7 Laundry Products You Need to Prolong the Life of Your Clothes

The people over at The Laundress are bona fide laundry lovers, so trust that they know what they’re doing with their signature detergent. Designed for everyday items like T-shirts, socks, and sheets, this detergent will help make sure your most worn pieces will live a long, colorful, and happy life. The price tag is steep, but worth the splurge: It smells exactly how clean clothes should smell, and even comes in a gallon-size bottle that will last longer than your average grocery store brand.

It seems like every time I bring home a new piece of clothing, the care label insists that I lay it flat to dry. If you can relate, and you don’t live in a house with endless flat surfaces for wet clothes, try this folding drying hanger. It has three large mesh shelves for drying your delicates, with gentle straps to keep the items in place. Hang the fully enclosed, windproof hook indoors or out, and collapse it when you’re done for easy storage.

I made the switch from dryer sheets to wool dryer balls years ago for environmental purposes, and never looked back. Not only are they more eco-friendly, but they also help your clothes dry faster, come out fluffier, and prevent static cling. Something I learned once I started paying attention to care labels is that dryer sheets are not only pretty expensive, but they often leave a film on your clothes and linens. With towels specifically, that coating affects their power to absorb water over time, so they won’t soak up water after a shower nearly as well. Making the switch to dryer balls is even more cost effective, so there’s no true downside to investing here.

Denim is a particular beast to wash. The cotton fibers are especially prone to pilling, fading, and other signs of aging — so you’ll want a detergent that will keep them in good condition for as long as possible! Look after them by washing them separately with Tangent GC Oud denim wash, a gentle, organic laundry soap that won’t corrode the fabric over time. It’s good for more than just your favorite jeans: According to reviews, you can also use it on your go-to cotton shirt and synthetic fabrics.

There are certain clothing items that should always be kept separate from other clothes to avoid unfortunate snags or damage. A set of five mesh laundry bags in various sizes is exactly what you need to keep track of undergarments, swimsuits, sweaters, workout gear, and more. They’ll help keep delicate items in good condition for longer, and you can even use them as a hack to combine multiple loads of laundry into one. They come in a few different sizes, and are durable as heck: One customer said that after a year of heavy use, they showed no signs of wear and tear.

There are certain items you probably don’t want bouncing around in your hamper, like dirty scrubs, sweaty workout gear, or mud-covered shoes. These STNKY bags are an ingenious way to keep them separate in your bag and in the washing machine. Use them at work, at the gym, or while traveling to separate dirty items, and toss the entire thing in the wash when you get home (yes, the bag itself is washable too!). They’re super dependable and reusable, and reviewers report that they keep odors isolated even with several days’ worth of items inside.

These Woolite detergent packs offer the convenience of a detergent pod with the time-tested effectiveness of the Woolite brand. With the same unscented, dermatologist-approved formula you know and love, these pods promise to gently clean your clothes without stretching, shrinking, or fading. This is perfect to use on special or delicate items to keep them looking new for longer. Those with sensitive skin or young kids will also love them for everyday use.