Upcycling | Braun International

Upcycling & Repair

Revive your wardrobe: Sustainable style tips for upcycling and repairing old clothes.

A sewing machine placed on a desk, ready for use.

Pursuing a sustainable lifestyle can be challenging at first but the journey begins even with the smallest steps. One meaningful evolution towards a more sustainable lifestyle is to use and care for the things you already have, rather than buying new ones and create waste. Owning clothing and expressing your style can be a wonderful way to stand out. Upcycling and repairing clothing can be a great way to consume less without sacrificing quality or style. Not only does it prolong the life of your garments, but it also reduces waste and the need to purchase new clothes. In this section, we'll explore ways on how to give your clothing a second chance without compromise, including valuable tips on how to prepare for your DIY projects and how to properly care for your ironing equipment so that you can upcycle more and last longer.

Understanding the causes: What makes clothing deteriorate over time?

Clothing is more than just fabric sewn together - it is an expression of our personality. To prevent your wardrobe from wearing out, it is important to recognise the main causes of wear and tear and take preventative measures.

Washing

As different types of textiles have different washing requirements, incorrect washing is one of the most common causes of premature wear and tear. Learn how to treat each type of fabric in our guide to keep it happy for a long time.

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Overuse

Another culprit is overuse and friction. Frequent wear and washing can lead to excessive friction, especially in areas like elbows, knees, and collar edges. Over time, this causes fabric thinning and pilling. To mitigate this, consider rotating your wardrobe and allowing your garments to rest between wears.

Close-up of distressed blue jeans with frayed holes, showcasing the worn texture.

Incorrect iron handling

Maintaining the right temperature is crucial when caring for your fabrics. Braun Household irons* offer various intelligent functions to help you take care of your clothes. For example the smart iCare Technology to protect your clothes with a safe temperature for all types of fabrics - for smart textile protection. With the Eco-Mode, you can save up to 30% energy compared to normal mode for thin and light fabrics such as synthetics, silk or wool. For heavy fabrics such as jeans, thick cotton or linen, try the Turbo-Mode, which offers maximum steam output and increased temperature. You can find all the tips for correct ironing here. *Available for CareStyle 7 (Pro), 5 (Pro), 3 (Pro), CareStyle Compact and Compact Pro, TexStyle 9 and FreeStyle 5 (SI5188BK, SI5088BK).

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Fading of fabrics

Direct sunlight can lead to fading. Leaving your clothes exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods can cause colours to fade. To prevent this, store your garments in a cool, dark place when not in use.

A white shelf with an ironing board and folded clothes.

A pair of scissors, jeans, and orange buttons laid out on a table.

Create new from old: old clothes, new design. DIY Tutorials

The amazing thing about upcycling is everyone can do it and the limit is only your imagination. The concept is simple yet endlessly inspiring: take what you have, reimagine it, and give it a new lease on life. Upholding creativity and exploring eco-friendly fashion is a journey into a world where old becomes new and fashion is not just about following trends, but creating them.

Mend with love.

Before tossing out your favourite pair of jeans because of a small rip or tear, consider mending them instead. Sewing on a patch or fixing a seam not only saves your clothing but also adds a unique touch to your style. The Braun Household ironing range, equipped with precise temperature settings, can help you flatten seams for a clean and professional finish. And if you have a very specific design in mind for your old clothes, it's worth consulting your local tailor, who can advise you on the feasibility of making certain changes to your outfit.

Colorful ink swirling in water on a white background

Revive with dye.

Faded or discoloured clothing doesn't have to end up in the landfill. A fun way to give your clothes a new lease on life is by dyeing them. The Braun Household ironing range can come in handy here too. Before dyeing, ensure your fabric is clean and well-prepared, and iron out any wrinkles for an even dye job.

A person sewing a leaf onto a pair of jeans

Embrace embellishments.

Adding embellishments like beads, patches, or embroidery can transform an ordinary piece of clothing into something extraordinary. The Braun Household ironing range can help you flatten the fabric and make it easier to attach embellishments securely. Ironing doesn’t have to be a chore, it can turn into a fun activity while also reducing your clothing waste.

Did you know?

There is a theory called the '20-year rule', which refers to a concept in the fashion industry that trends will be popular again in 20 years' time. It might be worth going through old boxes of clothes from relatives or your mum and dad to find pieces to upcycle. You might find treasures that are back in style and just need a little bit of love.

A pair of denim shorts with heart-shaped cutouts and a pair of scissors

Holes, tears and fraying in clothing.

Damaged clothing doesn't necessarily mean it's the end of the road for your beloved garments. For example, socks with holes can be a great opportunity to embrace the art of darning. With a bit of skill and imagination, you can stylishly mend those holes, transforming them into one-of-a-kind design. Also learning a few basic sewing skills can go a long way in extending the life of your clothing. Simple tasks like sewing on buttons or hemming pants can be done by oneself without the need to visit your local tailor. Hemming pants is particularly easy if you use ironing foil and a powerful steam or steam generator iron, which saves time and eliminates the need for a needle and thread.

Sanitization without harmful chemicals.

Heat and steam are great tools to fight viruses and bacteria. For a more environmentally friendly way to freshen up your clothes the Braun ironing range with its sanitisation feature is a great way to care for your favourite pieces. No harsh chemicals needed, so no pollution.

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Become an upcycler in 5 easy steps.

Whether you're looking to reduce waste or simply explore your artistic side, becoming an upcycler is easier than you might think. Here are five steps to get started.

A purple iron placed on a table next to a pillow.

1. Gather the right tools.

Just as a chef needs the right knives and pots, an upcycler needs the appropriate tools. Here are some essential tools and materials you should have in your upcycling toolkit:

Sewing machine: If you plan to work with textiles, a sewing machine can be incredibly useful for creating new garments or altering existing ones.

The perfect iron: Chose an iron fitted for your needs, so you can prepare your clothing as good as possible. The Braun ironing range features different products for every need, be it power, an open handle or different ironing modes.

Dye, patches and embellishments: Dedicated textile dye or spray paint, a variety of patches and embellishments are essential for adding colour and creativity to your projects.

A woman sitting on a couch with a notebook and a glass of juice

2. Plan and sketch your designs.

Before you dive into upcycling, take some time to plan your projects. Sketch out your ideas and designs on paper, specifying the changes or improvements you want to make. This planning stage will help you stay organised and focused during the upcycling process.

A pair of jeans neatly folded on a table next to an iron

3. Gather your supplies.

Once you have a clear plan, make a list of the materials you'll need. Consider sourcing second-hand materials from thrift stores, garage sales, or online marketplaces. This not only reduces costs but also promotes sustainability by repurposing items that might otherwise go to waste.

A table with a sewing machine, scissors, and paper

4. Learn new techniques.

Expand your upcycling skills by learning new techniques. Take online courses, watch video tutorials, or attend workshops that teach you different crafting methods, such as decoupage, stencilling, or upholstery. Gaining proficiency in various techniques opens up a world of possibilities for your upcycling projects.

A person ironing a piece of paper with an iron.

5. Remember: Practice makes perfect.

Upcycling, like any skill, improves with practice. Don't be discouraged by initial setbacks or imperfect creations. Each project is a learning opportunity, and over time, your upcycling skills will grow.

Sustainable machine care.

Caring for your Braun Household ironing device is essential to ensure its longevity and maintain its performance. To care for your clothing and upcycle as long as possible, here are some tips on how to care for your iron.

A purple iron and a white cleaning supply placed on a table

Regular cleaning

One of the most important aspects of iron care is keeping it clean. Always unplug the iron and let it cool down before cleaning. Use a damp cloth to wipe the soleplate clean after each use to remove any residue or fabric particles that may have stuck to it.

Descaling

Over time, minerals from tap water can build up inside the iron, affecting its performance. With Braun's ironing range you don't have to worry about using tap water or complicated procedures as all our irons feature easy, quick and accessible descaling technologies.

Storage

When storing your iron, make sure it is completely cool and dry. Store it in an upright position to prevent any water from leaking onto the soleplate and make sure the cords are not twisted or pinched to avoid premature cord-breaks.

Braun’s CareStyle range

Discover our complete range of Steam generator irons

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Pre-loved fashion

Love at second sight: Our Guide to pre-loved fashion.

Braun’s ironing range

Proven to kill more than 99,99 % of viruses and bacteria¹.

Braun CareStyle range – proven to kill viruses and bacteria

Timeless over trends

Timeless clothing styles have a unique ability to transcend the ever-changing fashion landscape. They are not bound by fleeting trends but uphold a classic appeal that withstands the test of time.

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Upcycling & Repair

Revive your wardrobe: Sustainable style tips for upcycling and repairing old clothes.

Understanding the causes: What makes clothing deteriorate over time?

Create new from old: old clothes, new design. DIY Tutorials

Mend with love.

Revive with dye.

Embrace embellishments.

Did you know?

Holes, tears and fraying in clothing.

Sanitization without harmful chemicals.

Become an upcycler in 5 easy steps.

1. Gather the right tools.

2. Plan and sketch your designs.

3. Gather your supplies.

4. Learn new techniques.

5. Remember: Practice makes perfect.

Sustainable machine care.

Regular cleaning

Descaling

Storage

Braun’s CareStyle range

Discover our complete range of Steam generator irons

Food preparation

Cooking

Breakfast

Garment care

Get inspired

Sustainability

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