Garment Care at KlōT͟HiNG

At KlōT͟HiNG Limited, we appreciate the exceptional qualities of materials such as wool and silk, while also recognising their susceptibility to damage in household washing machines. Although care labels often specify hand wash only, modern machines frequently offer settings tailored for wool or delicate fabrics, ensuring gentle treatment for these valuable garments.

Just as you wouldn't risk fine China and crystalware in a dishwasher, mixing your woollens with regular laundry poses a similar risk of irreparable harm. While they may appear clean afterward, the potential damage is considerable.

Saving time by avoiding a dedicated wash is insignificant compared to the expense of replacing a cherished garment, particularly if it's made from premium fibres like Merino or Possum.

At KlōT͟HiNG Limited, we stress that proper care for premium fabrics goes beyond selecting the appropriate washing machine cycle. Here are our top three tips for maintaining Merino and Possum wool blends at home:

1) Washing / Laundry:

At KlōT͟HiNG Limited, we understand the importance of proper care for wool garments. Despite modern advancements in washing machine technology, assumptions about their ability to protect delicate fabrics like merino wool can lead to disappointment.

Wool, especially merino, offers remarkable benefits, but it is not immune to damage from aggressive spin cycles or hot water. Each wool garment is equipped with a care label for a reason—it provides essential instructions for preserving its quality.

While hand washing is typically recommended for materials like possum or merino wool, using a wool or delicate cycle with dedicated wool soap inside a laundry bag in your washing machine can be safe for most items. Standard laundry detergents with enzymes designed for tough stains should be avoided as they can cause damage.

Consider the reliability of your washing machine as well; machines prone to snagging or damaging clothes should not be trusted with delicate items. When in doubt about the type of wool or care instructions, err on the side of caution—hand washing has stood the test of time for a reason.

Use tepid water for washing and rinsing, gently squeezing out excess water without rubbing or wringing the garment. To aid in water removal, especially for water-retaining woollen garments, place them in a laundry bag or pillowcase and use the spin cycle.

Dry your knitwear flat to maintain its shape and prevent stretching or peg marks. Never tumble dry wool garments, as heat can cause irreparable damage.

If you feel uncertain about laundering your knitwear, consider consulting a reputable dry cleaner or seeking advice from experienced sources. Proper care ensures your prized jerseys and cardigans remain in excellent condition for years to come.

2. Garment Care

No matter where you reside, there's always something threatening the integrity of your clothes when they're not in use—whether it's insects or damp conditions. Without proper care, what nature provides can easily be taken away or damaged.

Clothes moths are particularly notorious for their costly impact. They lay eggs in dark, food-rich environments—often known as wardrobes. Once hatched, moth larvae enthusiastically feast on cherished garments like merino, possum, or cashmere, causing significant damage in a short time.

To safeguard your wardrobe from these voracious intruders, it's crucial to:

  • Keep garments clean, as moths are attracted to even slightly dirty or sweaty items.
  • Regularly shake out and vacuum your wardrobe to dislodge any moth eggs.
  • Use pheromone traps to disrupt the moth breeding cycle, though they're most effective as a preventative measure.
  • Dust and clean wardrobes frequently to eliminate unhatched eggs, followed by thorough vacuuming.
  • Store knitwear in garment storage containers or bags to provide an added layer of protection.

Moths aren’t the only threat to your favourite sweaters and socks. Damp conditions, especially prevalent during autumn and winter, can also wreak havoc.

Depending on your location and circumstances, addressing dampness in your home can be challenging. Options include investing in a dehumidifier, though electric models are costly to purchase and operate. Alternatively, chemical solutions like wardrobe dehumidifier bags or caravan moisture traps can effectively reduce moisture levels, but caution is advised with the irritant properties of calcium chloride crystals used in some traps.

Another economical solution involves repurposing silica gel packets from shoe boxes to act as makeshift dehumidifiers, particularly useful in cold winter wardrobes.

3. Storage

Assuming you've safeguarded your clothing from moth damage and dampness, proper storage is essential to prolong their lifespan.

One common issue with wool garments is stretching during storage. While folding is a straightforward solution, hanging clothes without causing damage requires a specific approach.

Follow these steps, originally shared by the UK edition of the Huffington Post, for effective garment hanging:

  • Step 1: Fold your garment in half, hem to hem, and sleeve to sleeve.
  • Step 2: Position the hanger hook in the armpit of the sleeve, with the sleeve pointing upward.
  • Step 3: Fold the hem downwards over the hanger, followed by the sleeves across the body of the garment.

This method prevents both creasing and stretching, ensuring your wool clothing remains in excellent condition for years to come—transforming a cozy jersey into a cherished heirloom, a rarity in today’s fast-paced fashion world.