Did you know UO Head Office has a team of quality experts?
From careful testing to creating care labels, their mission is to ensure our products are developed to be durable and long-lasting.
Here’s their top tips:
Care & Repair: Guide To Washing
Moved out and wished you’d paid closer attention to your family’s laundry days? Don’t panic, we’ve got you. From cleaning step-by-steps and storage hacks to tips from the experts and effortless ways to look after your stuff, learn how to wash like a pro with our ultimate care guide.Stick around and you might finally find out what that symbol on your jean label means.
The Experts
Always read the care label (especially before cutting one out that's itchy!)
Reduce the temperature from 40 to 30 to use less energy
You'll be pleased to know not every item of clothing needs washing every time you wear it. Prolong the life of your garment plus reduce your water and energy usage by not throwing everything straight into the wash basket.
Get creative! Wear and tear is inevitable but that doesn’t mean the life of your item is over. Check out our repair guide for more tips!
When you’ve finished loving your item, don’t let that be the end of its life. Donate, swap or sell it so someone else can love it too.
Pov You're A Laundry Pro
TIP: Don't give up! If stains don't come out, try repeating the below before drying or ironing as heat will set a stain!
- Decide where you want to add the patch
- Use pins to hold the patch in place
Protect your finer fabrics from getting damaged. Wash and dry heavier items such as towels in a different load from lighter garments. Separate items with zips, buttons and other hard finishings as these could damage your knitwear or lingerie.TIP: When sorting laundtry try using net bags. They're great for delicate items or lingerie. You'll never lose a sock in the wash again!
No matter how clumsy or careful we are, stains are inevitable. Give these items a bit more attention by pre-treating and washing them separately on a longer, tougher cycle to ensure they get the cleaning they need.Here's how to pre-treat stains:
Work in some liquid detergent directly onto the stain with your finger. Let the garment sit for a couple of minutes then check the care label and put it in the wash.
Work in washing up liquid onto the stain, then work in some liquid detergent. Leave on for 10-15 minutes before checking the care label and putting it in the wash.
Fill up your sink with warm water, add a teaspoon of detergent and mix to form a soak. Meanwhile work in some baking soda into the stain with a splash of water to lift any dirt particles. Let your garment soak for 30 minutes before checking the care label and putting it in the wash.
Choose Me , Hand Wash Me, Love Me
Don't be lazy and chuck a hand wash item in with last night's fit and your duvet set... we see you. Follow these easy steps to keep your clothes damage-free.
- Fill a sink or bucket with luke warm water and a teaspoon of liquid or hand-wash detergent.
2. Soak your garments thoroughly and leave them for 30 minutes.
3. After soaking, gently swish them around, avoiding twisting motions to prevent the fabric from stretching.
4. Drain the water from the sink.
5. Rinse the garment in clean water and avoid damages by not wringing or twisting it.
6. Press your item to the side of the sink to get rid of the excess water and lay them flat to dry.
Get Your Trainer Sneaky Clean
Attached to your new pair of trainers? We get it. Here's how to clean your trainers by hand and find out when's best to chuck them in the washing machine.
1. Remove excess dirt by knocking the soles together. Then use a soft brush (old toothbrush will do) to scrub off any remaining dirt.
2. Use a flannel to gently wipe away stains with a mild laundry detergent and lukewarm water mix.
3. Dip the flannel in the mix and remove excess soap and suds. You can use a soft bristle brush dipped in water to clean the outsoles on the edge of your shoe's sole.
4. Dry at room temperature. If your trainers are leather, apply a small amount of leather shoe conditioner or treatment.
5. For canvas trainers, remove laces and insoles (or eliminate bad odors and was these too).Place the shoes in a pillowcase and wash in the washing machine on a cold/delicate cycle with washing detergent. Dry at room temperature.
1. Remove excess dirt by knocking the soles together. Then use a soft brush (old toothbrush will do) to scrub off any remaining dirt.
2. Use a flannel to gently wipe away stains with a mild laundry detergent and lukewarm water mix.
3. Dip the flannel in the mix and remove excess soap and suds. You can use a soft bristle brush dipped in water to clean the outsoles on the edge of your shoe's sole.
4. Dry at room temperature. If your trainers are leather, apply a small amount of leather shoe conditioner or treatment.
5. For canvas trainers, remove laces and insoles (or eliminate bad odors and was these too).Place the shoes in a pillowcase and wash in the washing machine on a cold/delicate cycle with washing detergent. Dry at room temperature.
Storage Hacks
Hate irorning? Don't we all. Good news, not everything needs an iron! TIP: Let the steam relax the crease! Save energy and effort by hanging creased clothing in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
Knitwear is heavy and hanging them up can cause them to go out of shape. Fold them instead to keep them good as new.
Elastane needs time to relax once worn to prevent stretching. Keep your favourite elastic pieces on rotation and give them time to breathe.
Don't put your seasonal wardrobe away dirty! Moths love skin, hair and whatever else could be left on your items pre-packing. To prevent moth damage, always clean your stuff before you let it hibernate.
Hate irorning? Don't we all. Good news, not everything needs an iron! TIP: Let the steam relax the crease! Save energy and effort by hanging creased clothing in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.