TAKE CARE

Words: Nhlanhla Masemola | Images: Instagram

Ever caught yourself scrolling through your faves’ carefully curated looks and wondered how exactly they get their clothes looking so damn fresh every single time? Then you’ve come to the right place. With the help of DJ Phola Gumede and content creator Chelsea Arendse, we’re peeling back the style and garment-care curtain. Our favourite fashion insiders are sharing a few tips and tricks about how they make their clothes last longer and keep them looking as brilliant as they did the day they were first bought.

PHOLA GUMEDE

What’s a typical laundry day like for you?

It starts with me separating my washing load into whites, greys, light blues, colour and darks.

Powder, liquid or Pods?

I use liquid detergent. I find that it doesn’t leave a soapy residue on my clothes.

Any rules you swear by when it comes to taking care of colourful clothes?

Handwashing is honestly the best way, but I’m lazy, so I mostly use the delicate wash cycle on the washing machine.

And black clothing? How do you preserve the colour?

I mostly make sure that I wash all the darks together. It also largely depends on the item of black clothing. Some wash out colour sooner than others.

What fabric do you think is the most tricky to take care of?

Definitely satin or silk. It’s so delicate and mostly needs to be hand washed and dry cleaned.

CHELSEA ARENDSE

What’s a typical laundry day like for you?

Relatively quick and easy. I usually do one to two loads and I set the washing machine to eco-wash to help save time and water. I like to separate my garments into colours and fabrics and use quality detergents that I trust.

Are there any garments that you avoid wearing often, to preserve the quality?

I don’t wear my satin garments too often to ensure they don’t get hooked or damaged. I also wear my white cotton shirts less often, because they lose their crispness so fast.

Any clothes you’d never dare take to a dry cleaner?

Some of my jackets, especially the ones stuffed with feathers. The feathers inside the garments are so delicate so I prefer handwashing them so they stay looking great.

Any preferred detergents?

I only use liquid detergents and usually stick to Ariel. I love how effective the liquid is, as it keeps my clothing clean and smelling amazing. I haven’t used powders to wash my clothing for many years now – the powder leaves white marks and then you have to wash the garments again. This is a complete waste of time for me.

Any rules you swear by when it comes to taking care of colourful clothes?

Keep similar colours together and add fabric conditioner. Don’t let them dry in direct sunlight, because the sun can really cause fading.

And black clothing? How do you preserve the colour?

Always use cold water and turn garments inside out. I usually add just enough detergent to the washing load and, of course, let them dry in the shade.

What storage tips have you found to make your clothes last longer?

Fold all your knitwear, so that it doesn’t stretch and lose its shape. Use good hangers and don’t put more than one item on them – this could ruin garments after a while.