No single phrase takes the edge off of summer quite like 'sweater weather' does. Well, maybe ‘cool front’... But we digress. Sweater weather is an important time in the dry-cleaning world. We love seeing customers excitedly bring in their favorite cashmere cardigans, hoping next weekend's game day will be a chilly one.
Along with the satisfaction of pulling your favorite fall staples out of storage, a few less desirable issues can come up. A musty smell or poof of dust could be waiting for you and needs to be addressed before you don your cozier duds. After months tucked away in a closet or storage bin, even well-loved pieces can use some TLC before you wear them.
Before you start layering up, take the time to give those pieces proper care. A few smart habits now can keep your leather and knits looking, feeling, and smelling their best all season long.
Sweaters: Handle With Care
Wool and cashmere can look great for decades, but they're more delicate than you might think. Proper care will keep them looking in tip-top shape for years. Improper care, on the other hand, can shorten their lifespan considerably. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the care label before cleaning. Some wool is pre-treated, and you can machine wash it on gentle. But many wool and cashmere pieces are dry-clean only. Anything with a more structured knit, and especially anything with embellishments, should be left to the experts. The label is there for a reason.
- Never wring or twist. For items you can and do hand wash at home, it’s important to never twist or wring out the material. Twisting distorts the fibers and can permanently alter the shape of the garment. That’s difficult to reverse once it happens.
- Air dry flat, away from heat. Hanging a wet sweater stretches it out. It can become misshapen under its own weight. Heat sources like radiators, direct sunlight, and the dryer can shrink wool, cause it to felt, or leave it feeling stiff and matted.
- Watch for pilling. The tiny fabric balls that form aren’t an indication of poor quality. They are a result of friction. You may notice them forming under the arms, or where your handbag rubs against your shoulder. A fabric comb can be a valuable tool to lift them away without damaging the material.
- Store folded, not hung. Hanging sweaters, even on padded hangers, stretches out the shoulders over time. You’ll end up with permanent hanger marks. Instead, fold them nd store them away from direct sunlight in a cool spot.
If your knitted clothes have a stubborn stain or a musty smell you can't remove, they need a deeper refresh. Professional dry cleaning does what at-home care can't. We can clean things thoroughly without the risk of shrinking, stretching, or damaging delicate fibers. We can also help revive the texture of knits that fell flat in storage.
Leather and Suede: A Different Kind of Care
Leather and suede are investments, and often among the more expensive items in your closet. They can also last for many years with proper care. Here are some tips for keeping them looking and smelling their best:
- Wipe visible dirt with a soft, damp cloth. Avoid soaking leather in water, as it’s prone to water damage, staining, and warping when it gets too wet.
- Condition leather periodically. After summer sitting in storage, your leather can dry out. Conditioning prevents cracking and stiffness, keeping your leather soft and supple.
- Suede needs a more specialized approach. A suede brush can lift dirt and restore texture, but water and other standard home cleaners can cause permanent discoloration and damage. Suede is one of those materials that is best left to the professionals for proper cleaning.
- Store on padded hangers. This will help avoid creasing at the shoulders. Keep leather pieces out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading and uneven color over time.
Where you might be more willing to experiment on a less expensive sweater, leather goods are costly and not something to trifle with. If these simple fixes don’t work, take it to a professional dry cleaner; we can restore and recondition the piece without ruining something you can’t easily replace.
Keep Your Fall Favorites Looking Their Best
Those fall wardrobe staples are often the most expensive and sentimental pieces in your closet. They’re an investment worth caring for properly. Whether it's a quick brush-and-fold routine to keep your sweaters in shape or a professional cleaning for a leather jacket that's seen better seasons, a little maintenance now matters. It's the difference between one last season and your piece looking and feeling great for years to come.
At Shamrock Cleaners, we've been caring for Tallahassee's fall wardrobe staples for over 25 years. If your cold-weather favorites need a refresh before the temperature drops, we're here to help you get them ready for the season ahead.
