Do this Before Packing Away your Winter Clothes
Spring is right around the corner (can I get an amen?!), and that means it’s time to start switching out closets and drawers for the new season! But before you start packing away those cozy sweaters, I have a few maintenance tips that will ensure your winter clothes keep their vibrancy so you can enjoy them again next year!
1. Use a Sweater/Fabric Shaver:
We all know the dreaded pilling and fuzzies our sweaters tend to get each year, leaving them looking a little rough. But before you throw away your favorite sweater because it's full of fuzzies, use a sweater shaver on it. These devices are so simple and effective, your pieces will look good as new! Here are a couple of shaver recommendations:
2. Take a Trip to the Dry Cleaners:
This goes without saying, but a lot of our winter clothes do much better with a trip to the dry cleaners than washing them at home, even when the tag says it's safe to. Skip the risk and take your pieces for a quick refresh at your favorite dry cleaners! Your clothes will thank you.
3. Store in Cloth bags, not Plastic:
For items that need to be stored away, whether in your closet, under your bed, or in drawers, make sure to use a cloth bag. Plastic bags suffocate the fabrics and can trap moisture, causing yellowing and age. So even though your clothes arrive in plastic bags after picking them up from the dry cleaners, it’s best to remove them and store them where they can breathe. Some people like having a plastic covering on the top of their garments to protect the shoulders. If that's you, you can safely do this by cutting the lower part of the plastic bag so that the plastic only covers the shoulders of your item. Additionally, here are some great cloth bag recommendations:
4. Use Cedar Products:
Lastly, for items you pack away or choose to leave hanging, pick up some cedar blocks to keep any unwanted pests out of your clothes. Cedar doesn't have artificial chemicals that can deteriorate your clothes, unlike moth balls. There are a ton great options out there depending on your preferences - cedar hanging blocks, little bags for drawers, mini blocks, etc. Here are some you can try: