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Storing Winter Clothing

© Peggy Hoehne

Once again it is time to put away the winter clothing and get out the summer clothing. Before you store your winter sweaters and woolens, make sure they are clean There may be stains invisible to your eye which left untreated will harm your clothing during the time it is stored. Stains left untreated will also attract moths and insects.

If the garments are meant to be dry cleaned, have them cleaned before storing. Washable woolens can be washed, but use the correct cleansers and do not use additives such as starch or chlorine bleach. Do not use fabric softener. If it requires a fabric softener; put it through a rinse or dry cycle with the softener when you unpack it next fall.

Cashmere, alpaca, angora, lambswool, merino wool, and most hand knits always require dry cleaning. Do not clean them except when they are soiled. Excessive cleaning breaks down some materials and can misshape your sweaters.

Always follow the care instructions on the label of the garment. If it says 'dry clean only' do not risk hand washing it. When the tag says it may be hand washed, use the following instructions:

Use cold water and a high quality liquid detergent especially designed for knitwear.

Turn the sweater inside out, gently immerse and work the soap through it.

Do not twist or pull, wring or rub too hard.

Gently roll the excess soap and water out of the sweater then rinse until you've rinsed out all the bubbles.

Rinse several times in cold water.

To remove excess water from your sweater, roll it up in a fluffy towel and squeeze gently or place it in a cotton pillowcase and place in the washing machine for a very gentle, short spin; just long enough to remove the excess water that weighs down your sweater.

Block the sweater, reshaping the waist and wrist ribbing, button cardigans closed, roll collars into position, and straighten out the sleeves.

Dry the sweater flat. A sweater dryer works very well or you can dry your sweater on a towel, away from direct heat and sunlight.

Do not tumble dry.

Do not iron.

Store your heavy suits and coats on strong, padded hangers. Use any hanger loops and close fasteners to help keep the garment on the hanger. Hang pants from the cuff or hem so as not to create a hanger crease. Do not hang sweaters or knitted garments which can stretch out of shape.