How to extend the wear of your clothing

Of course, simple things like hanging your clothes to dry, washing them with similar colors, and on the right settings will make all the difference.

I always use a non-toxic natural detergent primarily because it's best for my health. My favorite is this one. I also like to add a half a cup of vinegar to each wash load to prevent fading. As a bonus, vinegar acts as a natural fabric softener and the smell washes away with the rinse cycle.

Another trick I love is to skip washing altogether when it is possible. The more you wash an item, the more faded it becomes. If you've only worn a garment for a few hours, don't toss it in the washer. Hang it up, spritz it with an essential oil spray (recipe below), and let it air out. Did you know that Levi Strauss CEO Chip Bergh says to never machine wash jeans and just spot clean them with a sponge?

DEODORIZERS

We can use deodorizers like Febreeze but I prefer to save money and protect my body from the fragrances in these sprays. Like many cleaning products, the main concern with Febreeze is its ingredients. Here are just some of the dangerous ingredients that might be in a bottle of Febreeze:

• Cyclodextrin– Can cause damage to vision.

• Benzisothiazolinone– Moderate concern for aquatic toxicity and some concern for skin allergies and irritation and developmental or reproductive effects.

• Dialkyl sulfosuccinates– Some concern for developmental and reproductive effects, can cause damage to vision, and can irritate skin and allergies.

• Deodorizing agent– This is a non-specified ingredient that could hide other ingredients known to cause damage to the skin, reproductive system, and other organs.

• Fragrance– Just like deodorizing agent, putting the word “fragrance” on a label could hide hundreds of other ingredients that can cause serious harm to your health.

I love this simple recipe!

Natural febreeze spray

1 Teaspoon Baking Soda

10-15 drops Purify or essential Oil of choice 

Water

1. Spray bottle

2. Add baking soda and essential oils of choice to a small mixing bowl.

3. Using a fork, mix well. (Mixing the oils with baking soda will help it to incorporate with the water better.)

4. Add mixture to a glass spray bottle and top off with water.

5. Shake well before use.

6. Spray it on your clothes to freshen them between wears and spray it on your floor, furniture, shoes, or cars to freshen the air!