Did you know that up to 25% of a garment’s ecological footprint comes from the way you care for it? And that just by doubling the life of clothing from one to two years, we can help reduce its total emissions by as much as 24%? This is why today, we want to share some simple tips on how to better wash, dry and store your garments.

Whether you’re dealing with natural materials like silk and linen, or synthetic fabrics like nylon, these small gestures can help protect your favourite pieces — and the environment. Keep reading to see the words of wisdom we’ve collected over the years!

Tips for washing your clothes

• Wash less often. As consumers, we’ve been conditioned to think that we should wash our clothing as frequently as possible. In fact, laundering after every wear is not only unnecessary, it can be damaging. If your clothes are only lightly soiled, try airing them out on a hanger first. 
  
  
• Also, remember that each time a synthetic fabric is washed, it releases thousands of tiny microfibres which can find their way through wastewater to the oceans. Get to know your fabrics — and check that care label. You’ll want to avoid over-washing high-pile textiles like fleece and learn to fill your closet with durable, high quality, pile-resistant fabrics (such as Carvico Vita, the innovative nylon used for RIMMBA swimwear) over low quality high-shed fabrics. Some natural fibres, like ramie, are even antimicrobial.
  
  
• Wash on low heat. High temperatures can shrink fabrics like cotton and linen, and will cause natural dyes to fade more quickly. Besides, you can save nearly half of the energy needed for a wash by lowering the temperature from 60°C to 30°C.

• When it comes to silk, ramie or chiffon: hand-wash whenever possible! These fabrics are luxurious precisely because they are delicate. Simply fill a basin with cool water, add some gentle soap (a natural bar soap works well), and submerge your garment. Agitate the water slightly and soak for 10-15 minutes, then lift to dry.
  
  
• Wash your garments inside out. This will help preserve their colour and shape. Top tip: you can also throw your finer pieces in a lingerie bag for extra protection.
  

• Don’t machine wash your swimwear. Just give it a rinse after each swim.
  
  
• Avoid standard laundry detergents and fabric softeners, which are often full of harsh chemicals. Consider switching to eco-labelled products, which are free of toxins like chlorine bleach and phosphates.
  
  
• For your non-whites, you can also consider natural alternatives like soap nuts. Soap nuts are dried fruit shells harvested from the soapberry tree, which contain a natural soap, called saponin. They are 100% biodegradable, vegan and hypoallergenic. These little wonders are also reusable! Just put 4-6 soap nuts in a muslin bag, and throw them in the washer along with your laundry. After washing, remove bag and let dry. Once the shells become soft and grey, you can compost them.

• Need to remove a stubborn stain? Try baking soda. A little splash in your wash will help make your whites whiter, and even remove odours and soften fabrics.
   
• Another alternative that some swear by is pure sodium percarbonate. This fantastic bleaching agent can be used to destain, deodorize, and whiten fabrics. It activates in hot water and is very effective when mixed into a paste and used as a spot remover. Do be careful when working with delicate fabrics like silks and wools though — as with any treatment, test it first on a hidden seam or other inconspicuous area. Also good to know: sodium percarbonate is environmentally safe and leaves no harmful residues in your wash water.
  
  
• Most dry cleaning methods are highly toxic, so only do this when absolutely necessary, e.g. with very fine wools, suede or leather.

Tips for drying and storing your clothes

• If you live in a tropical climate like Bali, air drying is the best way to go! Tumble dryers are not energy efficient, and over time, their use can warp the shape of your clothes. For the best results, dry your clothes inside out and far away from direct sunlight. 
  

• Hang more structured pieces like shirts, skirts and dresses to dry.  Knitwear, delicates and stretchy fabrics like lycra should be dried flat when possible.
  

• Drying your white clothes in direct sunlight can help brighten them. A few hours should do the trick. But be careful, and remember that dye colours are sensitive to light (especially natural dyes).
  

• Avoid excessive ironing. Again, remember that some fabrics are more sensitive to heat than others. Cotton and linen can withstand high heat, and linen also loves water, so iron while still damp. For all other fabrics (including synthetic fibres and blends) it is advisable to use medium to low heat and to iron inside out. For silks and wools, we suggest using a pressing cloth.

• Once your clothes are clean, store them in a cool, dry, dark place. In Bali, the humidity is very high, so try to air out your closet regularly.
  
  
• Consider using natural deodorants and sunscreens. You want to avoid ingredients like aluminium, which can turn clothes yellow and cause brittleness.