Winter is behind us, the sun is calling us outside, and heavy jackets and coats are slowly making way for lighter spring pieces. But before you just shove them into the closet and forget about them until the next cold season, it’s important to know how to properly clean, protect, and store them.
Improperly stored winter clothing can lose its shape, develop unpleasant odors, or even become a target for moths. If you want your favorite jackets and coats to stay fresh, well-preserved, and ready to wear next winter, follow these tips!
The first rule – never store dirty clothes!
Your coat may look clean, but hidden inside are dust particles, sweat, perfume, and tiny dirt traces that can cause odors or even attract insects.
🔹 Wool and cashmere coats should be taken to a dry cleaner before storing. These delicate fabrics can lose their shape if washed at home.
🔹 Down jackets and parkas can be machine washed, but use a mild detergent and a delicate cycle at a low temperature. Add tennis balls to the dryer to keep the feathers fluffy.
🔹 Synthetic jackets and ski gear should be washed at 30°C with detergent that doesn’t contain fabric softener—softener can damage the waterproof coating on ski jackets!
🔹 Leather jackets should be wiped with a mild soap and water solution, then treated with a leather conditioner to keep the material soft and supple.
💡 Fun fact: Makeup stains on coat collars can be easily removed with baby wipes—just gently rub the stain!
Drying is key – never store damp clothing!
Even if your jacket seems dry after washing, always let it air out for at least 24 hours to ensure no moisture remains in the fabric.
🔸 Down jackets should be dried lying flat to keep the feathers evenly distributed.
🔸 Wool coats should never be placed on a radiator—heat can warp the fibers and ruin the shape.
💡 Fun fact: If your coat smells a bit stale but you don’t want to wash it, hang it in the bathroom while you take a hot shower—the steam will freshen up the fabric!
Proper folding and hanging – how to prevent wrinkles and deformation?
Proper storage maintains the shape and quality of your winter clothing:
✅ Down jackets and ski jackets should be stored in breathable fabric garment bags and hung on sturdy hangers. Avoid plastic covers, as they don’t allow the fabric to breathe.
✅ Wool coats should never be folded but rather hung on wide plastic or wooden hangers to maintain their shape.
✅ Leather jackets should also stay on hangers to prevent creases and cracks in the material.
💡 Fun fact: Instead of mothballs, which leave a strong smell, place lavender or cedarwood sachets in your closet—natural protection from moths!
Protection from dust, moths, and moisture
You don’t want to pull out your favorite coat next winter only to find it covered in dust or—worse—moth-eaten! Here’s how to prevent that:
🔹 Use fabric garment bags, not plastic ones! Plastic traps moisture and can cause bad odors.
🔹 Place a sachet of lavender, cedarwood, or bay leaves in the closet—a natural way to keep moths away.
🔹 Store down jackets in vacuum-seal bags if you’re short on space, but be sure to air them out properly before wearing them again.
💡 Fun fact: Moths don’t actually eat fabric—they feed on microscopic sweat and skin particles left on clothing! That’s why washing jackets before storing them is crucial.
Where to store winter jackets and coats?
The storage location plays a big role in keeping clothes in great condition.
✔️ Ideal location – A dry, well-ventilated room with a stable temperature.
✔️ Avoid damp basements and attics – Moisture can cause mold and ruin fabrics.
✔️ If closet space is tight, use vacuum-seal bags for bulky down jackets—but not for wool coats, as they need airflow.
💡 Fun fact: If your stored clothes feel a bit stiff when you take them out, put them in the dryer with one or two ice cubes—the steam will naturally relax the fibers!
What to do before wearing them again?
When winter returns and it’s time to pull out your jackets and coats, follow these steps:
🔸 Check the condition of the clothing – Are there any stains, damage, or unexpected odors?
🔸 Air out jackets and coats outdoors – The best way to freshen them up.
🔸 Fluff up down jackets in the dryer with tennis balls to restore their shape.
🔸 If wool coats have slight creases, use steam or hang them in the bathroom while taking a hot shower.
💡 Fun fact: If your wool coat looks wrinkled but you don’t want to iron it, place a damp towel over it and gently press with your hands—the fibers will relax naturally!
Proper storage saves you time and money
A little extra care when storing your jackets and coats can make a huge difference! Next winter, when you pull out perfectly fresh and well-preserved outerwear, you’ll be thankful for the effort you put in now.
If you don’t want to wash heavy winter coats and jackets yourself, leave it to us at iWash! Our professional cleaning ensures that your clothes remain clean, fresh-smelling, and ready for the next season. 🧥✨
📌 How do you store your winter clothing? Do you have any tips to share? Let us know in the comments! 😊