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At first glance, clothing care labels can look like ancient cave drawings. Circles, squares, dots, x’s. What does it all mean? We’re here to help you crack the code so your clothes can live longer, fresher, cleaner lives.
Care labels provide specific information about laundering based on things like fabrics, weaving types, thread counts, and special dyes that need particular treatment. If there’s a small circle, for example, that typically indicates dry-clean only. Drying instructions come in the form of a circle inside of a square with dots indicating the temperature, from low to high. There are also symbols for washing, bleaching, wringing, and ironing. By following these instructions, you’ll extend the life of your garment which is good for your wardrobe, your wallet, and the planet.
If your care instructions advise you to wash by hand, make sure you’re equipped to do it the right way! Prep a clean space to thoroughly wash, rinse, and dry your pieces without getting them soiled in the process. Find hand-washing detergent for delicate items and be sure to not ring or scrub so harshly that your garment begins to fray.
Get to know your washing machine settings. Make sure you understand how to set specific temperature, rinse, and time requirements to prevent shrinkage, color loss, or damage.
Try to use a mild detergent that doesn’t come pumped with chemicals or unnatural fragrances. And avoid putting in too much detergent, even if it’s natural. Put delicates in a separate mesh bag for washing to protect fabrics from getting snagged or stretched.
When it comes to drying your clothes, air drying (also called line drying or hang drying) is always the safest bet, regardless of the care label. Air drying helps to maintain the size and quality of the fabric. If you are going to machine dry, stick to the care label instructions and try not to over-dry your garments.
Perhaps more than any other item in your closet, shoes really bear the brunt of the elements. From puddles to mud, abrasive surfaces, city streets, and just everyday wear-and-tear, your shoes do the most and should be cared for as carefully as you do your clothes.
Before wearing a new pair, add an extra layer of protection. Sole protectors, rubber taps for pointed toes, and waterproof leather soles can keep your favorite shoes from wearing out too quickly. Apply waterproofing sprays or conditioning creams to help protect shoes against snow, ice, salt, or rain.
For leather shoes, use a conditioner or polish at least once per season to treat the leather. Apply the cream with a soft cloth or applicator brush and allow it to soak in overnight before applying a wax polish. Then, buff your shoes to a shine.
In general, you should hand-wash shoes rather than put them in the washing machine. However, shoes made of canvas, nylon, cotton, or polyester can sometimes be machine-washed if they’re durable. The safest bet is always to use a small brush and gentle soap to wash away stains.
Find a good cobbler. Having a pro in your pocket to help resolve or repair your shoes is invaluable when you want your footwear to last a lifetime. Finally, store your shoes in a cool, dry place. Moisture is terrible for shoes and can cause them to grow bacteria or to break apart. Give them plenty of breathing room between every wear.
