Shopping pre-loved this Christmas using the Bosch FreshUp
The future is officially here and I love it. These were my first thoughts when I was introduced to the new Bosch FreshUp device. A world's first handheld electronic device that removes odours from fabrics, refreshing them instantly without the need for water, added chemicals or detergents. Wait Carl, how is this possible? It sounds like pure sorcery no? Well perhaps. Although Bosch will tell you that the FreshUp is not the work of science fiction, but instead it uses the power of plasma to break down odour molecules when it is wiped over clothes, to instantly refresh your clothes whether at home or on the go.
To road test the device fully I was given the opportunity to take my Bosch FreshUp to my local TRAID store and shop for Christmas gifts. TRAID are a charity that supports workers’ rights and aims to help prevent clothes being thrown away in order to reduce the environmental and social impacts of our clothes. I'm a huge fan of shopping for pre-loved gifts as much as possible. It's not only a more sustainable way to shop but keeps money in my community. However, many people (myself included) worry about the smell that comes along with second hand and vintage clothes. In fact according to studies, 41% of you said that vintage clothing smells bad. and demonstrate that this can be done without the pre-loved smells that can be associated with vintage clothing.
Never one to shirk a challenge or an opportunity to shop second hand, I was given a modest budget to shop for 3 second hand garments at my local TRAID Store. Check out their site to discover where you can find yours here. Mine was in St John's Road in Clapham.
I bought a cashmere brown fleck long sleeve polo, a blue on blue woollen Aran knit vest and a black, grey and white plaid trouser with a red over check made of a poly blend. Before wrapping the gifts, I ran the device up and down the garments several times. I purposely found garments made from a different fabric combination to test the device's capability as best I could. The Bosch FreshUp is safe to use on delicate materials such as silk, cashmere and wool, as well as items that normally require extra care, such as vintage pieces or dry-clean-only items, with no risk of damaging clothes. I found it lightweight and simple to use. It has a very sleek design, and looks very elegant on my dresser. It is perfect for on the go and travelling and is fully rechargeable.
Available now on the Bosch website and the perfect Christmas gift for tech lovers and eco warriors alike, RRP £249.99
Founder of this eponymous blog, focusing on men's fashion & lifestyle.
