Industry reports reveal that British consumers are re-wearing their outfits 35% less than they did 15 years ago, with the average garment lasting only 7–10 wears[1]. Yet, there’s little discussion about how simple, mindful care can extend that lifespan. At a time when climate change is intensifying water scarcity — with the average washing machine consuming 50 litres per cycle — a simple switch to our daily laundry habits can improve not just the length of your favourite pair of jeans, but more importantly, the planet.
That’s why two B-Corps – conscious fashion brand OMNES and the original zero waste refill company, FILL REFILL– are joining forces to encourage a more conscious, low environmental impact approach to garment care.
The duo pack features OMNES x FILL Fabric Refresh Spray made to be used in-between washes to not only save yourself time, money and water, but also preserve your clothes. It’s proven that the most damage caused to clothes happens in the wash cycle, with colours fading, fabrics snagging and everyone’s bugbear, shrinking. With its odour neutralising ingredients, the spray removes any lingering scents picked up throughout the day and gives them a fresh boost of calming Neroli fragrance made from white blossom of the bitter orange.
The OMNES x FILL Laundry Liquid Neroli is made from only biodegradable ingredients, leaving out any harsh chemicals like bleach, for a kinder approach to both skin and clothes. The formula protects delicate fibres and reduces fading so you can extend the life cycle of your wardrobe, and works when handwashing to reduce water usage even further.
“No one sets out to treat their wardrobe as disposable, and yet, every year we send thousands of tonnes of textile waste to landfill. Preserving the lifespan of the clothing we already own is a preventative action we can all take to reduce the impact our wardrobes have on the planet” says OMNES founder Jordan Razavi.
“Over-washing is often an overlooked topic in the fashion industry, one that has long-term effects, which is why we’ve decided to collaborate with FILL REFILL. We wanted to provide customers with the tools and knowhow to look after their garments so that they can continue to wear them year after year.”
FILL REFILL’s team shares its expert tips on how to make your clothes last longer, and any misconceptions around fabric care:
- “As a guide on how often to wash certain items, denim is every 10+ wears, knitwear is 5-7 wears, dresses are 1-3 wears and coats should be just once a season. Always put cotton inside out and polyester should be in a microfilter wash bag to preserve the fabrics and to help trap microplastics to keep them out of the water supply.”
- “Even when jeans are washed with cold water on a gentle cycle, it can use up to 50 litres of water. You should wash denim every 10 wears and use a Fabric Refresh Spray in between, as opposed to washing every three wears. This switch can save 300-400 litres of water per year, per pair of jeans, which is huge!”
- “Our three biggest tips for longer-lasting clothes are to spot clean stains straight away so you don’t need the washing machine; wash on 30C or less; and opt for shorter cycles and less intensive spins will protect your clothes and save on energy.”
- “Less is more – don’t overfill your washing machine and don’t overdo it on laundry detergent. Our OMNES x FILL Laundry Liquid Neroli only needs a little bit to go a long way.”
- “The average UK home uses a minimum of 5 litres of laundry liquid per year. By choosing to refill and buy in bulk you can cut your plastic usage by up to 70%. If every home in the UK did the same, it would save 119 million single-use bottles from landfill.”
The OMNES x FILL REFILL Laundry Care Kit is available to purchase for £20.00 from OMNES.com and the brand’s store in Spitalfields, London, from 8th September, with the option to refill bottles on an ongoing basis at OMNES Spitalfields.
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