When to Wash Winter Apparel

With winter weather in full swing, it might be time to take some time and launder those items we’ve been constantly wearing during the cold and snowy weather. Below, our Raleigh Laundromat gives you a few tips on how to launder those hard to wash cold weather items.

Down Parkas and Vests- How often should they be washed? Twice a season.

Washing guidelines: Over-washing down causes the feathers to break. Machine wash puffy outerwear in cold water with a non-detergent product, since detergents and dry cleaning can flatten the down feathers.

After washing it’s a good idea to let it tumble dry on low with three clean tennis balls to redistribute the feathers. This will “prevent the down from clumping, make sure the coat is totally dry, even if it takes several cycles,” according to the director of quality assurance for North Face apparel company.

Fleece Jackets and Sweatshirts- How often should they be washed? After six wears.

Washing guidelines: Sweatshirts are low-maintenance and can be washed and dried according to the care label. Fleece requires extra care. To keep the nap smooth and soft, turn the garment inside out and wash it with like colors. Refrain from washing fleece with towels or other items that have a ton of lint.  Be sure to rinse fleece twice, before taking it out of the washer, so there’s no detergent residue. Air-dry.

If the fleece has a water-resistant finish, avoid fabric softeners. They will diminish the effectiveness of the fabric.

Quick Tip: The easiest way to remove stubborn pet hair? Wipe down fleece with a wet rubber glove

It’s important to keep winter apparel in great condition. We only use it for a few months each year. If they’re kept in good condition and laundered properly, they will last for 5-10 years.

For more laundry information about our services, contact our Raleigh Laundromat, Laundry Express. Our stain experts can help you launder your hard to clean clothing in no time!

For more tips on how to launder your cold weather apparel, visit back with us on our next post!

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