Good care begins with the careful preparation of the clothing. To avoid damage from small objects or sharp edges: empty all pockets beforehand, close zips and turn clothing inside out. Also sort the laundry according to colors and materials with similar care properties.

Wash gently

Washing in a climate-friendly way means washing as seldom as possible and as energy-efficiently as possible. Because the lower the temperature and the lower the spin speed, the less energy is used and the gentler the washing cycle is for the clothes. This also means that the washing machine should always be sufficiently loaded to avoid unnecessarily many washes. For normal clothing, 30 degrees in a short gentle cycle with a maximum spin speed of 800 is sufficient. The general rule is: Always follow the washing instructions on the label.

Dry gently

Even if it saves time: The dryer is really only suitable for boiled laundry. While wool, viscose and synthetic fibers are completely unsuitable for the dryer, it is also gentler on the rest of the clothing to air dry. Avoid direct sunlight so that the colors do not fade. Never hang up clothing that is wet, only damp, and dry heavy and delicate clothing lying flat so that it retains its shape. Smooth out any wrinkles before hanging.

Less washing

The less often the washing machine runs, the less water and energy is used. That also means: the better for the environment. A piece of clothing should therefore only end up in the washing machine if it is really dirty or heavily used. Conversely, this means: Wrinkles are not stains and fluff or pilling are not dirt. Smaller stains can be partially removed by hand to protect not only the entire garment but also the climate.

when to wash

After being worn once, only clothing that is close to the body usually needs to be washed. This includes underwear, socks, tight shirts, pajamas and sportswear. On the other hand, everyday clothing such as jeans, shirts and coats can instead be aired after wear to eliminate odors. Natural fibers such as cotton, linen and wool are particularly well suited for this.

Fresh longer

In order for a piece of clothing to stay beautiful and fresh longer between two cleanings, it needs careful handling after wearing. This includes hanging it neatly on a hanger and airing it out with plenty of air circulation before hanging it back in the closet. Gently smooth the fabric with your hand as soon as you remove it. A hand steamer not only removes wrinkles, but also odors and bacteria. Small stains can be removed with water and a little soap; Lint rollers and fabric razors keep clothes looking new without washing.

to remove stains

Clothes with stains belong in the next wash cycle? This is not only not very climate-friendly, but also a fallacy that can ruin clothing in the worst case. Because hot water and the dryer even make it easier for a stain to be removed completely. To prevent stains from settling into the fibers, they should be removed by hand with a little lukewarm water as soon as possible after soiling. If water alone is not enough, add a few drops of soap, washing-up liquid or a mild shampoo.