Reducing the number of loads you do will not only help you save time, it will also extend the life of your clothes. Here are 4 ways to freshen up your clothes without using the washing machine
With these four tricks, you won’t have to wash your clothes in the washing machine as often.
Washing clothes in the washing machine is an unavoidable household chore, but it is not always necessary to do it as often as we think. In many cases, our clothes are not really dirty, they just need a refresh to feel clean and smell good again. What’s more, avoiding unnecessary washing can help prolong the life of your clothes, reduce your consumption of water, electricity and detergent, and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are several practical and effective alternatives to constantly washing clothes in the washing machine. From ventilation techniques to the use of steam or homemade solutions to freshen up garments, these methods recommended by cleaning experts are useful for saving time, energy and resources, while keeping clothes in good condition. Are you ready to discover them?
4 tricks that will reduce the number of loads you do each week
Keeping your clothes fresh even after wearing them is very easy. Here are four simple tricks you can use at home to keep your clothes fresh between washes:
1. Air out your clothes and let the air work its magic
One of the most common mistakes people make after wearing an item of clothing is to fold it and put it away in the wardrobe or pile it up with other used items. This not only traps moisture and odours, but also encourages the growth of bacteria that cause bad smells. The simplest and most effective solution is to air out your clothes properly.
After wearing a T-shirt, blouse or trousers that are not visibly dirty, hang them on a hanger, coat rack or even on the back of a chair, making sure there is enough space around them for air to circulate. This allows moisture and odours to dissipate, rather than becoming trapped in the fabric.
For best results, hang your clothes outside for a couple of hours. The fresh air and sunshine will air out your garment. Just be sure not to expose delicate items to direct sunlight for too long, as this could cause them to fade. This is one of the experts’ recommendations for cleaning clothes without a washing machine. If you’re interested in learning more, download these 50 cleaning tips for free.
This method works particularly well with garments that you have only worn for a few hours, such as T-shirts, dress trousers, or light jackets. This way, you can extend their use without having to wash them after each wear.
2. Apply a little perfume or homemade spray
This trick for avoiding washing clothes in the washing machine is ideal for garments that have only lost a little of their fresh scent, such as T-shirts worn briefly, scarves or blouses that do not have stains or excessive sweat.
You can use a fabric spray, specifically designed to neutralise odours without damaging the fibres, or make your own with these ingredients:
- Water
- White vinegar (helps neutralise odours)
- A few drops of your favourite essential oil (lavender, lemon, eucalyptus… whichever you prefer!)
Mix all the ingredients in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Spray the garment lightly from a considerable distance to avoid over-wetting it. Test first on an inconspicuous area to ensure that there is no reaction or discolouration.
After applying the spray, hang the garment up to dry completely before storing it. This will allow any residual moisture to disappear, preventing bad odours or mould.
3. Use steam to clean and disinfect without wetting
Steam is an ally for refreshing clothes without the need for a full cycle in the washing machine. Not only does it remove wrinkles, but it also helps to gently yet effectively disinfect and deodorise garments.
A garment steamer is a very useful tool for this. By applying steam directly to the garment, trapped odours dissipate and wrinkles disappear. In addition, the heat from the steam is capable of eliminating many odour-causing bacteria, making it an ideal option for clothes that have been worn but are not dirty.
Another advantage is that steam is safe for most fabrics, including delicate ones such as silk or wool. Simply hang the garment, run the steamer over all areas, and allow it to cool and dry before putting it away.
If you don’t have a steamer, you can use the steam from the shower. Hang the garment in the bathroom while you shower with hot water and let the steam fill the space. It’s not as powerful as a handheld steamer, but it can help freshen up a lightly worn garment.
4. Use the ‘no heat’ function on your tumble dryer
The tumble dryer can be useful for helping to freshen up clothes without washing them. Many tumble dryers have a function or programme called ‘cool air’ or ‘no heat’, which shakes, ventilates and softens clothes without damaging them.
This function is perfect for removing mild odours, reducing creases and drying clothes that have been previously aired or steamed. Simply place the garment in the tumble dryer (preferably with a clean towel to improve air circulation), select the programme and let the machine run for about 15 to 20 minutes.
This process allows the garment to receive a constant flow of air that helps remove moisture and odours. It does not replace washing if the clothes are really dirty, but it can be a very useful interim solution.
As you can see, avoiding washing your clothes too often is entirely possible. Each wash damages the fibres of your garments a little more, so following these simple tips can help you care for your clothes and leave them clean, fresh and ready to wear again without having to put them through the washing machine again. Which tip will you try first?
