A tHERAPY IS YOURS? Now is your turn to care for IT so it last. And for the environment.
Washing
@thesustainablefashionforum informs “More than 60% of clothing today contains synthetic materials and fibers —which means every time we do our laundry, our clothes shed tiny microfibers, which go down the drains of our washing machines, through the wastewater treatment facilities and into our waterways.
With each wash, a synthetic garment can shed up to 1.900 fibers. It's estimated that up to 35% of the 1.5 million tons of microplastics released into the ocean every year are the result of washing synthetic textiles. That's the equivalent of more than 50 billion plastic bottles!
What can we do to combat this? As much as possible, buy clothing with natural fibers and/or materials that are biodegradable.
For your clothing that does contain synthetic fibers, reduce how often you wash them.
Use less detergent and refrain from using high-heat and vigorous wash settings. Wash with maximum 30º.
Use green laundry detergent, like ECOVER. You can find it in many supermarkets. In Germany: EDEKA, Tengelmann, real, DM, Budnikowsky, Müller sell this brand. Also in Bio Markets, Reformhäuser (health food store). DM has a great deal of ecological cleaning products.
And online: BioNaturel, BigGreenSmile, Amazon.
When washing use a GuppyFriend laundry bag which is designed to reduce fiber shedding and protect your clothes. You can find them at guppyfriend.com
A Cora Ball is also a good option that collects the microfibers into fuzz that allows you to dispose of them without it entering into the water stream. Buy it online here: coraball.com
But CLEANING not only means WASHING
You can opt for cleaning just the dirty spot instead of the whole item. Hang it outside, in your balcony or window and let it get some fresh air and sunlight is also a way of cleaning. This is of course the only option for leather items.
Leather items
Hang it outside, in your balcony, backyard or window and let it get some fresh air (no direct sunlight).
Read here how to clean a leather item, for instance a jacket.
We recommend to get the newsletter from utopia.de for all kind of practical advices.
We also recommend you to download the AEG care label look book:
METALS / Items with metals
If your piece has metal parts in most of cases they can be removed for cleaning. If the metal can't be removed, please follow the instructions above depending if its a leather piece or not. If you would like to wash the item we recommend it to do it by hand and never leave the piece with metals on water for a long period of time as metals can oxidate and ruin the piece.
Find here 3 great tipps to take care of your metals in a natural way.
WOOL
"Irrespective of which method you use to wash wool clothes, it is recommended that garments are turned inside out before washing wool. This will prolong the item’s ‘as new’ look and feel.
To avoid colour “bleeding”, separate dark and pale colours before laundering. Also keep dark and light colours separate when they are wet. Some other simple general care instructions should be followed when washing wool garments.
Before storing or washing, empty pockets and remove belts, jewellery and other accessories to avoid sagging and bulging. Store with closures zipped or buttoned.
Brushing
For woven garments only: Using a soft garment brush, brush garments lengthwise after wearing to remove surface soil that might become stains later on. Dust and dirt can dull the appearance of wool fabrics.
Airing.
To remove cigarette or food odours, lay wool garments flat on a bed or towel for an hour. Woven garments may be hung in fresh air on a suitable hanger.
Hang wovens, fold knits
Woven wool garments should be hung on shaped or padded coat hangers. Knitted garments should be gently folded and stored in drawers."
Source: woolmark.com/care/general-care
Wool SUITS
Check this link for wool suits care instructions
SILK ITEMS (CAN BE WASHED AT HOME)
Despite the dry clean instruction on your silk items tag, you can actually clean and care for your silks at home. Just follow these very easy steps.
This other site also gives you step by step instructionsand confirms that "The safest way to wash delicate silk garments at home is to hand wash them. If the fabric care label tells you to “Dry Clean” or not machine wash, then it’s best to wash by hand. Follow the step-by-step instructions below on how to hand wash silk."
What to do when life cycle of the piece ends
Please do NEVER THROW CLOTHES TO THE TRASH BIN.
CONTACT us to request a to repair for your items.
OR Donate the itemS to a local charity (avoid big chains) or resale it.
We really love this five step guide to become a more conscious shopper, by FashionForGood