As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, our wardrobes shift to include cozy knitwear and warm, protective coats. These winter staples are not only essential for staying warm, but they also represent significant investments, often made from delicate materials like wool, cashmere, and down. Caring for these items properly ensures that they not only keep you warm but also last for many seasons. This guide will offer you expert advice on how to care for your knitwear and coats, ensuring they remain in great condition all winter long and beyond.
1. Proper Cleaning: When and How to Wash
Both knitwear and coats require careful cleaning to maintain their texture, shape, and longevity. While these items don’t need to be washed as frequently as lighter summer clothing, regular maintenance is still essential to keep them fresh and free of dirt and odors.
Knitwear:
Knitwear, especially pieces made from natural fibers like wool, cashmere, and alpaca, is delicate and prone to shrinking or losing its shape when not washed correctly. Before cleaning, always check the care label on each item.
For most knitwear, hand-washing is the safest method. Use cold water and a gentle detergent specifically designed for wool or delicates. Submerge the garment in water and gently swirl it around—avoid wringing or stretching, as this can damage the fibers. After washing, press out excess water gently (without twisting), and lay the item flat on a clean towel to dry. Reshape the knitwear while it’s drying to prevent it from warping.
For machine-washable knits, use the delicate cycle with cold water and place the item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from snagging. After the wash, lay it flat to dry as with hand-washing. Never hang knitwear to dry, as the weight of the water can stretch the fibers and distort the shape.
Coats:
Coats typically don’t need to be washed as often as other items in your wardrobe. Many winter coats, especially those made of wool or down, are best cleaned at a professional dry cleaner. Wool coats, in particular, benefit from occasional professional cleaning to maintain their structure and fabric quality.
Down coats can often be washed at home in a washing machine, but it’s important to follow specific care instructions. Use cold water and a detergent formulated for down materials. A key tip for washing down coats is to throw in a couple of clean tennis balls or dryer balls in the dryer to help fluff the coat’s filling, ensuring it doesn’t clump. Dry on a low setting, checking regularly to prevent overheating.
2. Storing Knitwear Properly
One of the biggest threats to knitwear, especially in the off-season, is improper storage, which can lead to stretching, moth damage, or fabric deterioration. Here are the key steps for storing your knitwear safely:
- Fold, Don’t Hang: Hanging knitwear can stretch the delicate fibers and cause misshaping, especially at the shoulders. Instead, fold your knitwear neatly and stack it in drawers or on shelves.
- Use Storage Bags: For long-term storage, especially during warmer months, place knitwear in breathable cotton bags or storage boxes. Avoid plastic bags, which can trap moisture and lead to mildew or musty odors. If using plastic bins, ensure the garments are fully dry and place silica gel packets inside to absorb any moisture.
- Moth Protection: Knitwear made from wool or cashmere can attract moths, which may damage the fibers by eating through the fabric. To protect against moths, use natural repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage spaces. For added protection, consider placing your knitwear in a zippered garment bag during the off-season.
3. Caring for Winter Coats
Winter coats are a significant investment, and with the proper care, they can last for years. Different coat materials require different care techniques to maintain their longevity.
Wool Coats:
Wool coats are a classic winter staple that needs regular attention to stay looking sharp. Brushing your wool coat with a fabric brush helps to remove surface dirt and prevent fibers from becoming matted. Spot cleaning is also effective for small stains—use a damp cloth and a mild detergent to gently blot the area.
When storing wool coats, always use a sturdy, padded hanger to maintain the coat’s shape. Wool coats should be stored in a breathable garment bag to protect them from dust and moths. Like knitwear, avoid plastic bags that can trap moisture.
Down and Puffer Coats:
Down and puffer coats offer superior warmth but require specific care to keep their insulation properties intact. Between washes, spot clean any stains or marks with a damp cloth. If the coat becomes wet from snow or rain, allow it to air dry completely before storing it to prevent mildew from forming.
When storing puffer coats, avoid compressing them too much—this can flatten the down and reduce the coat’s insulating ability. If you must store it in a tight space, fluff the coat afterward by shaking it out or tumble-drying it with dryer balls on a low heat setting to restore its volume.
Leather and Suede Coats:
Leather and suede coats offer a stylish option for winter, but they can be particularly vulnerable to water and stains. Protect your leather or suede coat with a protective spray designed for these materials. This will help prevent water damage and keep the material looking fresh.
For small scuffs or stains on leather, use a damp cloth and a small amount of leather conditioner to buff them out. Suede requires a more delicate approach—a suede brush can lift stains and restore the material’s texture. If your leather or suede coat is severely stained, it’s best to take it to a professional cleaner.
4. Preventing Wear and Tear
Winter clothing, especially coats, is often exposed to harsher conditions like snow, rain, and mud. To keep your coats looking their best, it’s important to be proactive in preventing wear and tear.
- Rotate Your Outerwear: Wearing the same coat every day can cause faster wear and reduce its lifespan. Try rotating between different coats throughout the week to give each item a break.
- Protect from the Elements: For wool or fabric coats, consider using a water-repellent spray to protect them from rain and snow. Similarly, for down jackets, a fabric protector can help repel moisture and stains.
- Repair Small Damages Promptly: If you notice a small tear, loose button, or snag, repair it as soon as possible to prevent the damage from worsening. For puffer coats, if the fabric tears, apply a nylon patch to stop down feathers from escaping.
5. Refreshing Between Wears
Knitwear and coats don’t need to be washed after every wear, but it’s still important to refresh them between outings. Airing out your coats and knitwear helps eliminate odors and reduces the need for frequent washing.
For knitwear, hanging it in a well-ventilated area for a few hours can help remove any trapped odors. For coats, using a fabric refresher spray or a steam cleaner can effectively refresh the material without a full wash.
