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The approach of winter brings the potential for all sorts of cold-weather fun. Whether you enjoy outdoor sports, like skiing or snowboarding, or you are more inclined to enjoy hot cocoa and a good book indoors, there are lots of reasons to love the cold. One winter challenge though? Cleaning and caring for cold-weather clothes that you want to last for more than just a season. Check out the laundry tips below for some of winter’s trickiest pieces clothing.
Cashmere sweaters
No matter what the tag says, it’s always best to hand wash cashmere. Additionally, to preserve its softness and shape, it’s best to wash it as few times per season as possible. Instead of tossing your cashmere sweater in the machine each time you wear it like you might other tops, consider layering with an undershirt whenever you wear it to help keep your sweater clean. When you do wash cashmere, hand-washing with just a few drops of Woolite or baby shampoo–as opposed to standard detergent–will prevent damaging the fabric and help keep it looking fresh. Never hang a cashmere sweater to dry. Instead, to avoid stretching, lay it flat and gently pat it with a towel before letting the sweater air dry.
Wool coats
Wool coats should be dry cleaned at the beginning and end of every season. If you wear your coat frequently, consider adding a mid-season dry cleaning session to your routine. In between dry cleaning, use a lint brush after each wear to keep your coat fresh. Remove any small surface stains by promptly and gently blotting the stain until it’s no longer visible–no rubbing!
Down jackets and vests
Surprisingly, down jackets and vests can typically be washed using a regular machine cycle with standard laundry detergent. When you wash your down jacket or vest, be sure not to add more detergent than necessary as it can cause clumps to appear in the down and prevent it from staying as fluffy as it was prior to washing. For jackets and vests with visible surface stains, consider soaking the item in cool water before washing. When it comes to drying, avoid using high heat as this can cause the jacket or vest to bunch up or dry in clumps. Adding a tennis ball or two to the dryer can also aid in keeping the jacket or vest fluffy.
Faux Fur vests, coats, and accessories
Faux fur vests are one of winter’s trendiest items. While some types of faux fur can be washed on a standard cycle and then laid flat to dry, others are dry clean only. Whether your tag says it can be machine washed or dry cleaned, you should always blot surface stains before cleaning your item and hang it promptly after drying to help it stay fluffy and soft.
Hats, scarves, mittens and gloves
Hats, scarves, mittens, and gloves are some of winter’s most misplaced items. To avoid misplacing your items as you care for them, always place them together in a landry-safe bag prior to washing. Depending on the fabric, some items–like cashmere gloves–should be hand washed and laid flat to dry while others–such as down style gloves or cotton based-scarves–can be washed and dried on a standard cycle.
While taking special care of your winter clothes can feel like it adds a wrinkle to your regular cleaning routine, taking the time this year will help ensure your clothes last until next season. And of course, the Clothing Care Experts at 2ULaundry can take care of all of your winter wear–and help you stay clean all year round!
2ULaundry is a premium laundry and dry-cleaning pick-up and delivery service available in Charlotte, Atlanta, Tampa, Austin, San Antonio, and Phoenix. Learn more about 2ULaundry and sign up on our website.
