Clothes waste is a serious problem in the UK, with studies showing the average garment lasts just two years before it’s thrown away, which then contributes to the £140 million worth of clothing going into landfill each year.
Vegan cleaning brand Clothes Doctor is working hard to revive beloved clothing and reduce waste. In fact, the brand claims that by extending the life of your clothes by nine months, you can reduce their carbon, water, and landfill by up to 30%.
The Cornwallbased business, which launched in 2017, started by providing a repair and alterations service for wornout clothing, so they could be revived rather than binned.
Then came its range of laundry products in 2020 — including stain removers, fabric conditioners, detergents and clothing mists — to help people take better care of their outfits from the comfort of their home.
I’m always trying to take steps to reduce my own clothing waste and take care of my garments, so I put Clothes Doctor to the test. Would it keep my clothes clean and fresh and, in turn, mean I do less laundry as a result?
My top Clothes Doctor picks
White Tea & Mint Clothing Spritz
Out of all the Clothes Doctor products I tried, this deodorising clothing spray is what I find myself reaching for the most. It keeps my clothes smelling fresher for longer, meaning I’m wearing jumpers and trousers up to five or more times before putting them in the wash.
It’s particularly handy when I’m in a rush and realise my outfit of choice is in the depths of my laundry basket; all it takes is a quick spritz and it smells as good as new.
The spray’s antibacterial properties, which help to prevent bacteria, mould and mildew, also leave garments feeling cleaner between washes.
I picked the revitalising white tea and mint scent, but it’s available in cedarwood and vanilla, and lavender and thyme.
‘Tough Love’ Stain Removal
Tough Love Stain Removal
Clothes Doctor’s stain remover claims to rid clothes of everything from red wine blotches to chocolate smears — but does it work?
In short, yes. I sprinkled this chlorinefree powder on a curry stain on my fleece pyjama bottoms, sponged it gently in warm water and let it soak for 15 minutes, before popping it in the washing machine.
I was slightly dubious, but my pyjamas emerged stainfree. I’m suitably convinced by this stainremoval powder and will be purchasing it again once my current one runs out.
A yellow mark on my pyjamas (left) vanished, thanks to the Clothes Doctor’s stain remover.
Cedarwood & Vanilla Knitwear Mist
Knitwear Mist, Cedarwood and Vanilla
Knitwear Mist, Cedarwood and Vanilla
This knitwear mist has come in handy now that temperatures have dropped and my woolly turtlenecks have made a comeback. After being in storage for months, my jumpers and cardigans can smell a little musty – but this spray makes it seem like they’ve come fresh out of the wash.
Not having to wash my knitwear as often is much appreciated, especially as wool tends to lose its shape or shrink if it’s washed too often.
The spray is also infused with cedarwood, a natural mothrepellent.
Ecowool Detergent for Cashmere and Wool
Eco Wash for Cashmere and Wool Detergent
Eco Wash for Cashmere and Wool Detergent
Ideal for woolly jumper season, this detergent uses a gentle pH formula to handle delicate fabrics — including cashmere and wool — with care.
After using one full cap (6ml) in a delicate wash cycle, my clothes smelled fresh and clean with hints of energising orange and natural cedarwood. I was particularly impressed by how soft my favourite cable knit jumper turned out – it’s a couple of years old yet felt as cosy as it did when I first purchased it.
This 250ml bottle should last up to 16 washes. 50ml and 500ml sizes are also available, which should last up to three and 32 washes respectively.
Natural Scent Bag
Natural Moth Repellent Scent Bag
Natural Moth Repellent Scent Bag
Placing one of these scent bags in your wardrobe or drawers should help to deter moths from damaging your clothes — we’ve had them in our drawers for three months now, and there has been no sign of these pesky insects anywhere. It’s filled with lavender, patchouli, lemongrass and eucalyptus, which is not only supposed to be a natural moth repellent, but will leave your fabrics smelling great.
Mine is currently tucked next to my favourite Rise & Fall linen bed sheets and so far, so good. The lavender notes are especially appreciated for adding a soothing, serene aroma to my sheets.
Clothes Doctor: The Verdict
Clothes Doctor feels like a simple way to revive my clothes, keeping them looking better for longer. Using these products also saved me from having to wash delicate knitwear regularly, and I feel confident that my clothes smelt and looked fresh.
You can find all featured products and more on the Clothes Doctor website.
