Fabric care is often equated with just washing and sometimes ironing. However, to enjoy healthy living, the care of our clothing should be one of our priorities. The maintenance of our fabrics and clothes plays a significant role in our health and overall well-being. Therefore, it should be considered a daily priority.
Germs and bacteria can be transmitted in hospitals, homes, clinics, and other environments if fabric care is not taken seriously.
Holistic fabric care
How well do we understand the processes involved during and after washing? I remember soaking my clothes for long hours, mixing whites with coloured fabrics, and sometimes ending up with discoloured, ruined clothes. Worse still, I battled persistent skin irritations for years. It wasn’t until I started rinsing my clothes thoroughly that the skin reaction disappeared—without any medication. This personal experience opened my eyes to the importance of proper fabric care—not just for durability, but for health.
Fabric care includes proper storage, adhering to care labels and symbols (washing, bleaching, drying, ironing, and dry cleaning), avoiding drying under direct sunlight, and using appropriate hangers. According to Wolfram et al. (2006), detergent residues left in fabrics after poor rinsing can lead to contact dermatitis, especially in people with sensitive skin. Similarly, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH, 2012) warns that prolonged exposure to some detergent chemicals may trigger skin allergies and respiratory symptoms.
We often soak fabrics beyond the recommended time, unaware that dirt and dye can reabsorb into the clothes, making them even filthier. Fabrics such as cotton or linen may bleed if mixed with synthetic materials—especially in hot water—leading to permanent staining.
The bleaching dilemma
Even our use of whitening agents requires caution. If not used correctly, these can degrade fabric strength and leave behind harsh chemical residues.
This reminds me of a beautiful white shirt I had back in the day. I always ensured it was sparkling by using Hypo (a common household bleach/whitening agent) almost every time I washed it. Eventually, the negative impact became obvious—the shirt became weak and started tearing on its own. Studies by Seyam and El-Shishtawy (2010) highlight that excessive use of bleaching agents causes fibre damage, significantly reducing fabric lifespan.
Drying and storage practices
The method of drying clothes matters too. Spreading clothes on ropes in open compounds may leave brownish marks where the rope meets the wet fabric—especially when ropes are rusty or dusty. I can recall several times I had to rewash clothes because of this until I deliberately began cleaning the line, using hangers, or removing rope marks from wet clothes.
Understanding the makeup of our fabrics is key. Some are natural, like cotton or wool, while others are synthetic, like polyester. Each type requires specific handling. Textile experts from the American Association of Textile Chemists and Colourists (AATCC, 2018) emphasise the need to separate clothes by type and colour, and to use appropriate washing conditions to maintain fabric quality.
Ironing and washing machines
Even ironing is not universal. Some fabrics should not be ironed, while others—like underwear and bed linen—should be pressed before use to kill bacteria and germs. A study by El-Sayed (2015) notes that ironing at high temperatures can help eliminate bacteria, especially in humid regions. The iron should be set at the right temperature according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
In this era of washing machines, convenience has led many to toss all fabrics together, overlooking settings like fabric type, wash time, and spin speed. Improper use of machines causes fabrics to fade faster and wear out prematurely.
We also shouldn’t ignore the scent lingering on dry clothes. While it may seem pleasant, it could indicate detergent or chemical residue, which may have long-term effects on skin and health. It is paramount that we rinse our clothes properly before drying.
Conclusion
Caring for our clothes goes beyond cleanliness—it’s about preserving their quality and safeguarding our health. The way we wash, rinse, dry, and iron our fabrics matters. Proper fabric care not only extends the lifespan of clothes but also protects our skin, prevents irritation, and promotes overall well-being.
Our health and overall wellness will significantly improve as we take fabric care seriously—not just as a routine chore, but as a necessary practice for healthy living.
