6 Great washing tips I learned from grandma to keep my clothing in the best condition

If I asked my grandma if she would know what slow fashion means, she wouldn’t have a clue. Although the term slow fashion may not have existed back in the days, grandma knew exactly how to properly take care of clothes and make them last forever. Not entirely unimportant, because extending the life of clothing has a huge positive impact. 

Let me share this good old grandma wisdom with y'all.

1. Washing less, washing the right way and storing your clothes neatly are all important actions that can extend the life of your clothes. One of the main advantages of slow fashion is that these items are made to last. This means that you don't have to wash them as frequently as fast fashion items. Instead of washing, use a freshener like Zeepnood to quickly freshen up your clothes. Spraying vodka is an extremely effective way to get your clothes sweat-free and odor free. 1/3rd Vodka, top up with 2/3rd water and spray! Only wash your slow fashion items when they are visibly soiled or have a strong odor. 
   
   
2. If you do want to wash, always go for hand wash, with tepid water of a maximum of 29 degrees. Cold water is also gentler on fabrics, helping them to retain their shape and color for longer. Read the care instructions. Each garment is different and may require specific care. Be sure to read the care instructions on the label to ensure that you are treating your clothing in the best way possible.
   
   
3. Choose a detergent that is gentle on fabrics and free from harsh chemicals. This will help to preserve the quality of your clothing and prevent them from deteriorating prematurely. Seepje's organic detergent is a good alternative. They use the best ingredients from nature. Like the skins of the Sapindus mukorossi fruit from Nepal.
   
   
4. Also go for natural drying, which is better for your clothing and the environment! Avoid using a dryer whenever possible, as the heat can cause shrinkage and damage to your garments. Instead, hang your clothing up to dry naturally. If you must use a dryer, use the lowest heat setting and remove your garments as soon as they are dry to prevent wrinkling.
   
   
5. Wash your clothing inside out, this helps prevent color fading and damage to the outside of your clothing. The inside of your garments then take the most friction.
   
   
6. Wash with similar colors to prevent color bleeding. This is especially important for slow fashion items that may have bold or vibrant colors.

The slow fashion movement

Now there is a whole slow fashion movement dedicated to promoting sustainability in the fashion industry by valuing quality over quantity. It encourages consumers to invest in well-made, timeless pieces that will last for years to come. While these items may come with a higher price tag, they are worth the investment as they not only reduce waste but also save money in the long run. Interested in joining the slow fashion movement? Join our Instagram community to learn more.

Buy less, buy better, buy sustainable at Achilles and the Tortoise

By following these tips, you can help to extend the lifespan of your slow fashion items and ensure that they remain a valuable part of your wardrobe for years to come. Investing in quality, timeless pieces is not only good for the environment, but it is also good for your wallet in the long run. If you have finally had enough, pass on the shirt, or hand it in to us for a 10% discount. We use the shirt to make new clothing. Looking for high quality pieces? Explore our collection here.