Winter clothes care

When winter comes, sweaters, coats, shawls, jackets, gloves, and various warm clothes take up space in our closets. Just as their soft touch provides comfort on cold days, they can also become deformed or discolored with a little improper care. So to preserve winter clothes, you need to know how to wash, dry, and store them — so that they look like new every year.

Wool and Cashmere Clothes
No matter how expensive a wool sweater or cashmere shawl is, washing it in hot water can ruin its shape. Because wool fibers shrink in heat, the fabric shrinks. That’s why they should always be washed in cold or lukewarm water.

Instead of detergent, you can use baby shampoo or a specialized liquid detergent for wool. Which does not destroy the natural oils of the fiber.
After washing, do not squeeze the clothes, but lay them on a towel and press lightly. Let it dry in the shade, never in direct sunlight. The color will remain as good as new.
And if you want to iron it, use steam or press it under a thin cloth. Not an iron. Because direct heat on wool hardens the fiber.

Sweaters and cardigans
Sweaters and cardigans are the most commonly used winter clothes. If you make a small mistake in their care, their shape will quickly be lost.
Many people hang them on a hanger after washing. This causes tension on the bottom of the clothes. The correct way is to dry them on a towel or flat surface.
Wash them carefully with a light hand. Use a liquid detergent made for wool. Dry them well after washing, then fold them.

Hanging them on a hanger can deform the shoulder area, which once it happens, cannot be fixed later. And if light fuzz or small balls form, there is nothing to worry about, you can easily remove it with lint remover or old tape.

Jackets and coats
The outer fabric of a jacket or coat is usually tough, but the inside is made of cotton or padding, which is damaged by moisture. So there is no need to wash them repeatedly.
After each wear, use a light brush to brush off dust, especially near the shoulders and sleeves. If it gets wet, hang it on a hanger in the shade, not in the sun. Drying in the sun can fade the outer color and harden the inner padding.
And if it smells, it is safest to dry it. When storing it at the end of the winter, put it in a covered bag.

Shawls, mufflers and scarves
Shawls or scarves are used every day, as a result of which sweat, dust and perfume smells accumulate in them. To clean, wash by hand in cold water with a little shampoo, never in a machine.
Adding a teaspoon of vinegar to the last wash will remove odors and make clothes softer. Keep in the shade, not in the sun while drying. And it will not fold if kept rolled during storage.
And if you don’t have time to wash, the smell will be reduced even if you keep the muffler or shawl in the air for 10-15 minutes.

Socks and gloves
Socks and gloves stick directly to the skin, so sweat and moisture quickly pick up odors or mildew. Wash after daily use, especially if they are wool.
Wash in cold water with mild detergent and dry in shade. Do not leave it wet, it will smell bad.
Clean and dry thoroughly during storage. Keeping a small silica gel pack in a bag or drawer will keep moisture out and keep clothes fresh.

Correct washing regimen, temperature and time are key
Hot water should not be used while washing winter clothes. It shrinks the fibers. Cold or lukewarm water is best. Detergent should be mild. Shampoos made for babies also work well.
And hand washing is the safest. Be sure to select “gentle” or “wool mode” for machine washing.
After washing, water should not be poured on the clothes. Squeeze lightly with a towel to squeeze out excess water, then lay out in the shade.

Dry and iron
Never dry winter clothes in direct sunlight. It not only fades the color but also hardens the fibers. So dry in a shaded place with air circulation.
Don’t hang woolen clothes to dry, lay them flat to dry, they will keep their shape. It is best to use steam on low heat when ironing. Direct hot ironing can make fabric shiny and stiff, so iron with a thin layer underneath.

Rules for keeping clothes after winter
Wash and dry clothes only when winter is over. Keeping wet clothes in the bag easily smells and catches fungus. Use cotton or linen bags for storage, allowing air to circulate.
Keep lavender bags or mothballs inside to keep insects out. Use silica gel packs to prevent moisture. Before the monsoons, the clothes will be like new if they are put out in the sun once.

Home Tips
Take action quickly if there is a stain. Coffee or tea-like stains can be gently rubbed with vinegar mixed with cold water. Baking soda is most effective for oil or sweat stains, as it absorbs the oil.
Wring clothes with baking soda and water to remove odors will keep clothes fresh.

Care during travel
Heavy winter clothing is often required during travel. which takes up a lot of space. Roll instead of folding to save space. It will not wrinkle clothes and will take up less space.
Place a small amount of silica gel in the bag to keep the clothes dry. If the clothes get wet, absorb the water with a towel and dry in the shade.

Eco-friendly care
Winter clothes do not need to be washed as often as regular clothes. Sometimes, just hanging them out to air can freshen them up.
Donate or recycle old clothes instead of throwing them away. This will save space and benefit someone else.

Taking care of your winter clothes is actually part of taking care of yourself. Because these clothes not only keep you warm, they also hold memories—a favorite sweater, a shawl your mother gave you, or the first coat you bought. With proper care, they will last for years, looking as good as new, and you will find the same comfort every winter.