As the first chill of winter arrives, so does the ritual of unpacking last year’s woollens. But before you get cosy, giving them a proper clean after months in storage is the key to ensuring they look and feel their best all season long.
Start with a Thorough Inspection
Before any water
or soap touches your garments, give them a careful once-over. Lay each item on a flat, clean surface in good light. You are looking for two main culprits: pests and mildew. Check for small, irregular holes, which are a tell-tale sign of clothes moths. You might also see silky webbing, tiny cream-coloured larvae, or their shed casings tucked into seams or under collars. Also, be alert for any musty or damp smells, which could indicate mildew growth from being stored improperly. Use a soft brush to gently remove any surface dust or debris that may have settled during storage.
Choose Your Cleaning Method
Always check the care label first, as it is your most reliable guide. If it says 'Dry Clean Only', trust it, especially for structured items like coats or tailored pieces. For most sweaters, scarves, and blankets, you have a few options. Hand-washing is the gentlest and safest method for delicate fibres like cashmere and merino wool. Some modern woollens are machine-washable, but this requires care. If you choose this route, use a 'wool' or 'delicate' cycle with cold water and place the item in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction. Wool is naturally low-maintenance, so unless a garment is visibly dirty or smelly, it may only need to be aired out.
The Gentle Art of Hand-Washing
To hand-wash, fill a basin or clean sink with lukewarm or cold water. Hot water can cause wool fibres to shrink. Add a small amount of a pH-neutral, wool-specific detergent. Products that contain lanolin can help condition the fibres, keeping them soft. Turn the garment inside out, submerge it, and gently swish it through the water. Avoid any harsh rubbing or wringing, as this can cause the wool to felt. Let it soak for about 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly in clean water of the same temperature.
Banishing Stubborn Storage Odours
If your woollens have a persistent musty smell even after washing, a few tricks can help. A simple solution is to air them out on a dry, breezy day, but keep them out of direct sunlight which can cause damage. For more stubborn odours, a pre-soak in a vinegar solution can work wonders. Mix one part white vinegar with two parts cold water, submerge the garment for 15–30 minutes, and then rinse before proceeding with your normal wash. Baking soda is another effective deodoriser; you can add a couple of tablespoons to your wash water to help neutralise smells.
Drying Is Half the Battle
How you dry wool is just as important as how you wash it. Never, ever hang a wet wool sweater, as the weight of the water will stretch it out of shape. And avoid the tumble dryer, as the high heat can cause irreversible shrinkage and damage the fibres. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing the garment. Lay the item on a thick, clean towel, roll the towel up with the sweater inside, and press firmly to absorb more water. Then, unroll it and lay the garment flat on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Reshape it to its original size and let it air–dry completely, away from direct heat or sunlight.
