- By Bornika Das
- Wed, 05 Mar 2025 09:23 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Summer is almost here, and we are bidding goodbye to the winter season along with cosy sweaters, chic mufflers, and stylish woolen outfits. As the summer season demands for breathable cotton clothes, woolens find a place in the wardrobe. It is essential to keep the woolen clothes clean so that next year, it is ready to use. However, cleaning and storing woolen items require proper technique, without which they can be ruined. Woollen clothes can survive long storage when treated properly. With the help of a few tips, one can easily clean and store woolen clothes for years.
Keeping woollen clothes fresh and ready for next winter helps make them durable and sustainable. Wool is a better fabric than cotton as it has incredible qualities like resistance to odours, stains, and also wrinkles. Besides, it is flame-retardant. With these benefits, wool requires proper care to ensure that its good and fresh look stays over time. Here’s a list of tips to clean and store woolen clothes properly so that they are ready to use next winter.
Woolen Clothes Are Durable And Sustainable Fabrics (Image Credits: Canva)
Tips To Wash Woolens And Keep Them Clean
Do Not Wash Wollens Everyday
The best way to take care of woolen clothes is not to overwash them. Instead of washing the woolen clothes daily, one can try spot-cleaning if they get a little dirty. Sweaters, skirts, and pants can be washed after every fourth or fifth wear. Coats and jackets can be washed twice a season only.
Wash In Cold Or Lukewarm Water
It is advisable to always wash woolen clothes with cold water to prevent them from shrinking or losing their shape. Also, skip machine wash as much as you can. Washing the woolens with hot water makes them shrink and lose their shape. Besides, there is always the risk of the lanolin dissolving in the wool if it is washed with water that is too hot. Avoid using harsh chemicals and opt for mild wool detergent.
Drying
For drying the woollens, do not hang them on a clothesline. Lay the woolens on a clean, dry towel to air dry. Also, avoid twisting or wringing the wool, as this can damage the fibres. Avoid drying woolen clothes in the sunlight, rather, dry them in a cool, shaded spot.
Tips To Store Woolens Properly (Image Credits: Canva)
Tips To Properly Store Woolens Till Next Winter
Use Breathable Storage Bags
Avoid storing woolen clothes in plastic bags or airtight containers, as wool needs to breathe. Opt for bags made of breathable fabrics so that the circulation of air is allowed while protecting them against dust and dirt. Cotton storage bags are ideal as they keep moisture out and maintain airflow.
Fold Your Woolen Clothes
Hanging woolens can cause them to stretch out of shape, especially heavier items like wool sweaters and coats. Always fold them neatly and keep them in the storage bags or drawers.
Prevent Moth Damage
As wool is a natural fibre, it is a prime target for moths. Moths can easily destroy woolen garments, thus, it is advisable to use moth repellents. You can make homemade moth repellents by adding a few drops of lavender, eucalyptus, or mint essential oil into a cotton ball and placing it near woolen clothes.
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