Warmer clothing is usually made of specialty fabrics, which means they require a little extra TLC. To keep your cashmeres cozy and your wools welcoming this season, read our how-to guide on winter fabric care.

Cashmere

• Clean: Hand wash cashmere, inside out, in cold water with baby shampoo to keep it from pilling.
• Organize: Fold sweaters in threes to prevent lines in the middle.
• Store: Clean cashmere and then wrap your pieces in tissue paper with cedar balls to prevent moths from eating threads.
• ClosetMaid Tip: Use a salad spinner to quickly dry wet cashmere!

Cashmere can last years with the proper care.

2. Wool

• Clean: Blot small stains with seltzer, and then wash wool in cold water. Do not hang dry or you will risk stretching the fabric. Instead, lay the garment on a flat surface to dry.
• Organize: Roll wool in tissue paper to maintain its shape.
• Store: Use lavender when storing wool to protect it from pests.
• ClosetMaid Tip: Wool can be ironed as long as the heat setting is low.

Dry wool sweaters on a flat surface rather than hang them so that they maintain their shape.

3. Down

• Clean: Most down jackets can be washed regularly with light detergent. Toss a few tennis balls into the dryer to help move the down inside the jacket while drying.
• Organize: Avoid compressing down jackets into small spaces for long periods of time.
• Store: Always hang down garments to avoid permanently damaging plumes, which decreases insulation.
• ClosetMaid Tip: Shelf and Rod Wire Shelving is an essential addition to your winter storage area to keep down jackets in original condition.

Hang rods in your laundry area come in handy when you need to dry your down jackets.

4. Suede

• Clean: For small stains, use a microfiber brush or dab with rubbing alcohol, being careful not to spread the stain. If the stain persists, it may be best to get your garment professionally cleaned.
• Organize: Hang suede jackets and use a shoe rack for suede boots to keep shoes in their original condition.
• Store: Store suede shoes and handbags in dust bags. Avoid keeping suede in confined spaces, such as plastic bins.
• ClosetMaid Tip: Always pre-spray suede to avoid water and stain damage.

Store suede boots on shoe racks. To keep your tall boots upright, stuff them with store-bought inserts.

We hope these tips keep your winter favorites as soft and cozy as the day you bought them!