The beginning of spring, the start of the annual clean-up, and a modest warming of the weather. It’s time to put away those woollen blankets, sweaters, and clothing from the winter and get out some new, spring-friendly clothing.

However, winter apparel is frequently made of wool, a fragile material that, despite being durable, needs a particular way of storage to maintain the fabric’s integrity, keep the clothing or blanket in good condition, and guarantee that it survives another winter the following year.

Here are some of the finest ways to store your woollen clothes and preserve their quality throughout the off-season to prevent moths, mould, dust, and plain wear and tear.

Packing vacuum

Vacuum packing, which involves placing your clothing in airtight bags, not only keeps them safe but also frees up a tonne of room in your closet, which will make getting dressed easier. In the event of cold fronts or heat waves, you can simply keep track of trans-seasonal things thanks to the see-through nature of the bags.

On the downside, they prevent the clothing from breathing and periodically need to be resealed. They often trap moisture and are not the best for delicate garments, though this can be avoided by adding silica crystals to the bag.

Bags for storing clothes

Using 100% cotton or wool bags is safer for delicate clothing because they let the clothes breathe, however, it is less space-efficient than vacuum packaging. Tissue paper can be used to wrap clothing to keep it from fading and tangling on other items of clothing or zippers while it is being stored.

Containers for storage

Storage bins might be a more straightforward substitute for vacuum bags, but ironically, they still need a good amount of storage space.

Storage containers are ideal for keeping out-of-season tees and shorts as well as more durable apparel like jeans. Additionally, using silica gel sachets will help stop mould growth in areas of wetness.

Not mothballs, cedar

Mothballs have a unique, lingering aroma that is never pleasant. Invest in a natural substitute like cedar blocks, which not only smell wonderful but also function just as well, if not better, at preventing moth and silverfish damage. Suit hangers made of cedar are also excellent since they assist in absorbing moisture from everyday wear.

Cedar, on the other hand, might dry up the fibres when you store leather or fur. Instead, make use of lavender sachets.

Always clean your clothing before storing it to avoid odours, stains, and dirt buildup.
rather than hanging, fold. This will ensure that clothing maintains its shape while being stored.

Every so often, check your clothes to make sure no dampness has emerged or any insects have managed to get inside.

Maintaining Wool

To prevent sagging and bulging, empty pockets and take off belts, jewellery, and other accessories before storing or washing zippered or buttoned closures when storing.

Brushing After wearing woven clothing, brush it lengthwise with a soft garment brush to remove any surface soil that could later turn into stains. Wool textiles’ aesthetic appeal can be diminished by grime and dust.

Wool clothing should be laid flat on a bed or towel for an hour to absorb cigarette or food odours. Woven clothing can be hung on an appropriate hanger in the open air.

Fold knits and hang wovens
Clothes made of woven wool should be hung on padded or curved coat hangers. Knitted clothing needs to be carefully folded and kept in drawers.

Wool clothing should be rested for 24 hours before reusing. This enables the wool fibre’s inherent toughness and springtime to recover and take on its original shape. Refreshing
Wool clothing can be revived by hanging it in a steamy bathtub after unpacking or wearing it. The steam’s moisture will smooth out creases. Dry away from heat or direct sunlight.
If wool becomes wet, dry the item at room temperature out of the heat or sun. Ironing

While much wool clothing doesn’t need to be ironed, extremely smooth textiles could benefit from being pressed. Wool should always be pressed using steam. Avoid ironing the fabric till it is completely dry and set your iron to the wool setting.

Care for lightweight wool fabrics

It might take a little longer for lighter wool materials to lose their wrinkles. By using a steam iron on the warm iron/dot 2 setting or a damp cloth to iron, wrinkles can be removed.

Before storing your wool clothing in airtight bags or containers, make sure it is clean because body oils and food stains attract moths. Use a moth repellent that has been approved by Woolmark, but avoid applying it directly to the clothing.

Wool blanket care instructions

Follow these instructions when airing, washing, drying, and storing your wool blankets to ensure they last a lifetime.

The most effective approach to freshening wool blankets is frequent air ventilation. Before hanging the wool blanket somewhere with sufficient airflow, take it outside and give it a thorough shake. By doing this, the blanket’s dirt and dust will be released. Use a soft-bristled brush to fluff up wool blankets.

Like most blankets, wool blankets also need a refresh from time to time which can easily be achieved with a soft-bristle garment brush. Lay the blanket flat on the floor and brush along the grain of the blanket’s surface. This will ensure the wool fibres are all lying in the same direction, remove any surface soil or stain and smooth the fibres of the blanket.

Eliminate liquid stains

Wool is water and stain-resistant by nature, however, after a short while, the liquid will start to permeate into the fabric. Use warm water and a light detergent to spot clean as soon as you can to get rid of this liquid stain. Avoid rubbing the material. Instead, use warm water and detergent to absorb the stain and then blot it with a soft towel.

Scrub wool blankets that are quite dirty.

It’s crucial to adhere to the blanket’s care directions when washing badly stained wool blankets. If the blanket may be machine washed, the most crucial instructions are to use cold water, the gentle wool wash cycle on the washing machine and only the approved wool wash detergents.

Warm wool blankets

It is recommended to hang wool blankets flat over a clothesline outside to dry them because the clothesline will support the weight of the wet blanket. Wool blankets should be hung out of the way of direct sunshine to prevent fading and to prevent the wool from drying out too rapidly, which could make the cloth gritty. Wool blankets shouldn’t be dried in the dryer because doing so can ruin their form and suppleness.

Wool blankets should be kept in storage.

If bugs are a problem in your home, you can store your wool blankets with a few cedar chips inside because cedarwood is a natural insect repellent in a dark, cool spot in an airtight container or bag.

Wool may be cleaned in the comfort of your own home using a washing machine. This includes blankets, socks, slacks, and sweaters.

Ensure the care of your clothing. If the claim states that you can machine wash your wool sweater, it suggests that it can be washed in a washing machine repeatedly without experiencing shrinkage.
Use a laundry bag or inside-out your wool sweater.

Use a laundry bag or inside-out your wool sweater.
Add a wool detergent, preferably one that has been authorised by Woolmark.
Set the wool setting on your cycle. It is advised to utilise the cold water wash or delicates cycle if your washing machine does not include a wool cycle.

Wool sweater hand-washing instructions

Fill a bathtub with lukewarm, clean water.
Add a wool detergent, preferably one that has been authorised by Woolmark.
10 minutes of soaking a wool outfit
Thoroughly rinse in warm water.
Repeat the rinse in cold water. Drying wool sweaters
Sweaters and other knit clothing should be flat-dried in the shade.
Jackets and suits made of woven material can be put on racks to dry, but they should still be dried away from direct sunlight.