As you're in the midst of organizing the winter clothes you wore during the chilly season, here are some valuable tips for you. Properly storing and maintaining winter clothes can help preserve their quality for a long time, especially if they're expensive. Let's explore how to manage everything from padding to knits.
Managing Padded Jackets
To prevent deformation or damage, padded jackets should be hand-washed. Dissolve neutral detergent in lukewarm water and gently wash the padding by kneading it with your hands. It's best to wash it quickly as leaving it soaked in water for too long can cause the padding to reabsorb impurities. If hand-washing is inconvenient, you can use a washing machine. Ensure the zipper is fully closed and put the jacket in a laundry bag inside out to prevent deformation. After washing and spinning, flip the jacket inside out and pat it dry with a dry towel. Let it dry completely in a well-ventilated area. If not dried properly, bacteria can breed between the fillings. Once dry, use a dryer to apply heat to remove wrinkles and evenly distribute the filling.
Managing Coats
- Woolen Coats: To reduce static and maintain shine, mix water and fabric softener in a 10:1 ratio and spray it onto the coat using a spray bottle. Avoid soaking it in water as it may damage the fabric. Use a dedicated clothing brush to remove dust, and if washing is necessary, opt for dry cleaning. After dry cleaning, remove the plastic cover and let it air dry in a well-ventilated area. Since woolen coats can be damaged by moisture, it's advisable to place moisture absorbers in the closet.
- Wool Coats: While dry cleaning wool coats is preferable, frequent dry cleaning may remove the oil content, resulting in loss of luster. After going out, brush along the coat's nap to remove dust and if there are minor stains, dampen a towel with water and kitchen detergent and gently wipe them off.
Managing Leather Jackets
Remove dust from leather jackets and clean them with a leather-specific cream. If you don't have a dedicated cream, you can use a cold cream with high oil content. For areas with mold, wipe them with alcohol-dampened cotton. Leather garments are susceptible to sunlight and moisture, so they should be dried and stored in a well-ventilated area.
Managing Knits
Knits should be hand-washed one by one. Dissolve neutral or knit-specific detergent in lukewarm water (30-35°C) and soak the knits for about 5-10 minutes, gently kneading them. Adding a little vinegar or lemon juice can prevent pilling. After washing, gently squeeze out excess water without twisting, pat them dry with a towel, lay them flat on the floor to dry, and roll them up with newspapers or desiccants before storing them in a well-ventilated basket or box.
By properly managing your winter clothes, you can prepare to wear them in excellent condition next winter. Although it may take time to care for your clothes, it's worth it as it allows you to use them for a long time while maintaining their value. Prepare for the arrival of a new season in your wardrobe through the process of organizing winter clothes!
