How To Store Wool Sweaters

Almost everyone has wool sweaters in their wardrobe to protect themselves from the severity of winter. Many people make mistakes in storing their wool clothes, which deteriorates their expensive sweaters! But don’t worry; this article has a detailed guide on HOW TO STORE WOOL SWEATERS to keep them in better condition for a long time. Here are some tips that don't take much time or effort to store sweaters in a better way:

Clean

The first step for storing wool sweaters is to clean them properly, even if they look clean, to avoid any foul odor or bacteria that remain trapped in the wool fibers. So, take wool sweaters to the dry cleaner or wash them at home. Also, sweaters should be completely dry before storing so they don’t develop a musty smell.

a) Check the care Labels:  Always read the care labels on your sweaters to determine if they are only machine washable, hand washable, or dry clean.

b) Hand wash: Use a mild detergent for delicate fabrics for hand-washable wool sweaters. Gently soak and agitate the sweater in cold water, rinse it thoroughly and gently squeeze out excess water.

c) Machine wash: If the care label permits machine washing, use a gentle cycle with cold water and wool-friendly detergent. Place the sweater inside a mesh laundry bag to minimize agitation and friction.

d) Dry clean: For dry clean-only sweaters, take them to a professional cleaner. Make sure to mention any stains or areas of concern

Location

For keeping wool sweaters in good condition: 

1. Choose a dry location to prevent moisture or direct sunlight.
2. Use plastic tubs with tight-fitting lids, plastic baggies with zippers or plastic sweater boxes.
3. Seal any holes or cracks in containers with duct tape.
4. Ensure that the bag is clean and dry before placing the sweater inside.

Moth repellents for wool sweaters 

Moths are pests that can destroy the wool fabric. They are especially drawn to fabrics via sweat, food, or urine stains. So, for protecting wool sweaters from moths, use moth repellent, which has an influential role on moths. For this purpose, you can use cedar, a natural insect(Moth) repellent. The cedar helps in preventing pests from getting into your sweater. It also absorbs moisture from the air, so it is the best way to keep your closet or plastic bags dry.

You can also use sachets of cedar wood chips, readily available in markets. 

Regular Checking of wool sweater storage

After storing wool sweaters properly, there is still a need to check on them regularly to ensure they are in good condition. Suppose you see any sign of moth damage or discoloration. Take your wool sweater to a professional cleaner.

 Ways of Storage

1. Vacuum-Packed Bags

Vacuum-packed bags that people use for travelling can also store wool sweaters. These bags not only protect wool sweaters from moths and pests, but they also take up less space. This thing makes it easier to manage the bags in storage space.

But vacuum-packed bags are only for a short time because sometimes the seal becomes weakened, which introduces air and moisture in the bags. This air or moisture can make a foul odour in wool sweaters. To avoid this problem, you should reseal the bags occasionally.

2. Clothes Storage Bags

These storage bags are rectangular in shape, zippered, and made with a breathable fabric. The material used for making these bags is organic. These bags are available in different sizes in markets. Having a zip in these bags prevents snagging.

3. Boxes and Bins

Boxes and Bins are another option for storage of wool clothes. These occupy the most space, so collapsible cotton bins work best. These bins are made of cotton. Therefore, wool sweaters can breathe while keeping dust and pests out. Keep the heaviest sweaters on the bottom.

Most acceptable bins are plastic bins which can go under the bed or on the upper shelves of your closet.

4. Other Preventive Measures 

To protect wool sweaters from any damage, some other preventive measures are the following:

5. Don’t Hang Wool Sweaters

By hanging sweaters made from heavier natural fibres like wool, the weight of the fabric will cause them to stretch and lose shape. So avoid hanging wool sweaters incorrectly.

How To Fold Sweaters

1. Turn the sweater face down on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles.
2. Vertically fold in one side of the sweater, stopping just to the side of the neckline. Then, fold the sleeve backwards to line up the cuff with the outer edge of the garment.
3. Do the same with the other sleeve.
4. Take the hem of the garment and horizontally fold it up to the top of the sweater.
5. Flip over the sweater and place it on a shelf, in a drawer, or a sweater bag.
6.  Use Acid-free tissue paper: Place the acid-free tissue paper between the folds of the sweater to prevent wrinkles.
7. Stack carefully: Avoid Stacking too many sweaters on top of each other as this can lead to compression and deformation; ideally, place each sweater flat in your storage container.

Conclusion: 

In conclusion, storing wool sweaters properly is essential to keep them in better condition. Clean them before storing, choose the right storage location, and use moth repellents to prevent damage. Whether you choose to fold or hang your sweaters, check on them regularly to ensure they’re in good shape. With these tips, you can enjoy your wool sweaters for years.