How to Take Care of Sweaters and Warm Clothing?

Summer is behind us, along with light dresses and shorts. Slowly but surely, cooler weather is making its presence felt, and with it, our wardrobes are gaining sweaters, cardigans, and warm hoodies. Before you pull them out of the closet and sink into their cozy warmth, it’s important to give them proper care. How should you take care of sweaters and warm clothing? Let’s take a look together.

The first step is proper washing and storage. These tasks are key to their long lifespan, maintaining shape and color, and of course, ensuring they keep you comfortable on chilly days without unpleasant odors or damage. So, let’s get started!

Before you start washing: Inspection and sorting

Before you start washing, it’s important to inspect each piece of clothing. Look for stains, pills, torn seams, or loose threads. Stains should ideally be treated as soon as possible, preferably before washing. If you find loose threads, trim them to prevent further unraveling. Next, sort your clothes by color and material. Never wash light wool sweaters with dark cotton items – you could ruin both loads.

Read the labels – they reveal a lot

Do you throw your laundry into the washing machine without checking the care symbols? That might be why some pieces occasionally shrink or stretch during washing or drying. Every item of clothing has a label with information about the material and the recommended washing method. Whether it’s wool, cashmere, mohair, acrylic, or cotton, each material requires a specific approach.

• Wool and cashmere: These materials are prone to shrinking and damage from high temperatures and vigorous spinning. Hand washing or using a delicate/wool cycle at a low temperature (max. 30 °C) is ideal.
• Acrylic and synthetic materials: They are more durable but still require gentle handling. Wash them at lower temperatures (30–40 °C) and with reduced spin speeds.
• Cotton: Cotton sweaters and hoodies are more durable and can withstand higher temperatures, but the rule still applies: the lower the temperature, the longer the clothing will last.

Choosing the right detergent is key

For delicate materials like wool and cashmere, special detergents for wool and fine fabrics are ideal. For other materials, such as acrylic or cotton, you can use a high-quality laundry gel. This is where Puella laundry gel comes in – designed to be gentle on fabrics while effectively removing dirt. Its formula helps protect colors and fiber structure, which is especially important for autumn pieces.

For those who prefer something different or have sensitive skin, there are Puella hypoallergenic laundry sheets. They are a great alternative because they are gentle on the skin while still being effective. Their compact form is practical, saving both space and the environment.

Don’t forget the scent!

Clean clothes should smell wonderful too. This is where Puella laundry perfumes come in. Just a few drops of this concentrated perfume will give your laundry a luxurious, long-lasting fragrance that lingers even after drying. With a wide range of scents to choose from, you’re sure to find your favorite, reminding you of fresh autumn mornings.

How to wash sweaters and warm clothing step by step

1. Empty pockets and fasten zippers/buttons: Before washing, make sure pockets are empty and all zippers and buttons are closed. This helps prevent damage to both your clothes and the washing machine.
2. Turn them inside out: It’s always a good idea to wash and dry sweaters and warm clothing inside out. This helps protect the surface texture and color from fading.
3. Use Puella laundry gel or sheets: Use the recommended amount of Puella laundry gel or hypoallergenic laundry strips. If washing by hand, make sure the strips are completely dissolved in water before adding your clothes.
4. Choose the right cycle and temperature: As mentioned before, follow the care labels. For wool and cashmere, select the wool or delicate cycle at a low temperature (max. 30 °C). For other materials, use the appropriate cycle based on the fabric and color.
5. Low spin speed: Sweaters and warm clothing should be spun at a low speed (max. 600–800 rpm) to prevent fiber damage and deformation. For wool and cashmere, it’s best to spin very gently or not at all.

Proper drying – the key to prevent mold and maintain the shape

Proper drying is absolutely crucial after washing. It is one of the most common sources of clothing damage, as well as unpleasant odors and mold.

• Never hang sweaters on hangers: Wet sweaters are heavy, and hanging them can stretch them out and cause them to lose their shape.
• Dry them flat: Lay the sweater on a clean, dry towel and spread it out to its original shape. If you have a drying rack with a grid, you can use it. Turn the sweater regularly to ensure it dries evenly.
• Adequate ventilation: Make sure the room where you’re drying your clothes is well-ventilated. This helps prevent mold and musty odors.
• No direct sunlight or radiator heat: Direct sunlight can cause colors to fade and high radiator heat can damage fibers. Avoid drying sweaters and hoodies in direct sunlight.
• Ensure clothes are completely dry: Before folding and storing your clothes, make sure they are completely dry. Pay special attention to thicker areas where the fabric folds, such as hoodie pockets. Any remaining moisture can promote mold and bacteria, causing unpleasant odors and damaging your favorite pieces.

Fighting moths and other pests

During storage, sweaters and warm clothing are prone to moth infestations. Here are a few tips to prevent them:

• Cleanliness: Moths thrive on dirty clothing. Make sure all clothes are clean and fragrant before storing.
• Sealed storage: Store clothes in breathable garment bags, vacuum bags, or plastic boxes with tight-fitting lids.
• Natural repellents: Lavender, cedarwood, cloves, or bay leaves are great natural moth repellents. Place them in your wardrobe or between clothes.
• Wardrobe ventilation: Regularly ventilate your wardrobe and check your clothes for signs of moths (small holes, webbing).

Fragrant Puella tags – the finishing touch for perfect care

Finally, once your sweaters are clean, dry, and ready for storage, don’t forget Puella fragrant tags. These little wonders, placed in your wardrobe or drawers, not only give your clothes a beautiful, long-lasting scent but also help prevent mustiness. They are the perfect finishing touch to the entire care process, ensuring your clothing is ready to keep you warm and pleasantly scented during the upcoming cooler days.

Remember – by washing, drying, and storing your clothes properly, you extend the life of your favorite pieces, preserve their beautiful appearance, and keep them pleasantly fragrant. With the help of Puella products, this care becomes even easier and more effective. Let yourself be carried away by the scent of cleanliness and freshness that Puella brings into your home ♥