How To Keep Your Clothes Feeling Clean Even Between Washes
Not every item of clothing needs to be washed after one wear, but it can be hard to keep them feeling fresh in between laundry days. Over-washing your clothes can fade colors, wear out fabrics, and waste water. Not to mention your clothes will just feel worse, too. With a few simple changes in your habits, you can extend the life of your clothes, keep them smelling pleasant, and still feel confident wearing them.
Air Them Out
After wearing, hang clothes somewhere with good airflow instead of tossing them in a pile or back in the closet. A simple airing can release any trapped odors or moisture that lead to mustiness. Draping them over a chair near an open window or using a garment rack works perfectly well. This doesn’t just prevent stale smells though, it also helps keep your clothing wrinkle-free as it won’t be roughly tumbled in the dryer!
Spot Cleaning
A small stain or mark doesn’t mean the whole garment needs a full wash. Keep a stain remover stick or some mild soap on hand for quick spot cleans. Focus only on the affected area, dabbing it firmly with your cleaning agent of choice, then rinse and let it dry. This approach saves you time, protects the fabric, and keeps the rest of the clothing unaffected. It’s especially useful for sweaters, jackets, and pants that don’t need frequent laundering.
Steam Cleaning
A garment steamer can do more than remove wrinkles. The heat helps kill odor-causing bacteria, and the moisture lifts smells from the fabric. If you don’t have a steamer, try hanging your piece of clothing in the bathroom during a hot shower for a similar effect. This method works well for both delicate fabrics and structured pieces that can’t be washed as often, such as blazers or dresses.
Fabric Sprays
Fabric sprays can give clothes a quick, convenient boost in scent, but make sure you only choose ones with light, natural fragrances or odor-neutralizing formulas rather than heavy perfumes. Spray from a distance to avoid damp patches, and let the clothing air dry before wearing. This can give garments a clean, just-laundered feel without overwhelming the fabric or your senses.
Store Properly Between Wears
If you plan to wear something again before washing, store it separately from fully clean or dirty laundry. Hanging it in a breathable garment bag or an open section of your closet helps prevent any musty smells from building up. Folding clothes too soon after wearing can also trap odors in the fabric, so be sure to give each item space to stay fresh until you’re ready to wear it again.
Related Articles
- 5 Simple Laundry Habits That Will Make Wash Day Much Easier
- Hate Folding Laundry? 6 Easy Tricks to Make Emptying the Basket Faster
- How To Stop Sheets From Balling Up In Your Dryer
Keeping your clothes feeling fresh between washes isn’t just about convenience, it’s about caring for your wardrobe so it lasts longer and looks better. With a little thought toward how you dry, store, and clean your clothes, you can cut down on laundry, protect the fabrics, and still feel great in what you wear.
Daniel Mitchell
