Ever tried washing your clothes and ended up with a shrunken wardrobe, a pink-ified white shirt, or garments that resemble crumpled paper? If these things happen to you it's more than likely you are washing your clothes all wrong. Chances are, you simply toss your clothes into the washing machine, set it to the "cotton" cycle, without giving much thought to the items inside or the temperature it's set to. This not only reduces the lifespan of your clothes but also has a negative impact on the environment. To adopt a more sustainable approach, consider embracing eco laundry practices. Taking the time to sort your clothes by fabric type, opting for lower wash temperatures, and using environmentally friendly detergents can not only extend the life of your wardrobe but also contribute to a greener, more eco-friendly laundry routine.
How to Wash your ZQ Merino Wool Shirts
ZQ Merino wool, thanks to its inherent keratin content breaking down bacteria, doesn't need frequent washing. As a result, we suggest washing it every seven wears, or even less often. Naturally ZQ Merino wool is odour repellent, so in between those recommended seven washes, simply hang it up while you shower to let the steam freshen it up. When it's time to wash, use a delicate setting at a temperature of 30-40 degrees Celsius. Avoid using fabric softener or bleach, as they can compromise the delicate fabric's properties. After washing, lay your merino wool shirt flat to dry to preserve its shape—refrain from wringing out the shirts. Once fully dried, store them in a clean, dry place within your wardrobe to prevent potential mildew, away from direct sunlight to protect the fibres. While merino wool is naturally wrinkle-free, if necessary, use a low-setting steamer on the inside out for any slight wrinkles.
ZQ Merino Wool Jersey Navy T-Shirt
Caring for your Cotton Shirts
Cotton is one of the most common fabrics you will find today and more than likely more than half of your shirts consists of cotton, whether it's made from recycled, organic, regenerative, or other types of cotton. Clothes that are crafted from 100% cotton, like are overshirts, are generally easier to clean than commonly perceived. For optimal sustainability and longevity, hand washing is recommended, as it consumes less energy and water, extending the lifespan of your clothes. However hand washing may not be practical for everyone; in such cases, using a washing machine with a delicate cycle and cold water is a suitable alternative. For items exclusively made from 100% cotton, it is imperative to stay away from heat during the entire cleaning process, including drying. Lay them flat when drying to aid in reshaping the garments, and avoid direct sunlight to prevent further shrinkage.
Recycled Poplin White Double Pocket Shirt
Essential Tips for Effective Clothes Washing with Eco Laundry Detergent
To prevent clothes from losing colour vibrancy and white shirts from turning pink, it's crucial to separate your laundry by colours. Keep all bright white garments together to maintain their brilliance, as the inclusion of a dull white item could diminish the overall brightness of the load. When it comes to laundry detergent, understanding its placement is essential. Powdered detergent belongs in the top drawer, not with the clothes. Liquid detergent should be poured over the clothes, while pods go in the back or bottom of the machine to ensure quick dispersion at the start. To minimise the use of plastic bottles, opt for plastic-free, eco-friendly laundry detergent brands like Clothes Doctor to contribute to an eco laundry routine. Avoid using fabric softeners or bleaches, as they can easily compromise the natural properties of the clothes and reduce the product's lifespan. Fabric softeners, containing petroleum-based compounds, gradually make clothes less breathable. Additionally, they leave a coating on your washing machine, creating a favourable environment for mould and other odours to develop.
Treating Stains and Odours
If you're like most people, accidentally spilling something on your shirt is quite common. Effectively treating stains depends on the fabric and the type of stain. Water-based stains typically come out after washing, but for oil-based stains, a bit more tlc may be necessary, involving the use of baking soda, white vinegar, dish soap, or other oil-lifting cleaning products. We advise against dry cleaning any clothes due to its negative impact on the environment and human health. Traditional dry cleaning involves harmful chemicals like perchloroethylene, which can harm aquatic life and cause respiratory problems in humans with even minimal exposure. If dry cleaning becomes necessary, research cleaners that use more environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional methods.
