Ditch fabric softener and give jumpers a good steam: how to make your clothes last longer

"Spot cleaning stains as soon as they appear helps keep clothes out of the machine and extends the life of your fabrics, particularly for wool, denim and delicate fibres, says Prof Yang Wei of the Advanced Textiles Research Group at the Nottingham Trent University School of Art and Design. These fabrics don't respond well to frequent washing and heat, which can weaken fibres and cause them to wear out faster."

"Looking after your clothes properly can mean they last longer, hold their shape and don't need replacing nearly as often, which is better for both your bank balance and the planet. And while investing in well-made pieces is important, what you do afterwards matters just as much. Embracing small habits beyond separating your whites from your colours can help think washing clothes less often or airing them between wears."

"With advice from textile experts and conservators (people who spend their time understanding how fabrics behave and wear out), here's how to make your clothes go the distance. Even how you hang or store pieces can have an impact. Spot clean A white cloth, water and washing-up liquid are often all that's needed for spot cleaning."

"Special stain removal products aren't generally necessary for a spot clean, as Laura de Barra, cleaning and home expert, and author of Garment Goddess, explains. I tend to grab a white (always white to avoid dye transfer) cloth and soak it in warm water and washing-up liquid, and dab the stain."

Clothes can fade or develop a grey tinge when wear, washing, and storage habits damage fibres over time. Proper care helps garments last longer, maintain shape, and reduce how often they need replacing. Small habits beyond separating whites from colours can make a difference, including washing less often and airing items between wears. How garments are hung or stored also affects wear. Textile experts and conservators recommend spot cleaning stains as soon as they appear to keep items out of the washing machine. For spot cleaning, a white cloth, warm water, and washing-up liquid can be used to dab stains. Frequent washing and heat can weaken fibres, especially in wool, denim, and delicate fibres.

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