Best Winter Clothing Tips On How To Wash And Care For Winter Clothes

Winter fashion is all about chunky sweaters, structured trench coats, and thick woolen cardigans that keep you snugly warm. However, these winter clothes also demand thoughtful care to preserve their colours, texture, and fabric strength. Unlike summer clothes, improper handling of winter materials like wool, fleece, thermal blend, or synthetic blends can lead to shrinkage, colour fading, or fabric damage. Thus, you need to follow the right techniques while washing and drying. Feeling lost? Don't be. Here is a beginner's guide on how to wash and care for winter clothes with carefully curated tips.

Make your winter clothes last longer with these wash and care maintenance tips
Photo Credit: Pexels

When it comes to washing and caring for your winter clothes, every little step matters. From washing your sweaters the right way to storing them for next year, a lot goes into the process. But with a few practical care tips, you can protect your winter wardrobe essentials from damage, maintain their softness, and keep them long-lasting.  

Also Read: Stay Warm And Stylish: Explore Sweatshirt And Sweaters For Women On Myntra

7 Ways To Wash And Care For Winter Clothes

1. Read The Label

Before washing winter clothes, always check the care label stitched inside on the backside. This small label contains everything about the specific water temperature, drying methods, and ironing. These printed instructions are tailored to the specific fabric's needs, whether pure wool or synthetic blends. Ignoring these labels can cause damage to your clothing, such as shrinkage and fading. 

2. Sort Winter Clothes By Fabric

Always sort your winter clothes based on their fabric composition and not just according to the colours. Each material requires a specific washing and drying routine to maintain its colour, warmth, and overall appearance. For instance, delicate materials like wool and cashmere require gentle hand washing. On the other hand, synthetics can handle machine washing without going through friction damage. 

3. Use Gentle Detergents 

Whether it's your favourite knitted jumper or your grandmother's cardigan, winter clothes need gentle detergents. This is because the everyday harsh detergent can fade the colour or weaken the fabric, causing it to get damaged and pile faster. Instead, look for liquid detergents labelled as "for woolens". These cleaning detergents are specifically formulated to maintain fabric's softness. 

Apart from this, avoid using bleach or strong stain removers. Always turn your clothes inside out and use cold water to preserve the fabric. For expensive and delicate winter clothing items, rely on dry cleaning. 

Use mild cleaning detergents to preserve the feel, look, and quality of your winter clothes
Photo Credit: Pexels

4. Machine Wash Them Carefully

As mentioned earlier, labels on the winter clothes provide tailored care instructions. For those with machine-washable items, it's imperative to use the right techniques. For instance, most winter clothes need ice-cold water or lukewarm water. Secondly, use gentle cycles to remove impurities without damaging the items. 

Avoid hanging heavy sweaters or wool coats as this can damage their shape. For delicate cashmere, do not wring the clothing to remove excess water. Similarly, never place your woolen clothes in direct sunlight or near a heater as it can cause the fabric to shrink or harden faster.

5. Air Dry Whenever Possible

As mentioned earlier, placing winter clothes near dryers can cause them to shrink, flatten, or get damaged. Instead, air drying is the best and gentler option to help the clothing retain its natural shape and texture. After pressing out excess water, lay your sweaters flat to prevent stretching and wait till they are completely dry. 

6. Remove Lint And Piling Carefully

Winter clothes are prone to developing lint or small fabric balls, known as pills. This usually happens when loose fibres break off and form a ball during washing or friction from daily use. To maintain their overall appearance, it's best to use a lint roller to catch all the loose fibres, especially on solid black and white garments. 

For the pilling, you can rely on an electric pill remover that removes these little balls without damaging your winter clothes. Make sure to pay special attention when using such tools, as even a small mistake can damage the fabric. 

Use an electric pills remover or lint remover roller to keep your solids free from loose threads
Photo Credit: Pexels

7. Store Smart: Clean Before You Pack Away

Let's be honest, folding laundry is probably the last thing that we want to do, causing huge heaps of sweaters and jackets on the bed or chair. But it's important to make your space look clean, hygienic, and organised. So, before storing your winter clothes in the wardrobe, make sure that they are smelling fresh, looking clean, and feeling completely dry. 

Fold them neatly and place them in breathable cotton bags for effective wardrobe organisation. Wet or moist fabric can develop a foul odour and germ build-up. Check each clothing piece individually while folding the laundry. You can also use scented soy wax hangers to infuse your clothes with a fragrance of your choice, be it lavender, coffee, or floral.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should I wash winter clothes?

Unlike summer clothes, winter clothing doesn't need frequent washing. Unless dirt and stains are visible, you can rewear your favourite sweaters and jackets many times. But remember to air them out after each use and wear them at least 3-4 times before cleaning.

2. Can I machine wash woollen clothes?

You can machine wash woollen clothes on a gentle cycle with cold water. However, make sure to read labels to find the best cleaning method.

Q3. What's the best way to dry winter clothes?

One of the best ways to dry winter clothes is to lay your sweaters, jackets, and woolen items flat on a towel. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight or near dryers. 

4. How should I store winter clothes after the season?

After the season, clean and air-dry your winter clothes and ensure they are fully dry. Next, place them in breathable fabric bags and store them in a cool, dry place.

5. Can I iron sweaters or fleece jackets?

Always check the label on your sweaters or fleece jackets to ensure that they are fit for ironing. Remember that frequent ironing can flatten the texture and feel of the fabric.