditch Fabric Softener 

Even though the common perception of most people is that fabric softeners are essential to maintain the quality and softness of clothes. The reality is much less appealing.

Stemming from silicone-based chemicals like dimethicone, they initially create a soft feel but, with repeated use, leave behind chemical residues. The accumulation of these residues dulls the fabric’s natural allure, often weakening its structural integrity.

So, what can be done?

Sustainable fabrics like Hemp, Linen, and Organic cotton are designed to be comfortable, breathable, and long-lasting without the need for chemical softeners. A simple hack that works wonders is adding a splash of white vinegar to wash cycles, to neutralize odors, and breaking down detergent buildup.

Keeping it Cool: Cold Water Washing 

There is no doubt that hot water is the ultimate deep-cleaning hack for heavily soiled items, but that doesn’t mean it should be the default choice for every fabric. Higher temperatures lead to color fading, shrinking, and microfibre shedding of your favorite pieces.

Now the question is, “Will the clothes actually get clean with cold water?” Yes! Why not? Detergents today are designed to work just as well in cold water so that we are not compromising on cleanliness one bit.

Reistor knows how important your favorite pieces are to you; the following is their easy and effective temperature guide for machine-washing eco-friendly fabrics:

• Organic cotton garments should be washed at a normal wash cycle setting and at a low temperature (max. 86°F) or cold.
• It is generally recommended to hand wash your hemp garments in cold water. If machine washing is necessary, opt for a delicate cycle and use cold water.
• Linen garments are best cared for when washed in lukewarm water at a temperature below (104°F).
• Modal pieces can be washed in the same manner as organic cotton or linen.
• Machine washing Tencel™ at 86°F or low is sufficient; however, handwashing is recommended.

Wrong side “OUT”: Washing Clothes Inside Out

This might sound like the most basic laundry tip ever, but turning your clothes inside out before laundering them is a total game-changer for sustainable fabrics.

And why is this important?

Body oils and deodorant residues build up on the inside of your clothes where there is direct contact with your skin. Washing inside out targets these exact areas where the cleaning action is needed most. Hemp and organic cotton pieces particularly benefit from this approach.

Steaming

Wrinkles are a pretty common issue when it comes to Tencel™, Linen, and Organic cotton pieces.  But when that happens, reach out for your steamer instead of your iron whenever possible. As opposed to the harsh approach of ironing that wears out the natural fibers from clothing, steaming tames wrinkles while preserving the natural drape of fabrics like Tencel™.

What’s even more interesting is that steaming actually helps clean your clothes between washes. The hot vapor kills bacteria and removes odors, so you can refresh your eco-friendly pieces without subjecting them to another full wash cycle.

If you must iron, always check the care label first and use the lowest heat setting that will get the job done. Always iron inside out when possible, especially with printed items, and consider using a pressing cloth (just a thin cotton cloth between the iron and your garment) for extra protection of delicate, sustainable fabrics.

Looking Ahead

For a long period of time, fast fashion has conditioned us to accept clothing with expiration dates. Reistor opposes this thought, creating pieces that are designed to naturally break down over time. So when that inevitable moment comes and the piece has truly reached the end of its journey, it returns gently to the earth—no waste, no harm.

Because you deserve more than just a fling with fashion.