As winter approaches, it’s essential to ensure your winter clothing, sweaters, blankets, and snow gear are properly maintained and stored. Proper care not only extends the life of these garments but also keeps you warm and cozy throughout the chilly months. Taking some time after using and cleaning these things can make your winter wardrobe much more manageable. And make you much more likely to get out there and get in the cold!
Caring for Winter Clothing
Our winter clothing is heavier, bulkier, and is often worn over underlayers. It is still important to clean these items on a regular schedule. There are a few important things to remember when preparing to freshen up these articles:
Read the label! Always check the care label for specific washing instructions. You sometimes need to check all interior seams to find the care instructions.
Always use cold water. Wash winter clothing in cold water to prevent shrinkage and damage.
Run them in the gentle or delicate cycle. Opt for a gentle cycle to reduce stress on fabrics.
Use the appropriate detergent. In general, use a mild detergent suitable for the fabric type or specific detergent for special fabrics (e.g., wool detergent for wool garments).
Air dry when possible. Invest in a good drying rack to air dry your sensitive clothing. Lay them flat on the rack, pull out any wrinkles, and don’t double load the clothes.
Use low heat, if any heat is allowed. Don’t overdry the clothes and never dry them above the low heat setting.
Sweater Maintenance
We come to love our sweaters more than any other item, with the exception of our jeans (please always air dry those!). However, they look worse each year.
There are some things you can do to keep your favorite sweaters in their right place.
Wash appropriately. Read the label. I tend to use the “hand wash” or “delicate” cycle on the washing machine to clean these items, as long as they don’t specify “dry clean only”. Load the washing machine lightly; never put more than seven items in the wash at this time and adjust your detergent accordingly (one pod or the smallest amount of detergent).
Consider using cloth bags for washing. Mesh bags for the washing machine can be used to prevent these delicate items rubbing against each other.
Combat Piling. I hate when my sweaters start to form those little balls and threads. It happens. Invest in a fabric shaver and use this tool to remove pills, possibly while you binge watch the next netflix series.
Put them away well. Sweaters don’t love hangers. Fold them on shelves and, if you don’t have shelves, consider purchasing shelf organizers to properly store your sweaters.
Blanket Deodorizing
We love having our extra blankets during the winter, especially if you are being energy conscious in your home. It doesn’t feel good to snuggle up with a stinky blanket.
Make sure you take extra care during this time to have cozy, clean options for people to feel cozy on the couch.
If your blanket is fleece or synthetic, machine wash and dry. And be thankful it was that easy.
Hand wash wool blankets. Use wool specific detergent. Do not use fabric softener. Dry on very low. Don’t forget that the more you wash, the more you need to use your fabric shaver.
Don’t neglect the air-dry option. Sometimes blankets that we use frequently, that haven’t had anything spilled on them, can just use some time in the outdoors. Hang heavier blankets outdoors, in the sun, for an hour or two, to air them out.
Caring for Snow Clothing and Gear
Being ready to go with the snow gear when the chance arises makes the winter time planning so much easier. Cleaning your snow clothes after you use them, and storing them dry and clean, makes the job of packing for the trip much less daunting.
Remember these things as you come back from your winter wonderland trip this year:
Check all pockets. Remove ski passes, throw away the tissues, check for chapstick or lotion, just make sure nothing is left where it shouldn’t be.
Wash all items. The majority of snow clothing can be washed in the washing machine. Pay attention to what needs to be hang dried. Don’t forget to wash the gloves and removable snow boot linings.
Maintain the waterproofing. For boots and gloves, many are treated with waterproofing. Especially with boots, purchase waterproofing spray to treat the outer layer after it is completely dry.
Proper Storage
While we don’t love all things plastic, storage bins are best for storing things like snow gear and winter clothing. Always make sure items are dry and clean before storing them.
Consider using a desiccant pack inside each bin, to mitigate any moisture left behind from winter adventures.
Use plastic bins with desiccant packs if storing winter clothing in the garage or attic.
If possible, rotate your wardrobe within your closet. Use the tall shelves in your closet for fabric bags that can hold bulky winter clothing when the temperature rises beyond 60 degrees.
Donate or throw out any items that do not fit, work for your needs, or you just don’t like anymore.
Only store items that are clean and dry. You will thank yourself next season.
By following these guidelines for maintaining and storing winter clothing, sweaters, blankets, and snow gear, you can ensure that your winter essentials remain in great condition year after year. Proper care not only enhances the longevity of these items but also ensures you stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter season, which is invaluable when it’s freezing outside! Take the time to maintain your winter items and you will be warm, and thankful.
By, Jolene Nannette
Home by Jolene Specialist in home efficiency
By following these guidelines for maintaining and storing winter clothing, sweaters, blankets, and snow gear, you can ensure that your winter essentials remain in great condition year after year. Proper care not only enhances the longevity of these items but also ensures you stay warm and comfortable throughout the winter season, which is invaluable when it’s freezing outside! Take the time to maintain your winter items and you will be warm, and thankful.
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