Laundry and Seasonal Changes: How to Care for Your Clothes Throughout the Year
The changing seasons can have a big impact on your wardrobe—and your laundry routine! From the bulky fabrics of winter to the lightweight linens of summer, different seasons call for different care techniques to keep your clothes looking fresh and lasting longer. At Made New Laundry, we want to help you adjust your laundry habits with each season so you can preserve the quality of your favorite clothes year-round.
Winter: Caring for Coats, Sweaters, and Blankets
Winter is all about heavy-duty fabrics—wool, fleece, and thick cotton that keep you warm and cozy. These materials need special care to avoid shrinking, pilling, and damage.
Winter Laundry Tips:
Wash Less Frequently: Winter clothes like sweaters and coats don’t need to be washed after every wear unless they’re soiled. Over-washing can cause fabric wear and shrinkage.
Use Cold Water for Wool and Knits: Wool sweaters and scarves should be washed in cold water and laid flat to dry to avoid stretching. Use the delicate setting on our machines to protect these fabrics.
Drying Coats and Blankets: For bulky winter items like comforters and heavy jackets, use the low heat setting in our dryers to prevent shrinking. Adding a couple of dryer balls will help fluff up jackets and reduce drying time.
Pro Tip: If you have down-filled coats or blankets, throw in a couple of clean tennis balls in the dryer to help restore their fluffiness.
Spring: Transitioning Your Wardrobe
As the weather warms up, it’s time to transition from heavy winter fabrics to lighter layers. Spring cleaning your wardrobe might mean putting winter clothes into storage and getting your spring attire ready to wear.
Spring Laundry Tips:
Wash Before Storing Winter Clothes: Before storing your winter clothes, wash them thoroughly to remove dirt, oils, and odors that can attract moths or cause fabric damage over time. Fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place.
Refresh Stored Clothes: If your spring and summer clothes have been in storage, give them a quick wash to freshen them up. Use the cold wash cycle on our machines for delicate or lightweight fabrics like cotton or linen.
Handle Allergens: Spring can bring allergens like pollen, so wash clothes regularly to remove allergens and prevent them from spreading. Opt for a warm water wash if you’ve been outdoors, as it helps remove pollen more effectively.
Summer: Lightweight Fabrics and Stain Control
Summer is all about lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton, linen, and synthetics to keep you cool. But with the sun, sweat, and outdoor activities, your clothes will need frequent washing.
Summer Laundry Tips:
Wash After Every Wear: In the summer, sweat and body oils build up faster, so washing clothes more frequently is a must. Use cold water to avoid shrinking lightweight fabrics.
Sun and Stain Care: Sunscreen, grass, and BBQ stains are common in the summer months. Treat stains as soon as possible with a pre-wash stain remover before tossing them into one of our machines. For sweat stains, soak items in a mixture of baking soda and water before washing.
Air-Dry Delicates: For items like swimsuits and lightweight blouses, it’s best to air-dry or use the low heat setting on our dryers to prevent damage to delicate fabrics and elastics.
Pro Tip: When drying clothes outdoors in the summer, turn dark or brightly colored fabrics inside out to prevent sun fading!
Fall: Layering and Preparing for the Cold
Fall is all about layering, with heavier fabrics like denim and flannel starting to make an appearance. It’s also the season for tackling that transitional wardrobe, from lightweight summer wear to early winter items.
Fall Laundry Tips:
Wash Layers Separately: To keep your layers in top condition, wash lightweight undershirts, heavier flannels, and denim separately. This prevents damage to more delicate fabrics and ensures a thorough clean.
Spot-Clean Jackets: Fall jackets may not need frequent washing. Instead, spot-clean them with a damp cloth or sponge to remove surface dirt, then air them out to keep them fresh.
Use Warm Water for Heavier Fabrics: Fabrics like denim and corduroy benefit from a warm water wash to remove oils and grime from fall activities. Be sure to check garment care labels before using higher heat settings.
Year-Round Tips for Seasonal Transitions:
Store Clothes Properly: Whether you're putting away winter coats or summer dresses, always wash and fully dry clothes before storing them. Damp clothes can lead to mold or mildew, so make sure they’re completely dry before folding them away.
Check Care Labels: Different fabrics need different care, especially when the seasons change. Always check the care labels on your clothes to make sure you’re using the right temperature and washing technique.
Rotate Your Wardrobe: At the start of each season, take the time to go through your wardrobe and refresh any items that might need a good wash. Transitioning from season to season will be much easier if you’re not dealing with musty clothes!
Don’t Overload the Machines: Whether you're washing bulky winter coats or lightweight summer dresses, always leave enough room in the machine for clothes to move freely. Overloading can result in a less effective wash and may even damage fabrics.
At Made New Laundry, we have everything you need to take care of your clothes, no matter the season. Our state-of-the-art Electrolux washers and dryers offer customized settings to care for delicate fabrics, bulky winter gear, and everything in between. Whether you’re preparing for cooler weather or freshening up your summer wardrobe, our machines help keep your clothes looking their best year-round.
Happy washing, and see you at Made New Laundry!
