How to Keep Your Clothes Fresh Between Washes
Why “less washing” is better?
Washing your clothes less often isn’t just good for the planet - it’s also better for your clothes.
Frequent washing can wear out even the most durable fabrics, causing them to fade, shrink, or lose their shape over time. That’s especially true for linen, which naturally softens with each wash but also becomes more fragile if over-washed.
The key? Treat washing as a last resort, not the first step.
Instead of throwing your dress in the laundry after every wear, a few simple habits can help you keep your clothes feeling clean, fresh, and ready to wear again.
Day to day habits that keep your clothes feeling fresh
You don’t need a full laundry cycle to refresh your favorite clothes. Small, mindful habits can go a long way in extending wear between washes:
- Hang it up after wearing
Instead of tossing clothes on a chair or into a laundry basket, hang them on a breathable wooden or padded hanger. This helps air them out and keeps their shape intact.
- Let it breathe overnight
Give your linen or cotton pieces a rest in open air before putting them back in the closet. A night on a hanger (away from direct sunlight) helps release body heat and minor odors.
- Steam instead of washing
A quick pass with a handheld steamer not only smooths light wrinkles but also refreshes the fabric. The steam lifts out any lingering smells and helps reshape the garment naturally.
- Spot clean when needed
A small mark doesn’t mean a full wash is necessary. Use a damp cloth or gentle stain remover to clean only the affected area.
- Use a natural fabric spray
A linen-safe spray with essential oils (like lavender or eucalyptus) can give your clothes a subtle refresh between wears.
These tiny routines can add days of wear to your linen or cotton clothes keeping them fresh, functional, and always ready to go.
But… What about odors or sweat?
Sometimes your clothes look fine, but odors or sweat make you feel like they need a wash. With a few adjustments, you can stay fresh and reduce the need to launder too often. Our top 2 tips are:
- Layer with a base piece
Wearing a breathable inner layer like a light cotton or bamboo tee under dresses or knitwear helps absorb sweat and protect the outer garment. It’s especially useful on warm days or when traveling.
- Avoid buildup with better deodorant
Opt for aluminum-free deodorants that are less likely to leave yellow stains or greasy marks on fabrics. This keeps both your skin and clothes fresher longer.
Pro tip: Synthetic fabrics tend to trap odors more than natural ones. Choosing linen, cotton, or wool helps your clothes breathe and stay fresher between washes.
Fabric care tips: from linen to wool
Not all fabrics behave the same. Here’s how to keep each type fresh between washes:
- Linen – Quick-drying and breathable. Shake out and hang to air after wear. Spot clean or steam as needed.
- Cotton – Soft but absorbent. Spot clean lightly used items and hang after wear.
- Wool – Naturally odor-resistant. Air it out and brush lightly instead of washing.
- Silk & Viscose – Delicate fabrics that benefit from gentle airing and dark, cool storage. Avoid spraying or steaming directly.
- Synthetics – Tend to hold odor. Air out promptly after wear and wash more frequently, using gentle cycles to preserve the fabric.
By understanding your fabric’s behavior, you can care smarter and wash less.
Final Thoughts
Keeping your clothes fresh between washes isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing the right things.
From linen dresses to cotton basics, your wardrobe will last longer and feel better with a few mindful habits. And when you choose natural fabrics and silhouettes that breathe and move with you, staying fresh becomes effortless.
🧵 Ready to discover timeless styles that feel just as good on the second (or fifth) wear? Explore the LeMuse linen collection → dresslemuse.com