Clean clothes feel better, smell better and last longer. Garment hygiene also matters for health, especially for pieces that sit close to the skin. It is why hygienic, clean apparel is one of Fit Yangu's four promises. This guide looks at what research says about germs on fabric, how Fit Yangu keeps every garment fresh until it reaches you, and the simple habits that keep your clothes clean at home.
What research says about germs on fabric
Fabric can carry bacteria for a surprisingly long time. A 2020 systematic review in GMS Hygiene and Infection Control gathered laboratory studies on how long bacteria survive on textiles. It found that some bacteria survived at room temperature for up to 90 days on cotton and mixed fibres, and up to 206 days on polyester. It also found that most bacterial species survived better at higher air humidity.
These were laboratory tests of hospital-related bacteria, so they describe what is possible on fabric under test conditions. The practical message for everyday life is simple: fabric can hold on to germs, and clean handling matters.
Where clothes pick up germs
- Skin contact. Every wear transfers skin cells, sweat and natural oils to fabric.
- Handling. Garments that pass through many hands pick up whatever those hands carry. On a busy shop floor, a single piece can be handled and tried on many times before it is sold.
- Storage. Warm, damp, poorly aired spaces help bacteria and mould grow.
- The environment. Dust, public transport and shared spaces all leave traces.
How Fit Yangu keeps garments clean
Handling is the one source of germs a shop can control, so Fit Yangu is designed around it.
- In our store, clothes come to you. Your measurements select the pieces in your size, and a conveyor brings them to you. Garments are not left out on open rails for every shopper to handle, so each piece stays fresh and untouched by other shoppers until it reaches you.
- You try only what fits. Because Fit Yangu matches you to your size before you try anything on, fewer garments are tried, handled and returned to stock.
- Online orders are packed fresh. Pieces are packed and sealed for delivery, so the first person to try your new piece is you.
Habits that keep clothes clean at home
Wash new clothes before wearing
New clothes may have been handled during making, packing and display. A wash, following the care label, refreshes them and removes any finishing residue from production. It is a good habit for any new garment, from any shop.
Follow the care label
The care label tells you the safe temperature and method for the fabric. Washing at the right setting cleans well and protects the garment's fit and colour. Every Fit Yangu product page lists the fabric and care instructions before you buy.
Dry thoroughly
Damp fabric helps bacteria and odours grow. Hang clothes in a well-aired spot, and let them dry fully before folding them away. Nairobi's sun dries most fabrics quickly. Turn dark colours inside out to protect them from fading.
Store clothes dry and aired
Leave a little space in your wardrobe for air to move. During the rainy seasons, open wardrobes regularly and avoid packing clothes away while they are still slightly damp.
Air between wears
Suits, blazers and coats rarely need washing after each wear. Hang them on a shaped hanger, in fresh air, for a day between wears. A steamer refreshes them between dry cleans.
Wash close-fitting pieces often
Underwear, vests, shirts and blouses sit against the skin. Wash them after each wear.
Keep laundry separate
Store worn clothes in a ventilated laundry basket, away from clean garments.
Clean from the shop to your wardrobe
Good habits at home keep your clothes fresh. Fit Yangu takes care of the part before that, so your garments arrive clean, untouched and in your size.
Read more about how Fit Yangu works, or browse the collection and choose pieces that arrive fresh in your size.