Found in Issue No. 250
How To Care For Your Winter Woollens
- Edited by
- Laura Fantacci
- Words by
- Frankie Graddon
- Photography by
- Eva K. Salvi
Hang Co-ords
“Knitted co-ords have become an essential part of winter dressing, so it pays to store them well. It will make life easier if matching pieces are kept next to each other, so either fold them together on a shelf or hang trousers and skirts on a slim trouser hanger and fold the top underneath.”
Fold Jumpers with a Board...
“The tip for jumpers is this: if they are all folded the same, they’ll stack better. I used a folding board to ensure that each one is the same size and can be placed neatly on a shelf. Group together knits of the same colour for ease when building your outfit.”
... And Keep The Board Within Reach
“Once you’ve folded your jumpers, keep the board out of the way yet close at hand by hanging it next to your knits. Then it can be easily reached for every time you put your jumpers away.”
Roll Accessories
“I’ve found it useful to have a drawer in my wardrobe where I store all of my gloves, hats and scarves (if they’re not too bulky). Save space and make them easy to see by rolling up each item and packing it in vertically.”
Store Chunky Scarves In A Basket
“Your chunkiest scarves are best stored in a basket or box. Fold them flat on top of each other and place a cedar block inside to keep moths away. Your box or basket can be tucked onto a shelf.”
Organise Socks and Tights
“Socks and tights can become messy all too quickly and impossible to find. Keep everything in order by slipping a sectioned tidy into your drawer, then organise into tights, walking socks, everyday socks and bed socks.”
Build a Coat Closet
“While coats are often kept in the hallway, it makes more sense to carve out an area for them in or near your wardrobe. This way, you’ll be able to quickly see which coat works best with your look. Keep shoulders in shape by hanging them on sturdy wooden or padded hangers.”
Create a Care Kit
“Wool and cashmere need extra attention to stay looking like new, so it’s worth having a few care essentials close to hand. I’d recommend a lint roller, moth repellent, clothes brush, debobbler and handheld fabric steamer.”
Slip Moth Satchets Into Your Stacks
“It’s heartbreaking when you pull a favourite jumper out of the drawer only to discover it’s been eaten by moths. The best way to prevent this is by slipping anti-moth sachets into your folded stacks on shelves and in drawers. My go-tos are the lavender sachets from Colibri.”
Add Cedar Rings To Your Hangers
“To stop moths attacking your coats, jumpsuits, co-ords and anything else that’s hanging, loop a cedar ring around the hook of the hanger. Not only will this deter moths without damaging your garments, cedar serves as a natural air freshener to keep your wardrobe smelling sweet.”
Try Essential Oils
“After trying lots of techniques, I’ve found that lavender oil is an effective way to keep moths away. What’s more, it gives clothes a calm, soothing scent. Try dropping a little onto cedar blocks and hanging them in your wardrobe.”
Remove Dust
“Moths love dirt, so a dusty woollen item is a holey one. Get rid of any surface grime after each wear with a lint roller. This will also remove fluff and hair, making your pieces look pristine clean.”
Refresh, Don't Wash
“Over-washing woollens in the machine is the quickest way to damage yarns. Cut down by using a clothes spray to freshen up pieces instead. If your knits need a thorough wash, choose a cool cycle and use a delicate wool and cashmere detergent.”
Steam-clean
“At the end of winter, it’s a good idea to take coats to an eco dry-cleaner’s so you can pack them away ready for autumn. Keep them fresh during the season with a handheld steamer. This will lift off daily dirt from fabric and remove any wrinkles.”
Debobble Knits
“There’s no getting away from the fact that wool and cashmere bobble with wear. To stop knits looking shabby, use a good quality electric debobbler to gently remove bobbles without damaging your garment.”
Use A Brush
“Giving clothes a good brush after wearing them is a simple and effective way to keep them looking fresh. I’d suggest a double-sided brush, with a padded side to remove lint, hair and marks, and a rough side that removes pilling.”
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