Winter clothing is an investment, and caring for it properly ensures that your favourite coats, knitwear, and accessories stay in top condition year after year. Cleaning and storing your winter garments correctly not only prolongs their lifespan but also protects them from damage, odours, and moths. With the right techniques and products, you can keep your winter wardrobe fresh, organised, and ready for next season.
HOW TO WASH WINTER CLOTHES
There are several ways to clean your winter clothes, including handwashing, machine washing, or using a professional dry cleaners. However, the best way to wash your winter clothes before storing them is in the washing machine using a gentle, effective method that preserves the integrity of the fabric.
PRE-TREAT STAINS
Through my years of working with clothing, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of proper care in keeping your wardrobe looking its best. Before washing your winter garments, take a moment to pre-treat any stains, this can make all the difference.
Start by gently applying a stain remover and allowing it to work its magic for a few minutes. Always check the fabric care instructions to ensure you’re using the correct water temperature. While cold water is usually best, tougher stains, like salt marks on boots and coats, may require the warmest safe setting for better results.
And if a stain lingers, don’t worry, just repeat the process before moving on to a full wash.
USE A NATURAL DELICATE LAUNDRY LIQUID
Caring for your winter wardrobe, especially wool and cashmere, is all about using the right products to keep your fabrics soft, fresh, and well-protected. A gentle, non-biological laundry liquid is key to preserving the natural fibres while also deterring clothes moths.
Our specially formulated laundry liquid, infused with our signature May Chang blend, offers an eco-friendly and effective clean while naturally repelling moths. For an extra touch of care, a light spritz of our may chang linen spray between washes helps keep your delicate garments feeling fresh and beautifully maintained.
SET THE APPROPRIATE WASHING MACHINE CYCLE
To keep your delicate fabrics in beautiful condition, always choose the right washing cycle. Opt for the wool or gentle setting with lukewarm or cold water, and select the slowest final spin to prevent stretching. We recommend avoiding hot water and tumble drying, as heat can cause wool fibres to shrink and lose their shape.
AIR DRY WINTER CLOTHES
A little extra care goes a long way when it comes to drying your winter wardrobe! The way you dry your clothes can make all the difference in keeping them soft, shapely, and long-lasting. Line drying is always the best option to protect fabric structure and prevent shrinkage, but if that’s not possible, a drying rack works just as well to ensure even drying. It’s also extremely important to keep garments away from direct heat sources, as high temperatures can damage delicate fibres.
USE A CLOTHES STEAMER BEFORE STORING AWAY
A clothes steamer is one of my favourite tools for keeping winter garments looking their best before storing them away. A quick steam refreshes fabrics, releases wrinkles, and helps eliminate any lingering odours, all without the need for harsh chemicals. Simply hang your garment on a sturdy hanger and work the steamer from top to bottom, paying extra attention to areas prone to creasing.
Before steaming, always check the care label to ensure it’s safe for your fabric. Once steamed, allow your garments to air dry completely before putting them away, this prevents any moisture buildup, which can lead to mildew or fabric damage.
OUR TIPS FOR STORING AWAY WINTER CLOTHES
WASH AND FULLY DRY ALL WINTER GARMENTS
Before storing away your winter wardrobe, it’s essential to make sure every garment is clean and completely dry. Even the smallest traces of dirt, stains, or moisture can lead to musty odours and attract pests over time.
Taking a little extra care now, by washing everything thoroughly and allowing it to dry properly, will keep your clothes fresh, protected, and ready to wear next season. A well-prepared wardrobe means you can unpack your winter favourites feeling as good as new when the colder months return!
MEND ANY RIPS OR HOLES
Cold weather can be tough on your clothes, often causing small rips, loose seams, or missing buttons. Before packing away your winter clothes for the season, it’s always a good idea to check for any needed repairs. Taking the time to fix moth holes, replace buttons, or reinforce loose seams now will save you from having to deal with them later when you bring out your clothes again.
A quick stitch-up now will ensure your garments stay in great shape, ready to wear when the weather turns cold again. Our handy sewing kit makes tackling these small repairs easy and efficient, so you can maintain your clothes without stress.
PREVENT CLOTHES MOTHS
Clothes moths can be a real nuisance, especially when it comes to delicate fabrics like wool and cashmere. These tiny pests can cause significant damage, leaving holes and ruining your favourite garments. To protect your winter wardrobe, I always recommend using cedar blocks or our specially designed anti-moth sachets in your storage containers or on hangers.
Our range of anti-moth products offers long-lasting protection, creating a natural barrier that helps keep your garments safe from pests while they’re tucked away. Not only do these products help prevent damage, but they also add a fresh, pleasant scent to your clothes, making them ready to wear when the cold weather returns.
USE STURDY NON-SLIP HANGERS
When it comes to coats and jackets, a little extra care can make a world of difference, and one simple, yet incredibly effective solution is using sturdy, non-slip hangers. Trust me, these hangers are a total game-changer when it comes to keeping your garments secure and in shape. No more jackets slipping onto the floor or losing their structure. Instead, your winter coats will stay neatly organised and looking sharp all season long.
Non-slip hangers provide that much-needed extra support, helping your coats hold their shape and look fresh every time you pull them out of your wardrobe. Plus, it’s such an easy fix to ensure your outerwear stays pristine, even when the weather is doing its worst. Just like proper storage is key to maintaining your favourite clothes, investing in the right hangers can go a long way in making sure your wardrobe stays organised and in the very best condition.
FOLD WINTER GARMENTS IN STORAGE BOXES
When it comes to storing your winter clothes, folding them neatly and using the right storage boxes can make all the difference. Winter clothes, especially bulky items like coats, sweaters, and scarves, require extra care to ensure they stay in good condition for the next season. The best way to store them is by folding them gently and placing them in breathable storage boxes. This keeps them protected from dust, dirt, and any unwanted pests.
Why storage boxes, you ask? Well, they’re not only a great space-saving solution, but they also offer a safe, organised environment for your clothes. Unlike plastic bags or bins, breathable storage boxes allow your garments to retain their shape and avoid getting musty. They keep your clothes neatly tucked away, but still allow them to breathe, which is key to maintaining their quality over time.
OUR TIP: always use acid-free tissue paper when folding your delicate winter garments. Acid-free tissue paper protects fabrics from discolouration and degradation, ensuring your clothes stay as fresh as the day you tucked them away. Wrapping delicate items like wool sweaters or cashmere scarves in this tissue prevents them from being creased or stretched.
NEED HELP?
Taking proper care of your winter garments can feel like a lot of work, but the payoff is well worth it. With the right cleaning, storage, and maintenance techniques, your coats, sweaters, and scarves will stay in excellent condition for many winters to come. If you’re ever unsure about how to care for a particular fabric or garment, don’t hesitate to reach out for expert advice or assistance.
After all, your winter wardrobe is an investment and keeping it fresh, organised, and well-protected means you’ll enjoy the comfort and style of your favourite pieces season after season.
