Wool coats are a staple in our winter wardrobe. Their soft, warm fabric protects us from the cold, and their timeless design adds a touch of class to any outfit. But as spring approaches and the temperature starts to rise, it’s time to pack away these bulky items. Wool coats require careful storage to preserve their shape, texture, and color. Improper storage can lead to damage like creasing, stretching, and even pest infestation. So, how can you store your wool coats correctly to maintain their shape and ensure they’re ready for the next winter season? This informative article will give you the necessary insights.
Taking Proper Care Before Storage
Before storing your woolen coats, it’s essential to clean them properly. Dirt, oils, and sweat can attract moths, which can cause holes in your beloved garments. Besides, stains left for too long can become permanent, spoiling the appearance of your coat.
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Washing your wool coat before storing it away is, therefore, the first step. Check the garment’s care label for washing instructions. Some wool coats are machine washable, while others require dry cleaning. If your coat is machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water and mild detergent. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can damage the wool fibres.
After washing, don’t wring out your coat. Instead, reshape it gently and lay it flat on a towel to dry. This will prevent wrinkles and stretching. If your coat requires dry cleaning, ensure you take it to a professional cleaner.
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Storing in the Right Environment
Your wool coat’s storage environment will significantly affect its condition. Wool is a natural fibre that needs to breathe, so your storage location should be cool, dark, and dry. Never store wool clothing in damp or hot areas, as this can cause mold growth or even shrinkage.
The closet you use for storage should be clean and free from dust. Remember, wool coats attract pests like moths, so ensure there’s no insect infestation in your storage area. To help deter pests, you might want to consider using natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Mothballs are an option, but they can leave a strong odor on your clothes and are toxic to kids and pets.
Choosing the Right Storage Bags
When it comes to storing your wool coats, the right garment bags are a game changer. Avoid using plastic bags, as they trap moisture and prevent your wool coats from breathing. Instead, opt for breathable garment bags made of cotton or canvas. These bags will protect your coats from dust and pests without suffocating the wool.
Garment bags also help maintain the shape of your coats as they hang. Ensure the coat hangers you use are sturdy and wide to fully support the shoulders of your coats, preventing them from losing their shape.
Regular Maintenance During Storage
Even in storage, your woolen coats require regular care. Once a month, take out your coats, shake them out, and let them air for a couple of hours. This helps to keep the wool fresh and remove any moisture that might have built up.
Check your coats for any signs of pests like moths. These insects leave behind a silvery web-like substance and tiny holes in your garments. If you spot any signs of an infestation, clean your closet thoroughly, wash all garments, and consider using stronger moth repellents.
The Importance of End of the Season Inspection
Before you pack away your wool coats for the next season, inspect them carefully. Look for any signs of damage or stains that may have gone unnoticed. If the coat needs repair, take it to a professional tailor. If there are stains, clean them according to the care instructions.
Keeping your wool coats in top shape is an ongoing process that doesn’t stop when winter ends. With the right care and storage methods, your woolen coats can serve you for many winters to come. Remember, every wool coat is an investment piece, and maintaining its shape and quality is worth every bit of effort you put in.
Using Tissue Paper and Organic Cotton
Tissue paper and organic cotton are your best companions for maintaining the shape of your wool coats during storage. After cleaning and drying your wool garments, gently fold them, paying particular attention to maintaining the shape of the collar, sleeves, and seams. Tissue paper comes in handy at this stage.
Using acid-free tissue paper, stuff the sleeves, collar, and body of your coat. This helps to retain the shape of the garment, preventing creases and wrinkles from forming during storage. Ensure the tissue paper is not overly packed; it should be just enough to maintain the coat’s shape.
After stuffing the coat, wrap it in white organic cotton fabric. This helps to provide an additional layer of protection against dust, pests, and other elements. Remember to avoid colored fabric as the dye can transfer onto your coat and damage it.
Once your wool coats are properly wrapped and protected, store them on a shelf in the closet or in a storage box. Keep them away from direct sunlight and away from heaters or radiators.
Handling Wool Sweaters
Wool sweaters, much like wool coats, require special care during storage. Following similar steps as those used for wool coats will keep your winter sweaters in perfect shape. Clean your wool sweaters properly before storage, using a gentle washing machine cycle or hand wash with cold water and mild detergent.
Dry your sweaters flat on a towel, reshaping them to avoid stretching or distortion. For those sweaters that have embellishments or intricate knit patterns, it may be best to dry clean them to maintain their integrity.
When it comes to storage, use the same principle as with your coats. Instead of hanging, wool sweaters should be folded and stored flat to maintain their shape. Use acid-free tissue paper to help maintain the shape of your sweaters and protect them from dust and pests.
Store your sweaters in a cool, dark, and dry environment. Regularly check your sweaters during storage for any signs of pests or moisture build-up. With the right care, your wool sweaters can last for many years, providing you with warmth and style each winter season.
Conclusion
Storing wool coats and winter clothes is not a task to be taken lightly. The way you store these garments can significantly impact their longevity and appearance. The ideal way to store wool clothes, whether they are coats or sweaters, involves proper cleaning, using the right storage materials like garment bags, tissue paper, and organic cotton, and ensuring a suitable storage environment.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can maintain the shape, color, and quality of your wool garments. This not only enhances your winter wardrobe but also makes economic sense, as well-maintained wool clothes can serve you for many winters to come.
Keeping pests at bay is crucial in storing wool. Regularly check your wool garments for any signs of pests and take immediate action if you find any. With the proper effort and care, your winter woolens will stay in top-notch condition, ready to keep you warm and stylish when the cold season comes around again.
Remember, your wool coat is more than just a piece of clothing. It’s an investment that, when well-cared for, can last a lifetime. Therefore, learning how to store wool properly is invaluable knowledge that every wool coat owner should have.
