THE TRACE COLLECTIVE GARMENT CARE GUIDE:
SIMPLE STEPS FOR LOOKING AFTER YOUR PIECES
We create durable products made to last. Our organic natural fabrics are really robust compared to other options such as cotton and polyester, and with a little love your Trace Collective pieces will live in your wardrobe for a very long time. Life can get in the way sometimes and pasta and red wine stains are unavoidable. To make life easier, we have some pro tips for caring for your garments.
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Knowing how to best care for your clothes can not only extend their lifetime, but also significantly reduce their impact on the environment. Did you know that as much as 25% of a garment's carbon footprint comes from the way we wash it and care for it? Let's bring that percentage down!
1.
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ACT QUICKLY WITH STAINS
Treat the stain as soon as you notice it, as leaving it too long will make it difficult to remove. To do so, take a damp cloth and blot the stain. Do not rub or cause friction as this will make the stain spread further on the fabric.
Lay your garment flat and apply a stain remover and leave for a few minutes – avoid harsh chemicals such as bleach as this causes damage to the natural dye in the fabric.
2.
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WASH CONCIOUSLY
To help your linen and hemp garment’s longevity choose to either hand wash or machine wash at a cooler temperature – no more than 30 degrees – and on a gentle cycle. A warmer wash can damage the fabrics, both shape and colour. Turn the pieces inside out before putting them in the washing machine, and if possible use a laundry bag. Once the wash is completed, take extra care when handling them as the material can become weaker when wet. Never wring out either of the materials when damp as this can cause the natural fibres to break and causes wrinkles.
Choose an eco-friendly detergent when washing your garments that are gentle to the skin, making sure to avoid any harsh chemicals. With each wash, your linen and hemp garments will become softer, making them more comfortable to wear, which is a bonus. And remember, washing your garments isn’t always necessary, so do so only when needed. Letting them out to hang will help eliminate odour and refresh them for another wear, as well as saving water, energy and extending the garments lifespan.
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AIR DRY YOUR CLOTHES
​After you wash your garment, let it air dry on your clothesline. Tumble drying can cause the fabrics to break and loose shape, causing damage to the material.
Dryers use up a lot of energy so avoiding them is both cost-effective and better for the environment.
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IRONING AND STEAMING
Iron linen garments while still damp and make sure to put your iron on a mid-temperature setting. Steaming is less abrasive to the material, so if you have access to one, we recommend using this method instead.
Hemp pieces can be ironed similarly when damp and is a lot easier and effective at reshaping your garment.
For an alternative steaming process, hang them in your bathroom while showering to remove creases. This will also help them last longer.
5.
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DRY CLEAN LESS
​Dry cleaners can help get rid of more robust stains through their expert cleaning, but try to avoid dry-cleaning too often as it's a less sustainable choice compared to washing at home.
If you choose to dry clean, find an eco-friendly business that doesn't use harmful chemical solvents.