2nd Commander asked:


So what’s the best way to make your clothes last a long time!

Some of my shirts are starting to fade in color.
I got some holes in some of my shirts. Don’t know if i hot it on something, or it’s like that naturally. Or maybe that shirt was so thin feeling, and it wasn’t that strong.

So i wear dark color clothes. I wear Black, Grey, Olive, sometimes green, brown, and that’s about it.

So how do I get my clothes to last. From the washing to the hanging and storing.

Surely there is a proper or very effective way to maintain clothes.

So what are good detergants. I just use the Costco brand detergant. THe white powderly stuff. I use cold water only. Then I put in these Costco Kirtland softener sheets into the dryer. I put the drying on low. Then I just hang my shirts after i get them out, and i just toss my boxers, and socks in a box. Then jeans I kind of just shake them a bit and fold them.

What can I do better?
Is there some good products that help keep the color of my clothes? Do you hang or hold the shirts after you get them out. ? what’s the best?

sorry it’s a lot of questions. i’m spending 24 dollars for each shirt. don’t know if it’s expensive, but it’s kind of a lot. so i wanna keep them for some time.
So is it bad to wash my shirts and jeans together?

I have my own washer and dryer.

I just throw in all my clothes in the wash.

My colors are all pretty dark i think.

grey, brown, black, olive, green. is that alright to wash together. i don’t wear white, and stuff. I also throw in cotton socks, and boxers.

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6 Comments to “How do you make your clothes last?”

  1. joe j says:

    Unfortunately, the best way to get your clothes to last is not a cheap solution (but will ultimately save you money.) Buy a front load washing machine. Top-loaders tear the hell out of your clothes.

  2. Nurse Susan says:

    1] do you pretreat your clothes for stains? They will eat holes in clothes if you leave the really good stain remover on them.
    2] do you wash clothes at a laundromat? Those machines are much tougher on clothes than your own machines.
    3] are you following washing directions for the shirts? Water temp, gentle or permanent press cycle? Dryer instructions?
    Hang on plastic or wooden hangers.
    4] do you separate your clothes? Whites, colors, darks?
    Jeans [ they will tear up all the more fragile clothes ]separate from dress shirts? Towels and sheets in warm water, separate from clothing? Costs more to wash this way, but clothes stay in good shape longer.
    5] dress shirts - Arrow, Stafford, Van Heusen - get the ones that have slightly more polyester than cotton, and say wrinkle free or wrinkle resistant.
    Buy some colors that look good on you , in brights [ ruby, emerald, sapphire, amethyst ] or vivid pastels [ rose, yellow/ vanilla pudding color, spearmint, smoke or teal blue ].
    6] make sure you have a tie that matches the shirt - or buy one at the same time!
    I have some tank tops older than my son [ age 23 ], but always followed above rules.

  3. tercentenary98 says:

    I take care of my clothes. I don’t lie in the grass or roll around in the mud for one.

  4. Fran J says:

    take care of them. wash colors with colors and white with whites. do not use hot water it fades them faster

  5. I need help! says:

    Good morning, 2nd Commander! Don’t use dryer sheets! They tend to make the clothes softer and rip easier.

  6. starcrssdlover says:

    My Laundry Story….
    I am the proud owner of a Flutie Flakes t-shirt. For you non-Buffalo Bills fans, Doug Flutie is a well and fondly remembered second string Bills quarterback…oh, just look up the history yourself!! The shirt in question is about 10 years old, bright red, with Flutie Flakes emblazoned across the chest area. I wear it often, and no matter if I am at a Bills game or the local gas station I always get favorable comment.I’ll miss that shirt, but it still has a few good years left…Here are my tips!!
    #1. Do not wear your favorite shirt, etc, if you plan on eating greasy, messy stuff like wings, etc. If you DO get greasy stuff on it, treat clothes with a stain removal product like Spray n Wash BEFORE throwing it in the washer!! After that; do NOT throw it in the dryer till you are sure stain is gone.
    #2. Dryers are hard on clothes. I hang mine outside on the clothesline, inside out to prevent fading. Also this gives you a second chance at stain removal if you missed a spot!!
    #3. I use whatever laundry soap is on sale. I have no idea if brand matters, and I always use cold water except for towels. I also never use fabric softener of dryer sheets, but if you live in an area with really hard water you might need to.I do not know if those things affect the life of your laundry.
    #4. Clothes come out of the dryer (if you use that) or off the line fairly wrinkle-free, and if you hang them or fold them well you can avoid using the IRON–a time-consuming pain in the butt!!!!
    Good luck, hope I helped!! :)