How to Take Care of Your Clothes: The Complete Guide to Clothing Care

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After spending time and money curating your ideal capsule wardrobe, it’s important to properly care for your garments to get the most wear out of them. In this post, I’ll cover everything you need to know on how to take care of your clothes. You'll learn everything from deciphering clothing care labels to choosing the best detergent for different fabrics.

Plus, I’m sharing 10 must-have clothing care tools that are helpful to have in your arsenal. With these essential tools and tips, your wardrobe will remain impeccably maintained. You'll not only extend the life of your favorite pieces but save money in the long run!

In this Article

Know Your Fabrics
How Often Should You Wash
Laundry Best Practices
Your Guide to Laundry Symbols
How to Properly Store Your Clothes
10 Clothing Care Essentials

Know Your Fabrics

The first step to proper clothing care is understanding the fabrics your clothes are made from. Different fabrics have different needs.

Cotton, for example, is a breathable and natural fiber that can withstand higher wash temperatures. However, delicate fabrics like silk or wool require a gentler touch.

So before tossing that beloved knit sweater into the wash, it’s important to familiarize yourself with common fabric types and how to care for them.

Most clothes will have a care label sewn on the inside that details the recommended washing temperature, drying method, and ironing instructions. Take the time to read these labels. Before washing any new clothing item, I personally make it a habit to check the label and get to “know” the garment.

While you should always refer to the clothing label, here’s a breakdown of some common fabric types and the best practices for keeping them in top condition.

Cotton

This natural, breathable fabric is a favorite for everyday wear. Cotton can be washed in warm or cold water and dried on medium heat. However, be mindful that cotton can shrink slightly during the first wash.

Linen

Linen is another natural and breathable fabric, known for its luxurious feel. Wash linen in warm water and line dry to avoid shrinkage. Linen wrinkles easily but can be ironed on medium heat.

Wool

A warm and comfortable natural fiber, wool is naturally wrinkle-resistant but requires special care. Hand-wash wool in cool water with a wool-specific detergent or use a delicate cycle on your washing machine. Lay wool flat to air dry and never iron it directly.

Silk

Silk is a luxe, but delicate fabric that requires gentle care. Hand-wash silk in cool water with a mild detergent or use a delicate cycle on your washing machine. Never dry silk in the dryer; lay it flat to dry away from direct sunlight to prevent discoloration.

Synthetic Fabrics

Polyester, nylon, and acrylic are common synthetic fabrics known for their durability and wrinkle resistance. These fabrics can generally be washed in warm water and dried on low heat. However, always check the care label for specific instructions.

Blended Fabrics

Blended fabrics combine natural and synthetic fibers, offering the benefits of both. Common fabric blends include cotton-polyester, wool-synthetic, and cotton-spandex, among others. Care for these fabrics by following the instructions for the most delicate fiber in the blend.

Delicates

Lightweight, sheer fabrics like lace and chiffon require special care due to their delicate nature. Hand-washing is often recommended, or use a delicate cycle with a mesh laundry bag for machine washing. Always use a mild detergent and cool water. Lay flat to dry or dry on low heat (check the care label).

How Often Should You Wash Your Clothes?

One of the biggest misconceptions about clothing care is that clothes need to be washed after every wear. This is simply not true, and in fact, frequent washing can actually damage your clothes. Consider how often you actually sweat or get something on a garment.

Jeans, for example, can often be worn multiple times before needing a wash. You can air them out after wearing to freshen them up. For delicates like sweaters or blouses, spot-cleaning any stains might be all that's necessary. By washing less, your clothes will last longer (plus, you'll save water and energy!).

Here's a general guide on how many wears you can typically get out of different clothing items before needing a refresh:

Activewear: After each wear
Blazers: Every 5-6 wears
Bras: Every 2-3 wears
Denim: Every 3-5 wears
Dress Pants & Skirts: Every 2-3 wears
Hosiery: After each wear
Leather & Suede: Once every season
Sleepwear: Every 3-5 wears
Sweaters: Every 3-5 wears
Swimwear: After each wear
Winter Coats: Once every season
Winter Hats, Gloves & Scarves: Once every season

Laundry Best Practices

When laundry day inevitably comes around, follow these simple best practices to keep your clothes looking their best for longer.

Sort Properly

Start by sorting items by color. Separate dark-colored items such as jeans, dark towels, and dark-colored fabrics to prevent dye transfer. Group light-colored items like whites, pastels, and light grays together to avoid color fading or staining.

From there, sort by fabric type, grouping delicate fabrics like silk and lace away from heavier items such as towels and denim to avoid damage.

As previously mentioned, read the labels—it's your clothing's instruction manual! Pay attention to wash temperature, drying instructions, and any special care symbols.

Pre-Treat Stains

Acting fast is key to avoiding stains. Before tossing your clothes in the washer, grab your stain remover, and apply a small amount directly to the stain and gently rub it in with your fingers or a soft brush. Work from the outside of the stain inwards to prevent spreading.

For stubborn stains, you may have to let the pre-treatment sit for 15-30 minutes before washing. Again, always refer to the care label.

Less is More

Resist the urge to stuff your washer to the brim. Overloading might seem like a time-saver, but it backfires in the long run aka poor cleaning and possibly wrinkled clothes. Stick to the recommended load size for your washer and enjoy cleaner, better-preserved clothes.

Tip: Before loading your washer, turn clothes inside out to help protect the outside of the garment during the washing process.

Choose the Right Temperature

Cold water is generally gentler on fabrics and helps prevent fading. Use warm or hot water only for whites, heavily soiled items, or sanitizing (like towels). Refer to the fabric care tips mentioned earlier to determine the appropriate temperature for washing each type of fabric. And I can’t stress this enough, read your clothing care labels to ensure you're treating your garments with the correct care instructions.

Decide on Detergent

Choose a mild detergent formulated for the type of fabric you're washing.

For delicate fabrics, opt for a gentle detergent or one formulated for delicates. These will be less harsh on fragile fibers. Similarly, use a detergent specifically made for wool and cashmere to care for your knitwear.

For a brighter white, you might choose a detergent with whitening agents or add a whitening booster. I personally add baking soda along with my regular detergent to my washer to whiten whites.

If you’re not sure which detergent to choose, read your clothing’s care label. This is always the best advice! The care label on your clothes will often specify the recommended water temperature and detergent type.

Also keep in mind your washing machine! High-efficiency (HE) washers require special HE detergents that create less suds. Regular detergent can cause oversudsing in HE machines, which can damage the machine and leave residue on clothes. If you're unsure, check your washer's manual or look for the HE symbol on the detergent bottle.

Finally, go easy on the detergent. Too much detergent can leave residue on your clothes and make them appear dingy. Follow the instructions on the detergent label, but when in doubt: less is often more.

Drying Smarts

Just like washing, drying is a crucial part of clothing care. Heat is the enemy of many fabrics, so whenever possible, skip the dryer and opt for air drying.

Hang clothes on a drying rack indoors or outside on a clothesline. This is not only gentler on your clothes, but it also saves energy! See my recommended drying rack options below.

Certain items, like sweaters, should be laid flat to dry to avoid stretching. Remember to reshape your knitwear and other garments while they’re damp to prevent wrinkles as they dry.

If you must use the dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove clothes promptly to prevent over-drying.

Clean Your Machine

Regularly clean your washer with a cleaning cycle or vinegar to remove built-up detergent and mildew. I personally use washing machine cleaning tablets to keep my machine in shape. Depending on how often you use it, you should aim to clean your washer every 1-2 months.

Your Guide to Laundry Symbols

Those little squiggles and circles on your clothes aren't just random designs – they're laundry symbols, a universal language to guide you on how to care for your clothes. Here's a breakdown of some common laundry symbols and their meanings:

Washing

A wash basin symbol with water level lines indicates the maximum water temperature for washing. Dots inside the basin signify temperature – one dot for cold, two dots for warm, and three dots for hot. A crossed-out wash basin means the garment shouldn't be washed with water.

Bleaching

A triangle symbol represents bleaching. A blank triangle means bleach is allowed, while a crossed-out triangle means no bleach. Lines inside the triangle indicate specific bleach types (chlorine or non-chlorine).

Drying

A square symbol with a circle inside signifies tumble drying. Dots inside the circle indicate drying temperature – one dot for low heat, two dots for medium heat. A crossed-out square means do not tumble dry. Lines or dashes within the square provide additional drying instructions, like drying flat or hanging to drip dry.

Ironing

An iron symbol dictates ironing temperature. Dots indicate heat settings – one dot for low, two dots for medium, and three dots for high. A crossed-out iron means do not iron. Lines beneath the iron can specify whether ironing should be done on the right side or the wrong side of the garment.

Dry Cleaning

A circle symbol represents dry cleaning. Letters inside the circle may indicate specific cleaning solutions to be used by professionals. A crossed-out circle means do not dry clean.

Tip: If you have an iPhone, deciphering laundry symbols is even easier! Simply take a picture of the care label with your camera app. Then, open the photo and tap the information button (i) at the bottom. If your phone recognizes the symbols, you'll see a "Look Up in Laundry Care" option. Tap on that, and your iPhone will translate the symbols and explain their meanings directly within the Photos app.

How to Properly Store Your Clothes

Once you've mastered laundry day, it's time to ensure your freshly cleaned clothes stay crisp and wrinkle-free. Here's how to store your clothes for optimal longevity and organization.

Fold or Hang?

Knowing your fabrics will help you decide whether to fold or hang a garment. Clothes like sweaters and delicates should be folded and stored on shelves to prevent stretching.

For button-down shirts, blouses, suits, dresses and pants with creases, hanging on sturdy hangers is ideal. Invest in quality hangers that fit your clothes. Padded hangers are great for delicate items, while wider hangers provide support for heavier garments. If anything, avoid flimsy, wire hangers, which can snag clothes. Below, I'll share my recommendations for hangers!

Location Matters

Store clothes in a cool, dry and dark place. Avoid attics or basements that experience extreme temperatures or humidity fluctuations. These conditions can damage fabrics and promote mildew growth.

You’ll also want to choose storage containers that allow air to circulate. Opt for canvas bins or cardboard boxes over plastic that can trap moisture, potentially leading to musty smells or even mildew.

Seasonal Swapping

Maximize closet space by storing out-of-season clothes. Before packing them away, wash everything thoroughly. Lingering sweat or stains can attract unwanted pests or cause discoloration over time.

Pack them neatly in storage bins or under-the-bed containers. Here's a bonus tip: toss in some cedar blocks or lavender sachets to repel insects and keep your clothes smelling fresh.

Even stored clothes can develop musty odors. Every few months, air out folded clothes or give hanging clothes a shake to remove dust and freshen them up.

10 Clothing Care Essentials

1. Steamer

A steamer is an essential tool for pressing your clothes without an iron. They’re also helpful for refreshing your garments without having to dry clean them after every wear. The added benefits? They eliminate odors and sanitize your clothes too.

Although you can invest in a high-end, full-size garment steamer, like the J-2000 Jiffy Garment Steamer, there are several more affordable options that are also practical for small spaces. The Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Handheld Steamer is a highly-rated option on Amazon that removes wrinkly surprisingly fast for its compact size, which makes it perfect for travel too.

For a more sophisticated option, check out the range of modern steamers from Steamery. Their iron steamers are a hybrid between a steamer and an iron, allowing you to create a pressed or a more natural look. You’re sure to swoon over any of their chic clothing care products, but I’m obsessed with their classic Cirrus No.2 Iron Steamer that perfectly combines function and aesthetics. A great dupe is the Steam Creation Newcomer Designs Clothes Steamer that you can buy for $70 on Amazon.

Tip: You can steam most clothing items in your capsule wardrobe, but avoid fabrics like suede, plastic or waxed items. Since steaming can’t get your clothes as crisp as an iron, you might consider investing in an iron (or the hybrid steamer and iron mentioned above) for pieces that you prefer pressed.

2. Fabric Shaver

Make your worn-out sweaters look new again with a fabric shaver. It’s a must-have tool for gently removing pills and lint that collect on your garments over time. If you want to get more wear out of your capsule wardrobe, a fabric shaver will revive your favorite pieces and prevent you from repurchasing the same clothing items as frequently.

With more than 60,000 5-star reviews on Amazon, you can’t go wrong with the Conair Fabric Shaver. It features three control settings to remove fuzz, lint and pills from a variety of fabric types. Plus, the detachable lint catcher allows for easy cleanup.

Minimalists will love Steamery’s Pilo No.2 Fabric Shaver. It has 6 precision razor blades and a large shaving area to gently de-pill all of your capsule clothes. According to the Scandinavian clothing care brand, their fabric shaver is stronger and more efficient than other shavers on the market. If you’ve crafted a coherent capsule wardrobe, why not coordinate your garment care tools too? Several of their shavers come in the same neutral colors as their steamers.

Tip: You can use a fabric shaver on almost any fabric, but be careful when de-piling delicate items. If you don’t want to invest in a proper fabric shaver, a shaving razor can often do the trick to de-fuzz your clothes.

3. Drying Rack

While running your clothes in the dryer is convenient, it can cause a lot of wear and strain on clothing fabric. High heat can also cause damage to certain fabrics like wool and suede. To gently dry your clothing, hang them on a simple drying rack. Your capsule wardrobe will not only last longer, but your clothes will also hold their shape.

This simple Foldable Laundry Rack from Amazon Basics is a smart option for air-drying your clothes. The accordion design makes it easy to fold and store, and you can flat dry your clothes on the 4 top rods.

A more stylish, but expensive drying rack is the Dora Clothes Stand from Ferm Living. It features three sleek, metal panels and easily folds for storage. The modern design and subtle Japanese aesthetic makes it one of the most beautiful drying racks on the market.

Tip: Air-drying your clothes inside increases the moisturize in the air, which can cause mold to grow. Always air-dry your clothes outdoors or at least in a well-ventilated room. Knitted sweaters and other garments that should be dried flat should not be hung on a drying rack.

4. Wool Dryer Balls

If air-drying your clothes takes too long, toss them in the dryer along with a few wool dryer balls. They reduce drying time, resulting in less heat damage on your clothes. Dryer balls are also an eco-friendly alternative to dryer sheets and liquid fabric softeners. Another bonus? They help to remove wrinkles in clothes while drying.

Smart Sheep’s Wool Dryer Balls are one of the best-selling on Amazon made of 100% premium wool fiber. Besides speeding up dry time and fluffing up fabrics, they’ll look naturally chic in your laundry room.

Tip: Wool dryer balls can last for thousands of loads. Use 3 wool dryer balls for small and medium loads and 5-6 for large loads. Add a few drops of essential oil to your dryer balls a few hours before running a load to add a subtle, non-toxic fragrance to your laundry.

5. Velvet or Wood Hangers

Plastic and wire hangers not only look cheap in your closet, but they can also misshapen and damage your clothes. Replace them with velvet or wood hangers depending on your capsule wardrobe pieces. Wood hangers are great for heavy garments like coats and suits, and their thicker frame helps preserve the fabric and shape of your clothes. Velvet hangers are a practical space-saving option that can prevent clothes from slipping and snagging; perfect for delicate blouses and lightweight garments.

The Container Store’s Basic Walnut Wooden Hangers are a timeless option that will last for decades. They’re crafted from solid lotus wood with a rich walnut finish that will look ultra luxurious in your closet. These highly-rated hangers are available in three styles for hanging shirts and blouses. They’re not the most inexpensive choice, but they will certainly upgrade your capsule closet.

For velvet hangers, Amazon Basics once again offers the best budget-friendly option. Their Velvet Non-Slip Clothes Suit Hangers will help you keep all of your capsule garments supported and organized, and their slim design means you’ll have more hanging space. Plus, they come in five different color combinations (the classic black and silver is my favorite) and three styles to hang suits, shirts and skirts.

Tip: Keep your closet looking chic and organized by selecting one hanger type and color. Avoid mixing velvet and wood hangers, even if they are the same color, to maintain a sense of uniformity in your closet.

6. Fabric Brush

When lint and dust inevitably appear on your clothes, skip the lint roller and opt for a fabric brush instead. They gently yet effectively remove lint, fuzz, and pills, hair from your garments without leaving residue behind. Plus, they last much longer than disposable lint rollers. Your capsule wardrobe will look in tip-top condition after just a few sweeps.

The Laundress Clothing & Upholstery Brush is an elegant choice to remove debris and restore your garments’ luster and natural oils. This brush will last a lifetime, saving your money and keeping your capsule closet looking always spectacular.

A great “dupe” for The Laundress brush is the BFWood Clothes Brush available for one-third of the price on Amazon. Made of solid beech wood and pure boar bristle, it’s a stylish option for refreshing your garments and making them last longer.

If the wooden brushes aren’t your style, Steamery makes a minimalist lint brush with soft woven bristles that lift and catch lint. It’s a much more sustainable alternative to a tape roller but won’t cost you as much as a wooden brush.

Tip: Brush in one direction to refresh fabrics and remove lint, fuzz, and pills. Avoid swiping the brush back and forth, which can redeposit debris.

7. Fabric Spray

Washing your clothes too frequently can cause them to wear them out quickly. A fabric spray is a helpful product to keep your capsule garments fresh between washes. Along with adding a clean scent, it can also remove odor from fabrics, so you don’t have to wash them after each wear.

The No 12 Deodorising Clothing Spritz from Clothes Doctor is my favorite no-toxic fabric spray that deodorizes and adds a crisp, fresh scent to my clothes. It’s one of the chicest options to freshen clothing, bedding, outerwear, car interiors, sneakers, or luggage. The brand also makes special sprays for sports gear, wool and cashmere and more. Plus, you can purchase their detergent in the same scent to enhance the fresh fragrance even more.

Tip: Add a few spritzes of fabric spray while making your bed to keep them smelling freshly laundered.

8. Specialized Detergent

Not all clothes are made equal, and neither should be their care routine. Investing in specialized detergents designed for different fabrics can maintain their quality and color vibrancy. Look for detergents that cater to specific needs. With proper washing techniques and the right detergent, you can prevent fading, stretching, and premature wear of your clothes.

Delicate fabric detergent is ideal for silk or lace. I frequently use the The Laundress Delicate Wash to hand wash lace underwear and silk pillowcases. To gently clean your knitwear, I’d recommend using a wool and cashmere fabric detergent. I’m obsessed with Wool & Cashmere Shampoo from The Laundress. It has a rich cedar fragrance that subtly perfumes my sweater.

You might also consider adding a color-safe detergent to your laundry room if you wear a lot of bright colors. These detergents are designed to preserve the brightness of vibrant clothes.

Tip: Wash clothes only when necessary to prevent unnecessary wear and tear. Avoid over-washing by refreshing your clothes with a fabric spray.

9. Leather Conditioner

Leather items, whether shoes, bags, or jackets, require special care to retain their suppleness and sheen. A quality leather balm or conditioner can work wonders in moisturizing and protecting your leather goods. When using a leather balm, apply it sparingly with a soft cloth while focusing on areas prone to dryness and cracking. Allow time for absorption before using your leather items.

Consistent application of a leather wax not only keeps the leather looking great but also helps it withstand the test of time. If you’re just getting start, this Leather Care Kit from Clothes Doctor has all the essentials you need to protect your favorite leather garments.

Tip: Keep leather items away from direct sunlight and moisture to ensure they stay in top condition.

10. Sewing Kit

A sewing kit is a small but useful tool that can salvage your favorite garments from wear and tear. Whether it’s fixing a loose button to stitching up a small tear, having a basic sewing kit on hand can save you from unnecessary stress and wardrobe malfunctions. A small repair can prevent a larger issue down the line, and you’ll extend the lifespan of your favorite clothes.

You don’t need anything too fancy, especially if your sewing skills are limited. Here is what to look for when purchasing a sewing kit:

Needles in various sizes
Threads in essential colors (black, white, beige)
Scissors or small snips
Safety pins
Buttons of different sizes and styles

Tip: Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish on the threads of buttons to prevent them from unraveling over time.

How do you take care of your clothing? Let me know in the comments below.