5 Items To Dry Clean This Winter Season
Winter is well and truly here, bringing with it cozy layers, festive outfits, and those essential thick blankets and coats to keep you warm and toasty all season long. While there's nothing better than wrapping up in winter woollens, these seasonal staples need special care to stay in great condition. For delicate fabrics like cashmere sweaters or silk blouses, tossing them in the washing machine is high risk, often resulting in shrunken or damaged clothing. So how should you handle these delicate items? That's where dry cleaning comes in.
In this blog, we'll highlight 5 winter wardrobe essentials you should take to the dry cleaner. With professional care, you'll avoid damage and keep your clothes looking their best all season long.
1. Wool Coats
A good quality wool coat is a timeless winter staple, for both men and women, but it’s also a magnet for dirt and stubborn stains—especially in wet or snowy weather. Wool is a delicate material and can easily shrink or lose its shape with regular machine washing, so dry cleaning is the safest way to keep it looking in top condition. As part of the dry cleaning process, special (gentle) cleaning solvents will be applied which will help not only help to get your clothes clean, but will also help to care for your favorite items.
Pro Tip: Dry clean your wool coat on a regular basis, we'd recommend at least once a season to preserve its shape and softness.
2. Formal Wear
Winter is packed with holiday parties, weddings, and work events. Tuxedos, velvet dresses, and sequin-covered outfits all need professional cleaning and care to keep them looking their best. Delicate fabrics such as these don’t stand up well to the rough and tumble of regular washing machines, but dry cleaning can remove tough stains (like wine or food spills) without damaging fabrics or embellishments.
Quick Tip: Many people only dry clean their formalwear the next time they use it but it’s worth taking it to the cleaners as soon as possible after an event, the longer they're left, the harder it is to remove stains from clothes, especially greasy or oil-based stains.
3. Sweaters and Knitwear
Cozy sweaters and knitwear are winter essentials, but materials like cashmere and fine wool are prone to shrinking and losing their softness in a standard wash - nobody wants to put their favorite clothes in the wash only for it to come out doll-sized! They need the type of gentle care that can only come from traditional dry cleaning.
Why It Matters: Clothing that has been cleaned by a professional cleaner will last longer and look better than one subjected to harsh home washing, Over time this will save you from having to constantly replace clothes which get damaged from frequent washing.
4. Blankets and Throws
Snuggling up with a cozy blanket when it’s cold outside is one of the best parts of winter. But blankets can pick up musty odors in storage or trap dirt and pet hair with regular use. Not great for those with sensitive noses or allergies! Dry cleaning keeps them soft, fresh, and allergen-free all season long.
Top Tip: Clean your blankets mid-season to keep them smelling great and free of buildup.
5. Scarves, Hats, and Gloves
Winter accessories like scarves, hats, and gloves are in constant contact with your skin, absorbing sweat and makeup. Over time, this can cause discoloration and odors. While many items might say they can be washed at home, regular washing risks shrinking or stretching the fabric, so dry cleaning is the safest option.
End-of-Season Tip: Have these items professionally cleaned before storing them for spring, so they’re fresh and ready to go next winter.
Protect Your Winter Wardrobe
With the cost of clothing rising, it makes sense to invest in professional care to extend the life of your winter wardrobe. By taking these items to a dry cleaning facility and having them professionally cleaned on a regular basis, you'll preserve their quality, keep them feeling and smelling fresh, and avoid costly replacements down the line.
From wool coats to delicate knitwear, dry cleaning gives your favorite pieces the care they deserve. Say goodbye to shrunken sweaters and dull coats—your winter wardrobe will thank you! Not sure where to find your nearest dry cleaner? Download the CleanCloud app for iOS and Android and discover the best dry cleaners near you.