How to Keep Your Laundry in the Lap of Luxury
It doesn’t matter how expensive your clothes are or which designer boutique you bought them from; if you do not take extra special care of them, and give them all the TLC they deserve, they will not look amazing for long and that means you will look less luxe too. Luckily, keeping your laundry in the lap of luxury is much easier than you might think…
1. Curate the Perfect Products
Start by treating your laundry as you would your skincare regimen—only the best will do. Sure, the bargain-brand detergent you’ve been using since college gets your clothes “clean,” but what if they could be so much more? Seek out high-quality detergents and fabric softeners infused with sophisticated scents like sandalwood, saffron, or neroli. Pair these with color-safe boosters and gentle stain removers that work wonders on delicate fibers. You’ll begin to notice a difference not just in how your garments feel, but in how you feel slipping them on.
2. Sort Your Loads with Intention
Long gone are the days when “whites, darks, and colors” was all the sorting needed. Now, consider sorting your laundry with the same care you apply to your wine cellar. Group fine silks separately from plush towels, keep activewear apart from everyday basics, and never, ever mix those luxury linens with scratchy doormats. By creating distinct categories and treating each batch to its own custom cycle (hello, delicate wash setting!), you preserve the quality, texture, and longevity of every treasured piece.
3. Maintain Your Machinery Like a Chef Maintains Knives
A top-tier laundry routine demands top-tier equipment. Even if you’ve invested in a high-end washer and dryer, regular maintenance is the key to keeping them performing like a well-tuned orchestra. One often-overlooked task is to replace washer’s bearing and seal when they start showing signs of wear—an absolute must if you want whisper-quiet cycles and impeccable cleaning results. Keep vents clear, clean the lint trap religiously (it’s like flossing for your dryer), and consider professional servicing to ensure everything runs smoother than your favorite silk camisole.
4. Embrace the Art of Line-Drying
Yes, tossing everything into a tumble dryer is temptingly convenient, but have you considered the old-fashioned elegance of line-drying? Picture your linens swaying gently in a soft breeze, soaking up the scent of fresh air rather than a synthetic “mountain meadow.” Not only does line-drying reduce energy consumption, it’s also gentler on delicate fabrics and helps maintain their shape and softness. If the weather isn’t cooperating, invest in a stylish indoor drying rack—preferably something sleek and minimal that complements, rather than detracts from, your décor.
5. Scent Your Wardrobe Like a Five-Star Hotel
Ever stepped into a luxury hotel suite and marveled at that subtle, signature scent floating through the air? Recreate that sensory delight in your own closet. Tuck cedar blocks between cashmere sweaters to keep moths away while adding a crisp, woody fragrance. Slip scented sachets into drawers and line shelves with tissue paper spritzed lightly with your favorite linen spray. Over time, your wardrobe will smell as divine as the clothes themselves feel.
6. Ironing and Folding as Mindful Rituals
If you’ve been treating ironing and folding as chores to race through, it’s time for a mindset shift. Transform these tasks into mindful rituals. Use a quality iron that glides effortlessly over fabrics, smoothing out wrinkles without scorching delicate materials. Fold items meticulously, Marie Kondo-style, and store them with precision. You’ll feel more connected to your garments, appreciating the craftsmanship, the fabric, and the little details that drew you to them in the first place.
7. Know When to Call the Professionals
While many fabric-care steps can be done at home, certain items demand professional attention. High-quality suits, ornate gowns, and beloved heritage pieces may need expert cleaning to ensure they remain in pristine condition. Don’t hesitate to seek out reputable dry cleaners who understand the nuances of your clothing. Consider it outsourcing a small part of your at-home luxury to the artisans who know textiles best.
8. Celebrate the Results
Finally, once you’ve invested the time and care into elevating your laundry routine, take a moment to bask in the glow of your efforts. Slip between your freshly laundered sheets and revel in their velvety softness. Open your closet door and inhale the subtle aroma that now envelops your garments. Pull on a favorite sweater and notice how its texture feels more sumptuous against your skin. This is what happens when you stop treating laundry as a chore and start embracing it as an essential step in crafting a life of everyday luxury.
Here;s to clothes that are as luxurious as the day you bought them!