SAVING WATER, IS SAVING YOUR CLOTHING
With Day Zero approaching rapidly we all doing what we can to save water, but what does this mean for our clothing? Laundry uses a large portion of our water quota, but the good news is that there are many ways to effectively keep our garments clean and in good condition without wasting precious water!
----------Sniff Test----------
Most often washing your clothes is as simple as looking at them.
----------Stay cool----------
Staying cool will reduce sweating and minimize sweat stains and bacterial growth on your garments.
Sweat + Skin bacteria = Body Odour
Sweat + Skin bacteria = Body Odour
----------Synthetic Vs Natural Fibers----------
Wear cotton or other natural fabrics whenever possible. Natural fibers allow airflow for drying out the dampness as it absorbs moisture, rather than repelling it. Less bacteria = easier to clean (we know cotton uses a lot of water to produce, but let’s be honest, we know you have it, so wear it).
Avoided choosing daily garments with a Synthetic base fabric as they offer Zero absorption of perspiration resulting in a hospitable environment for bacteria to flourish causing skin irritation (in other words they stink and are hard to clean).
----------Activewear----------
Activewear is typically made of Synthetic Fibers that tend to harbor more odors making harder to wash. When possible, switch your Lycra crop top for a cotton T-shirt. However, if you choose these garments, here’s how to clean them.
- Do not scrunch up your sweats and throw them directly into your gym bag.
- Air drying is crucial, turn your garments inside out and allow garments to naturally dry out in a low heat (as you know, heat is a breeding ground for bacteria).
- Do not overuse detergent as the soap residue allows bacteria to spread.
- Add ¼ cup of white vinegar in your rinse cycle to kill odor-causing bacteria.
- NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER, EVER - it leaves a coating that makes it difficult for water and detergent to fully penetrate the fibres.
- Air drying is crucial, turn your garments inside out and allow garments to naturally dry out in a low heat (as you know, heat is a breeding ground for bacteria).
- Do not overuse detergent as the soap residue allows bacteria to spread.
- Add ¼ cup of white vinegar in your rinse cycle to kill odor-causing bacteria.
- NEVER USE FABRIC SOFTENER, EVER - it leaves a coating that makes it difficult for water and detergent to fully penetrate the fibres.
----------NO Sweat----------
Reduce the sweat that causes odour on your garments by:
- Using a good anti-bacterial soap
- Allow your antiperspirant to dry before getting dressed.
- Antiperspirants reduce sweat more than deodorants (that only mask the smell). However, antiperspirants tend to leave a waxy residue on your clothing if not treated after every wear. To get rid of these marks, make a “slurry” with bicarb and water and scrub the stain with an old toothbrush.
Reduce the sweat that causes odour on your garments by:
- Using a good anti-bacterial soap
- Allow your antiperspirant to dry before getting dressed.
- Antiperspirants reduce sweat more than deodorants (that only mask the smell). However, antiperspirants tend to leave a waxy residue on your clothing if not treated after every wear. To get rid of these marks, make a “slurry” with bicarb and water and scrub the stain with an old toothbrush.
----------Lighten the load----------
Over washing actually damages most garments and can shorten their lifespan dramatically. Use this handy guide to save water and prolong the life of your garments:
- Underwear, Swimwear & Socks - 1 wear (use your shower bucket to hand wash your delicates)
-Bras - 2 to 3 wears (be sure to give your bras a rest day between wears to give the elastic a chance to regain its shape)
-T-shirts, tank tops & camisoles - 1 to 2 wears (steaming these garments can increase the wears between washing)
-Pajamas - 3 to 4 wears
-Trousers and skirts - 5 to 7 wears
-Jackets and sweatshirts - 6 - 7 wears -Suits should be dry-
cleaned once per month (if worn 2 to 3 times a week)
-Jeans - 4 to 5 wears
-Leggings and yoga pants - 1 to 3 wears
-Bath towels - 3 to 5 uses (remember to hang up your towel after every use as damp towels create the perfect environment for bacteria and other micro-organisms)
-If your garments get stained, spot clean/dry immediately to prolong the garments life which will be greener in the long run
- Underwear, Swimwear & Socks - 1 wear (use your shower bucket to hand wash your delicates)
-Bras - 2 to 3 wears (be sure to give your bras a rest day between wears to give the elastic a chance to regain its shape)
-T-shirts, tank tops & camisoles - 1 to 2 wears (steaming these garments can increase the wears between washing)
-Pajamas - 3 to 4 wears
-Trousers and skirts - 5 to 7 wears
-Jackets and sweatshirts - 6 - 7 wears -Suits should be dry-
cleaned once per month (if worn 2 to 3 times a week)
-Jeans - 4 to 5 wears
-Leggings and yoga pants - 1 to 3 wears
-Bath towels - 3 to 5 uses (remember to hang up your towel after every use as damp towels create the perfect environment for bacteria and other micro-organisms)
-If your garments get stained, spot clean/dry immediately to prolong the garments life which will be greener in the long run
----------Less detergent----------
Don't overuse detergent! We tend to feel like more detergent = Cleaner Garments, however, the opposite is true. Using more than the recommended dose of detergent will result in a soapy residue that forms on your garment. These suds don't get fully washed out in the rinse cycle allowing odor-causing bacteria to spread because bacteria love to feed on soap.
----------Date your wear----------
It is a good idea to keep track of how many times a garment has been worn, so it is a good idea to keep each garment on its own hanger. Staple a piece of paper over the hanger to keep track and update it every time you wear the garment.
----------Turn inside out hang in the sun----------
Do not use a tumble dryer for this method as heat will cause fabric to lose 25% of its strength.
Be sure to turn your garments inside out to prevent fading. Be particularly careful not to leave dark colours in the sun for too long.
Remember, sun kills bacteria, so make sure all the sweaty areas (underarms, etc.) are getting sun.
Be sure to turn your garments inside out to prevent fading. Be particularly careful not to leave dark colours in the sun for too long.
Remember, sun kills bacteria, so make sure all the sweaty areas (underarms, etc.) are getting sun.
----------Use a Fabric Deodorizer----------
You can buy one or create your own by mixing white vinegar or bicarbonate soda with water in a spray bottle.
----------Take care with your delicates----------
Washing delicates needs to be part of your daily routine, so we suggest HAND WASHING your undies separately in your shower bucket.
Use hot water, as undergarments may contain the E. coli bacteria that may spread to your other garments.
Make sure your rinse your bucket with a strong bleach to kill existing bacteria.
Use hot water, as undergarments may contain the E. coli bacteria that may spread to your other garments.
Make sure your rinse your bucket with a strong bleach to kill existing bacteria.
----------Steam Clean your clothes----------
Steaming your clothes not only gets out wrinkles, it also kills odor-causing bacteria, keeping clothes fresh in between washes extending the time needed between washes. 5l of water can refresh an entire load of washing (dependent on steamer).
----------When life gives you lemons----------
Use stain removal wipes
----------Choosing your washing machine----------
If you have a choice of which type of washing machine to use, consider this:
- Top loaders use the most water
- Front loaders can use up to 70% less water!
- Steam washing machines (or steam settings) use even less water than standard front loaders and also decrease wrinkling in your garments!
Regardless of which washing machine you use, be sure to catch the water from the outlet pipe for your toilet too.
- Top loaders use the most water
- Front loaders can use up to 70% less water!
- Steam washing machines (or steam settings) use even less water than standard front loaders and also decrease wrinkling in your garments!
Regardless of which washing machine you use, be sure to catch the water from the outlet pipe for your toilet too.
----------Buddy Wash----------
If you can’t fill your washing machine, team up with friends to do a full load every time.
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