The weather’s on the turn now that autumn’s here. And we’re wearing our favorite cashmere sweaters, suede boots, and raincoats as a result! But when was the last time you washed these wardrobe staples?
We’re creatures of habit when it comes to our laundry, and what we wash also tends to stay the same. But now that we’re edging into autumn, it’s worth giving your winterwear a refresh ahead of the game—and that includes clothes and what you use around the home. Not sure how to wash your winter go-tos without causing them damage? Here are six to get you started.
Bathrobes
The fluffy bathrobes will be coming out of hibernation about now. But these can contain all manner of bacteria and smells—especially if it contacts your armpits, or you tend to sleep and overheat in it.
With regular use, you should be washing your bathrobe at least once a week. An enzyme detergent is best for stain removal and you want to wash it at as high a temperature as the care label allows. Turn the gown inside out and place the tie in a mesh laundry bag to stop it from tangling with other items. Avoid using fabric softener, as it can degrade the gown’s moisture-wicking abilities.
If it has a fluffy exterior, tumble-drying with some dryer balls will help fluff it up. If line-drying, shake it out to open the fibers.
Raincoats
With the sporadic downpours we’re facing, our raincoats, too, are seeing the light of day. But be honest, have you ever washed yours? If you haven’t, then it’s probably smelling a little musty by now. Here’s what you need to do.
Start by emptying the pockets to clear any rogue tissues. Next, check the care label and follow the recommendations. Pay special attention to the drying instructions because these vary widely, based on the waterproof coating and material (even a low-heat temp setting in the dryer can be good for some coatings!).
If no instructions are given, a cool, gentle cycle is usually best with a detergent designed for waterproof clothing. Again, avoid fabric softener because it can degrade the waterproof coating.
If your machine has a dedicated sports setting, that can also work. Turn the coat inside out and zip it up before washing. You should be washing your raincoat every 10 wears.
Apply a waterproofing spray as needed to maintain the coating.
Heated blankets
It’s a good time of year to get cozy with a heated blanket. But these are one of those things that never get washed, especially because it contains electrical components. That’s a bit gross considering the sweat it may contain.
The golden rule for washing a heated blanket is to check the care label. That tells you if it’s good to go in the washing machine and under what conditions. Generally, you just need to remove the remote control so that there are no protruding wires. After that, washing on a cool, delicate cycle with low- to no-spin is often recommended. Some say you can tumble-dry on a low heat, but we generally wouldn’t recommend that as it can be harsh on the wiring. Instead, line-dry flat afterwards, rotating regularly. Do not use again until thoroughly dry.
If the care label advises you to hand wash, we recommend doing so in the bathtub so there’s more room, and pressing the soap in and out of the blanket, rather than wringing it.
Cashmere sweaters
It’s not bitterly cold just yet, but cashmere has already made an appearance! You’re probably not washing cashmere as regularly as you should be—and who can blame you? Cashmere is expensive and can be damaged easily. But still, it will last longer with proper care – here’s what you need to do.
First, care labels always need to be referred to. If it says dry-clean or hand wash only, then that’s what you need to do. If you're washing it yourself, you’ll need a detergent designed for wool and delicates. For the washing machine, add a small amount to the detergent drawer following dosage instructions (you won’t need as much as you would for a full load), then select a cool, wool cycle with next-to-no spin. You should turn the cashmere inside out and protect it by putting it inside a mesh laundry bag; it’s also a good idea to pad out the drum with some sheets if it’s otherwise empty. Line-dry flat, rotating and reshaping throughout to prevent stretching and shrinkage.
Once dry, you can run a fabric shaver over the surface to remove any pilling for the finishing touch.
Suede boots
Before you take a stroll in your suede boots, give them a quick once-over with a suede brush, and a suede cleaner to remove any visible marks.
First, wait until the shoes are completely dry, and then use your suede brush to remove immediate dirt from the surface. Brush in the direction of the grain to lift the dirt and restore the nap. If you’re dealing with watermarks, you might be able to sponge the stain to even it out. But if there’s a physical stain, a suede cleaner will be needed, such as the Furniture Clinic Suede Cleaner.
Follow the instructions, testing on an inconspicuous area first. Once your suede boots are clean, apply a protector spray, such as Furniture Clinic Suede Protector.
Slippers
And let’s not forget about our slippers! These are quick to clean—you need only check the care label. If there’s no hard sole, they might be good to go directly in the washing machine on a warm wash with a low spin. Use an enzyme detergent if you’re dealing with stains.
However, if they’re not machine washable, you’re better off spot-cleaning directly with warm, soapy water and a soft brush or microfiber cloth. If there’s a suede exterior, you can use that same suede cleaner we mentioned earlier. Then rinse any soapy water away with a damp microfiber cloth, avoiding saturating the surface. Clean these once a month going ahead, or every couple of weeks if you wear them barefoot.
As the Household Advice Editor, Katie looks after all things cleaning and decluttering. She started out as a Junior Tester in the Good Housekeeping Institute 10 years ago, so she’s tested plenty of appliances in her time too, including dishwashers and washing machines. Nowadays, she focuses on keeping our cleaning content up to date and accurate, testing relevant products and learning about the latest methods and trends along the way.
