Autumn and winter are the seasons when we like to reach for woolen clothes. Nothing can keep us warmer and more comfortable than a woolen, fleecy sweater. When using woolen clothes, it is essential to take good care of them in order to enjoy them for as long as possible. What can we not forget?
When taking care of woolen clothes, to make them last as long as possible, we need to remember about three stages: washing, maintenance and storage. Conscious performance of these activities will allow us to enjoy our favorite woolen garments for many years.
Woolen clothes most often deteriorate in the wash. How to prevent this? Although it may sound strange, try to wash your woolen clothes as seldom as possible. In practice, it does not have to be very difficult – wool is a natural fiber and by its properties it is difficult to get it dirty. And even if it is, the dirt will not penetrate deeply. Woolen clothes after wearing you can air out, for example on the balcony or use steam to refresh them and hang them in a steamy bathroom. Remember to let the clothes dry before hanging them in the closet.
If you do need to wash a wool sweater, jacket or hat, do it as gently as possible. If you wash your clothes in the washing machine, set the machine to a special program for wool and do not turn on the spin cycle. When washing by hand, do not crumple, rub or squeeze. Gently knead the wool in your hands, or rub the stained area more firmly. When you have washed the garment, wring it out in a dry towel and lay it flat.
Woollen clothes cannot be washed in water that is too hot or too cold. It is best to use lukewarm water, which will feel cool to the touch. The program in the washing machine should be set at 30 degrees Celsius.
Woollen clothes can be washed in special detergents or… in hair shampoo! The most important thing is that the product should be gentle and should not contain aggressive chemical components.
Once you have washed your favorite woolen garment, it is time for ironing. Here, too, you need to be extremely careful, because it is easy to damage. Some irons have a “wool” option. If you can’t find it in your appliance, iron your woolen garments on the left side. If you need to iron clothes on the right side as well, do it through a cotton cloth.
Another important step when caring for woolen clothes is shaving them. It’s no surprise that a wool sweater will become limp or wrinkled, especially in areas prone to friction, such as the armpits and cuffs. In getting rid of unsightly balls and pulls will help us sweater shaver. This is an expense of several zlotys, and its use will improve the appearance of our woolen garments. Use it dry, without pressing too hard.
Washed and ironed clothes should be put back in the closet. Woolen clothes are best stored hanging, on medium-sized hangers without sharp ends. Heavier clothes can be stored folded in the closet. Be sure to store lavender in the closet to repel moths.
Main photo: Kate McLean/unsplash.com
