5 Expert Tips for Caring for Your Winter Wardrobe

|By admin

Keep Your Winter Favorites Looking Their Best

Your winter wardrobe represents a significant investment. Quality wool coats, cashmere sweaters, and down jackets deserve proper care to look great season after season. Here are our expert tips for maintaining your cold-weather clothing.

1. Always Clean Before Storing

This is the most important rule of winter garment care. Never store dirty clothes. Even if a coat looks clean, invisible body oils, perfume, and food particles can oxidize over time, causing permanent stains. These residues also attract moths and other pests.

Have your winter items professionally cleaned before packing them away for the season.

2. Handle Down Jackets with Care

Down jackets stay warm because of the "loft" – the air trapped between feathers. Over time, oils and moisture can cause feathers to clump, reducing warmth and making the jacket look flat.

Professional cleaning restores the loft and ensures proper drying to prevent mildew. Avoid washing down at home unless you have experience – improper drying can ruin the jacket.

3. Protect Wool and Cashmere

These delicate fibers are sensitive to heat and agitation. Home washing often leads to shrinkage and pilling. Professional dry cleaning uses gentle solvents that clean without damaging the fibers, keeping your luxury knits soft and properly sized.

Pro tip: Between cleanings, use a cashmere comb to gently remove pills and keep sweaters looking fresh.

4. Don't Forget Your Accessories

Scarves, gloves, and hats touch your skin directly and absorb oils, makeup, and hair products. Include these items in your regular cleaning rotation. Clean accessories feel better and help keep your skin clear.

5. Store Smart

Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning:

  • Skip the plastic: Don't leave clothes in dry cleaning bags long-term. Plastic traps moisture and can cause mildew.
  • Use breathable covers: Fabric garment bags protect from dust while allowing air circulation.
  • Fold heavy knits: Hanging heavy sweaters stretches the shoulders. Fold them instead.
  • Add cedar: Cedar blocks or sachets naturally repel moths without harsh chemicals.

Trust the Professionals

At River Oaks Cleaners, we specialize in caring for fine garments. Our eco-friendly cleaning processes and experienced staff ensure your winter wardrobe receives the attention it deserves.

Visit any of our convenient locations or schedule a free pickup and delivery to give your winter clothes the professional care they need.

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