Now that it is officially spring, and warmer weather is just around the corner, there is no better time to give your wardrobe some much needed TLC. It is nearly time to switch out your winter garments for summer ones, and before you throw your jumpers and coats to the back of your wardrobe, consider taking the time to sort through, clean, and properly store these items. We promise it will save you time and money when winter rolls on again.
With these 5 simple steps you can preserve your beloved garments and make sure they are ready to face another winter:
1. Sort
Start by pulling out the entire contents of your wardrobe including your summer pieces if they are in storage. Whilst this may seem counterproductive, it is the best way to remind yourself of the clothes you already own in order to begin organising. You are more than likely holding onto items that you have not worn in some time, so now is the time to be realistic. If you haven’t worn a garment for a while, this could be a useful reminder that it's there, and why you bought it in the first place. If the sight of it doesn't bring back fond memories, then maybe it's time to say goodbye.
2. Categorise
It can be really helpful when sorting your wardrobe to create three piles – keep, repair or alter, and donate – this will ensure nothing gets mixed up and help you on your way to wardrobe zen. Try offering your donate pile first to your friends: as 'birds of a feather flock together', you might find that they'd love the items you no longer wear. Failing this, try a clothes swap, charity shop or eBay. If you must throw them away, then look for a textile recycling centre.
3. Repair or alter/TLC
Ensure you are getting the most out of your wardrobe and that your favourite garments are in a ready-to-wear condition for next winter. If you’ve been neglecting the growing ‘in need of repair’ pile, now is the perfect time to give these items some love.
You might also be hoarding items that no longer fit or are considered fashionable; instead of ditching these, give them a new lease of life by altering them - request a quote from our team and we'll help you!
4. Clean
Now that you have selected your favourite garments to keep, it is important that you give them a clean before packing them away for the winter. Although your clothes may look clean, you would be surprised at how easily any food, hair, or skin particles attached to the surface of the fabric can cause damage when left over a period of time. Lingering dirt can oxidise and discolour fabric, and also attract clothes moths – save yourself a nasty surprise next season by correctly storing your items now.
We recommend that you do up any zip or button fastenings, and empty out pockets. Coats and jackets can usually be brushed down with our Natural Bristle Clothes Brush and steam cleaned to kill bacteria. Try our gorgeous naturally scented Eco Washes for most other garments.
5. Store
Once you have sorted, fixed, altered and cleaned your garments, it's time to restore some order to your wardrobe. As a first step, find a suitable place to store your winter garments – a cool, dry, dark environment with a temperature of between 12-18 degrees is optimum. In addition to this, the correct folding technique will save space and ensure garments such as woollen jumpers don’t stretch out of shape.
Empty luggage bags or plastic boxes with lids are perfect for storage. Line these with acid-free tissue paper to protect your garments and add our Natural Fragrance Bags to keep clothes smelling good (whilst keeping clothes moths at bay!).
Happy Spring Cleaning, and don't forget to check out our eco-friendly product range to help you out!
