Washing Winter Staples

  

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Summer’s not too hard with everyone wearing shorts, t-shirts and bathing suits all the time, but winter wear can be a little trickier.

At Champion Cleaners, we’re experts at this kind of thing, but if you want to try tackling the mounds of coats, jackets, vests, sweaters and more that your family layers on when they leave the house and piles up when they come home, here are some tips for various types of garments.

Down jackets – You probably only need to wash these two times a season so the feathers inside don’t break down and flatten too much. Your puffy coat may be a bit squashed after washing, so let it tumble dry on low. This may sound weird, but throw in three clean tennis balls to help redistribute the feathers.

Wool coats – These only need a trip in the washing machine one or two times each winter, depending on how often you have to bundle up. When you come in the door, hang your wool coat where air can circulate around it, rather than crowded in a small coat closet. This keeps odors at bay.

Fleece – Wash sweatshirts and jackets after six or seven wears. Turn your garment inside out and wash with like colors that have no lint. This will keep your fleece soft and smooth. Let air-dry.

Sweaters – Sweaters made of cotton and silk need to be washed after two to three wears since they are more delicate. Allow your silks to air dry. We don’t recommend washing cashmere at all. Trust your dry cleaner with these.  Wool and man-made blends tend to be more durable and can take up to five wears. Whatever the fiber, follow the care instructions on the label.

Hats, gloves, scarves – These need to be washed three to five times a season, although many people don’t wash them at all. You probably won’t neglect these items when you think about the facial oil, make-up, perfume build-up, perspiration and germs that are easily picked up while wearing these accessories. Hand wash knits, and dry clean only leather gloves and structured hats.