8 essential products that will help make your clothes last longer

Fabric conditioners reduce friction between fibres, which creates less static cling. This helps reduce wear and tear, and helps preserve the longevity of your favourite clothing purchases.

Flair fabric conditioners have anti-bacterial and deodorising benefits, and a “Scent Release Technology” is said to release fragrance for up to 12 hours during contact with body heat and moisture.

Just avoid using fabric conditioners on athletic gear – they leave behind a coating that can build up on moisture-wicking performance fabric. It affects the ability of the fabric to wick moisture away, and water won’t be able to break down the gunk or penetrate the fabric properly.

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Sure, the classic naphthalene mothballs do the trick of keeping bugs and moths from chomping on your clothing, but they also leave a pungent smell and can be hazardous when inhaled at certain levels.

For a natural and better-smelling alternative, consider cedar chips, or pouches of lavender that also deter moths as well.

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It comes as no surprise that steamers are a great addition to any household. They can be used for delicate fabrics such as silk, and they won’t burn or cause unintended creasing. On top of that, they also work to kill bacteria so you can freshen briefly worn clothes instead of throwing them in the wash — which, essentially, saves time and helps them last longer. The only drawback is that they can’t be used to press creases or iron collars.

A good example of an investment-worthy piece is  Steamery’s Stockholm Circus No.2 Handheld Steamer. Emitting hot steam, the steamer lifts the textile fibres and conveniently de-wrinkles and refreshes your clothing items. What’s more, it also works to remove odours, dirt and bacteria too — so you won’t have to make any extra trips to the dry cleaners when you can do so at the comfort of your own home.

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Especially if you have a mixed laundry load, get mesh laundry bags to protect delicate fabrics in the wash. And while bras and bralettes should preferably be hand washed, rounded or cylindrical bags also help ensure they don’t go out of shape in the washer.

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And speaking of lingerie, you don’t want to be throwing delicate lacy pieces in the washer. Check out Soak, a no-rinse wash with an eco-friendly formula that’ll clean and refresh your favourite lingerie without the need to rinse them. All you have to do is place your pieces in a small tub with some Soak wash, squeeze and lay flat to dry.

It’s not just for lingerie, it’s suitable for use on your soft sweaters, baby clothes, quilts, swimwear or workout wear, too.

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Food, milk, and fecal stains can be tough to remove from baby clothing, but at the same time, you’ll want something that isn’t harsh on kids’ skin.

Kodomo Nature Care Baby Laundry Detergent (a winner of our Domestic Diva Awards 2021) is formulated with a plant-derived cleansing formula, is pH-balanced and non-irritating for your precious darling’s skin,

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If you lead an active lifestyle, then you should definitely invest in some special sportswear detergent to get rid of any foul smell. Alternatively, for a more affordable option, you can also try using white vinegar too.

It has natural odour eliminating properties and all you need is to add a cup to the fabric conditioner compartment of your machine. Otherwise, you can also try adding a cup of baking soda, which does the job as well, while brightening your clothes.

This article was first published in The Singapore Women’s Weekly.

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