Whenever you squander your hard-earned money on an outfit, you want it to last longer, no matter how often you might wear it. Fabric quality is an indication of your clothing’s longevity, but along with that, caring for your attire in the right way is also essential.

All clothing fabrics shouldn’t be tended to in the same manner. For instance, dark, blazing colors and intricately structured materials require special care as compared to light-toned, white, or cotton ones.

Research Theory and Experiment

According to research done by the University of Leeds, in association with Procter and Gamble, washing garments in the coldest and shortest rounds helps them last longer. Another experiment was conducted in which dozens of T-shirts were taken from familiar brands, namely Russel, Hanes, and Gildan.

They were washed in two different temperatures, warm wash setting (40°C) for 85 minutes and cold water setting (25°C) for a duration of 30 minutes, followed by a comprehensive comparison of the microfiber loss, color fading, and dye stains.

The result derived from the study depicted a note-worthy color loss, significant color transfer, and notable loss of microfiber for the 85-minute water cycle, while in the 30-minute cold-quick period, it was observed that the microfiber loss was very slight in comparison. There was a lesser degree of color loss and dye transfers, as well.

Is cold water wash always the best option?

This scientific study proved that washing your laundry in a colder and shorter cycle gives a better result. It is the safest of all options, especially for delicate garments, as it prevents them from fading and fiber damages. However, it cannot be concluded that it is always the best option for all the clothing articles.

Different clothing essentials need different cleaning procedures depending on the purpose it’s used for or the delicacy of the fabric. For instance, for heavily soiled articles such as underwear, towels, or doormat, a heavy-duty cycle will be most suitable, where the primary purpose of wash is to get rid of germs and allergens.

A high-speed spin with hot water would ensure thorough cleaning of heavily soiled clothing. Likewise, for relatively less soiled garments such as jeans, cotton, and whites, which fall under the sturdy fabric category, a standard duty cycle paired with warm water and spun at average speed would serve as the best combination.

Furthermore, if you’re washing dark colored clothes, lacy dresses, or delicate fabric, your ruling purpose is only to get rid of the sweaty stench so the slow-spin gentle wash cycle with cold water would be the safest bet.

A few tips that you should follow religiously

– Be sure you use a well-formulated detergent to avoid color fading, as some low-end brands comprise of chlorine-bleach that wears out the fiber in your clothes

– Wash clothes inside-out to prevent them from snagging or wearing out due to friction in the washing machine

– Do not forget to read garment care label directions and wash accordingly

– Consider using a fabric softener that would give a velvety touch to your dresses

– Always air dry your clothes rather than using an electric dryer, which can shrink or weaken the fabric