With the change of season and the approach of winter, it is time to take warm items such as sweaters, jackets, shawls, and other winter outfits out of closets. However, long-term storage of these items in closed wardrobes can lead to musty odors, dust accumulation, or pilling. To keep your winter clothing clean and ready to wear, it is recommended to follow nine simple guidelines.
The first step is to completely remove all warm items from the closet before the cold weather sets in. You need to inspect each item to determine which ones will be relevant for the current season. Clothing that has become too small or unusable should be set aside, which will free up space in the wardrobe and simplify daily selection.
Before wearing the clothes, they should be thoroughly brushed. Since long periods in the closet contribute to dust accumulation on warm items, sweaters and jackets need to be well fluffed. If heavily soiled, a soft brush suitable for the fabric type can be used to remove settled dust.
If a sweater or jacket smells like a confined space after being taken out of the closet, they should not be worn immediately. It is better to leave them outdoors for some time. Depending on the weather and the product instructions, they can be placed in light sunlight, which will help reduce unpleasant odors. It is important to remember that delicate and dark items should not be left under intense sun for long.
If stains are found or if the clothing has not been washed for a long time, it must be cleaned before use. When washing wool items, you must consult the care label. Some sweaters can be hand-washed, while others require professional dry cleaning. Similarly, jackets should be cleaned according to the material type and accompanying instructions.
To get rid of pills and small clumps that can form on sweaters due to storage or frequent use, use a special lint remover or fabric shaver. In this process, it is crucial to avoid stretching or rough rubbing the fabric to prevent damaging the fibers.
It is necessary to check the zippers, buttons, pockets, and seams of jackets that will be used daily. Minor damage may be discovered after several months of storage. If a zipper sticks or a button is broken, this problem should be addressed in advance to avoid difficulties in cold weather.
Warm clothing should be arranged in the closet so that it is easily accessible. Sweaters and jackets worn daily are best placed closer to the exit, while rarely used items should be kept elsewhere. Instead of hanging bulky sweaters on hangers, it is better to fold them, as weight can cause deformation. Jackets, however, can be hung on appropriate hangers.
Preparing for winter is not limited to just sweaters and jackets. You should also inspect blankets, duvets, and shawls removed from storage. If they smell or have dust, they need to be cleaned or washed according to instructions. After they are completely dry, they can be placed on the bed or stored in the closet. This preliminary preparation will prevent hassle with cleaning warm items once winter arrives.