Q&A: Getting Ready For Winter Weather
The colder months are rolling in. As the temperature begins to drop here are a few tips and considerations to help you roll with the seasons.
Q: Is there anything I should do/check for when bringing items out of storage from my closet? A: After a long slumber, your winter clothes will need to be awakened and taken out of storage. Hopefully you didn't have any unwanted visitors over the summer months but it's a good idea to check your garments for signs of insect damage. Insects such as crickets, ants, moths, beetles, and cockroaches can feed on clothes that were not cleaned properly before storing. Look for small holes, worn areas, and discolored lines on the portions of the garment that had spills or stains that were never removed. Moth ball odor can be difficult to remove. Try airing the garments by hanging them outside in the shade. If this does not completely remove the odor, cleaning the garments may help.
Q: How do you clean winter accessories, such as gloves, hats, and scarves? A: Remember last spring when you bagged your hats, gloves, and scarves and put them in the back of your closet? Well, now it’s time to get them out and ready for another winter. If inspection shows they were put away in a soiled condition, now is the time to clean them. If care labels are present, follow instructions carefully. Many synthetics, as well as cottons and wools, are hand or machine washable. If tumble drying is recommended, use a low temperature setting. Wool, fur, and leather accessories may require our assistance. These materials require special cleaning and finishing procedures. Any known stains should be pointed out when you leave them with us. Most items will clean beautifully, but accessories, particularly gloves, are exposed to many staining substances that cannot be removed.
Q: What are the best ways to ensure my items last for as long as possible? A: Proper and frequent cleaning of the item. When it comes to cleaning, the first and easiest way to ensure the best cleaning is to follow the manufacturer's care label instructions. Many of your garments may be hand or machine washable. Minimize agitation to prevent matting and pilling of napped fabrics. We have pressing equipment that can reshape knits back to their original size if something gets out of shape. Follow recommended drying temperatures. Other materials such as wool, fur, and leather require professional care due to special cleaning and pressing procedures. Although these do not need to be cleaned as frequently as other materials, it is still a good idea to check for stains before and after storage. Thank you for the opportunity to care for your wardrobe!