05 Dec Winter Laundry Tips for New Year: Caring for Your Coats and Woollens

Winter wardrobes are built for comfort and warmth, with coats, sweaters, scarves, and other woollens being your best friends against the cold. But as cosy as these garments are, they demand special attention to stay pristine. Mishandling them can lead to shrinking, pilling, or loss of softness and warmth. This comprehensive guide will help you care for your winter clothing and ensure it lasts for years to come.

Winter Laundry Tips for New Year

1. Always Read the Care Labels

Winter clothing has specific washing and maintenance instructions, especially wool and cashmere items. One of winter laundry tips, care labels are your first point of reference:

• Look for washing symbols to determine if the item is machine washable, hand washable, or dry clean only.
• Pay attention to the recommended water temperature and drying instructions.

Ignoring these guidelines can result in irreparable damage, such as shrinkage or weakened fabric.

2. Sorting Winter Laundry by Fabric

Separate your winter garments based on their fabric type before washing in one of the other winter laundry tips:

• Wool and Cashmere: Delicate fibres that require extra care.
• Down Jackets: Filled with feathers or synthetic materials that need specific detergents.
• Synthetic Winter Wear: Typically more durable but can retain static.
• Heavy Coats: Often made from wool blends or structured materials that benefit from professional cleaning.

Sorting ensures each item gets the care it needs without risking damage from incompatible materials.

3. Use the Right Detergents

Wool and delicate fabrics need mild detergents designed for natural fibres. Harsh chemicals in regular detergents can:

• Strip away natural oils, making the fibres brittle.
• Cause fading or pilling over time.

To preserve the softness and integrity of your clothing, opt for detergents labelled as “wool-safe” or “delicate.”

4. Hand Washing Delicate Woollens

Hand washing is the safest option for most woollens and cashmere garments. Follow these steps:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add some wool-safe detergent.
2. Submerge the garment and gently swirl it for 2-3 minutes. Avoid scrubbing or twisting.
3. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until no detergent residue remains.
4. Press out excess water without wringing, then lay the item flat on a towel to air dry.

5. Machine Washing Tips for Winter Garments

If the care label allows machine washing, take these precautions:

• Use a Delicate Cycle: Prevents aggressive spinning that can stretch or damage fibres.
• Cold Water Wash: Avoids shrinkage and preserves fabric integrity.
• Mesh Laundry Bags: Protect woollens and scarves from friction and tangling.
• Low Spin Speed: Reduces stress on the fabric.

6. Drying Winter Clothing Properly

Drying is a critical step that can make or break your winter garments:

• Flat Drying: Lay woollens flat on a towel to retain their shape and prevent stretching. Flip them occasionally for even drying.
• Avoid Direct Heat: Keep garments away from radiators or direct sunlight, which can cause fading and damage.
• No Tumble Drying: Wool and down jackets should never be tumble dried unless explicitly stated on the care label.

7. Spot Cleaning for Stains

Winter garments often encounter stains from snow, salt, or food. Address stains quickly with these tips:

• Blot (don’t rub) the stain with a clean cloth.
• Use a mild detergent or spot-cleaning solution designed for delicate fabrics.
• Rinse the treated area with cold water and let it air dry.

8. Special Care for Down Jackets

Down jackets require unique attention to maintain their warmth and fluffiness:

• Wash them in a front-loading washing machine to prevent damage to the baffles.
• Use a detergent formulated explicitly for down materials.
• When drying, add a few clean tennis balls or dryer balls to the machine to fluff the feathers evenly.

9. Preventing Static in Winter Fabrics

Winter often brings static cling, especially with synthetic fabrics. Combat this with:

• Adding fabric softener during the rinse cycle.
• Using anti-static sprays on dry clothing.
• Hanging garments in a steamy bathroom before wearing them.

10. Storing Winter Garments

Proper storage is essential to keep your winter wardrobe fresh for the next season:

• Clean Before Storing: Ensure all garments are washed or dry cleaned to prevent moth damage and odours.
• Breathable Storage Bags: Use cotton or linen bags for wool and cashmere items. Avoid plastic bags, which trap moisture.
• Cedar Balls or Lavender Sachets: Natural moth repellents that also add a pleasant scent.
• Flat Storage: Fold heavy coats and woollens rather than hanging them to prevent stretching.

11. Professional Cleaning for Heavier Items

Structured coats, tailored jackets, and intricate wool blends benefit from professional cleaning. Dry cleaning removes embedded dirt and refreshes the fabric without compromising its shape or quality.

12. Dealing with Pilling and Wear

Pilling is typical in wool and cashmere items. Use a fabric shaver or comb to remove pills and maintain a smooth surface gently. Regularly rotating your winter wardrobe also reduces wear and tear.

13. Refreshing Winter Clothes Between Washes

Not all garments need frequent washing. Prolong freshness by:

• Airing them out after wear.
• Using fabric refresh sprays.
• Spot-cleaning minor dirt or stains.

Winter Laundry Tips: How NeatEx Laundrette & Dry Cleaning Can Help?

At NeatEx, we understand the unique care your winter garments need. Our professional laundrette and dry cleaning services are tailored to handle even the most delicate coats and woollens. Here’s why you should trust us:

• Specialized Cleaning: We use fabric-specific cleaning methods to maintain the softness and integrity of wool, cashmere, and down garments.
• Stain Removal Expertise: Our experts can tackle tough stains without compromising the quality of your clothing.
• Eco-Friendly Processes: We use environmentally friendly detergents and practices to care for both your clothes and the planet.
• Convenient Services: With pickup and delivery options, caring for your winter wardrobe has never been easier.

Let NeatEx handle the hard work so you can enjoy the comfort of your winter garments without the hassle. Book a service today and experience the difference

Final Thoughts

Winter clothing is an investment, and proper care ensures it stays warm, comfortable, and stylish for many seasons. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your coats and woollens while keeping them in top condition. When in doubt, trust professional services to handle delicate or high-maintenance items.

For Londoners, NeatEx offers premium laundry and dry cleaning services to keep your winter wardrobe looking its best. Book a service today and let us take the hassle out of your winter laundry care.

Read more here:

Start the New Year Fresh: Why Professional Dry Cleaning Should Be on Your Resolution List”

How to Extend the Life of Your Clothes: Effective Practices

Laundry Hacks for Small Apartment Living: Maximising Your Space and Time