Clothing and Shoe Care
Looking after your clothes and shoes helps them last longer, keeps them looking their best, and reduces the need to buy new, saves money and reduces waste.
Keeping your clothes looking great
- Wash clothes less often.
- Use cold water.
- Choose gentler cycles.
- Air dry clothes.
- Turn clothes inside out when washing.
- Use a garment bag.
- Store clothes correctly. Use padded hangers. Fold and lie woollens down.
- De-pill clothes – a razor usually does the trick.
Scroll down for my eco-friendly washing powder recipe.
How to remove smells and stains
These natural products are safer for the environment because they break down into harmless substances, contain no harsh chemicals, and don’t pollute waterways.
Vinegar – Neutralises odours and helps break down stains by killing bacteria and dissolving residue trapped in fabric.
Bicarb soda – Absorbs moisture and smells while gently lifting light stains, leaving clothes fresher and cleaner.
Hydrogen peroxide – Eliminates odour-causing bacteria and removes tough stains by disinfecting and oxidising stubborn marks.
Shoe care
- Condition leather shoes to prevent cracking, maintain softness, and protect the material from moisture damage and odour build-up.
- Wash insoles and let air dry. Sprinkle baking soda inside shoes, leave overnight, then shake or vacuum out.
- Vinegar spray. Mix equal parts vinegar and water, lightly mist inside shoes, and let air dry.
- Freeze shoes. Seal in a plastic bag and freeze overnight to kill odour-causing bacteria.
- Let shoes dry completely between use. Insert newspaper to speed up drying.
- Place charcoal or cedar inserts inside shoes between wears to absorb moisture and smells.
- Don’t store shoes in damp or airtight containers where bacteria can grow.
- Dye, paint or use fabric textas to give old shoes a fresh look.
