Fall is here, and that means it’s officially sweater weather. The scarves are coming out, the jackets are making their seasonal debut, and cozy fabrics are taking center stage in our wardrobes. But here’s the thing—these garments need more TLC than your average t-shirt if you want them to stay looking fresh and feeling soft.
At Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations, we’ve seen what happens when cozy fabrics are cared for the wrong way (think shrunken sweaters, pilled scarves, and jackets that lose their shape). So, we’re sharing our best tips for keeping your fall and winter favorites in great condition—not just for this season, but for years to come.
1. Know Your Fabrics Before You Wash
Not all cozy fabrics are created equal. Each has its own quirks when it comes to cleaning and storage.
-
Wool: Warm, durable, and prone to shrinking if washed incorrectly.
-
Cashmere: Luxuriously soft, but delicate and prone to pilling.
-
Acrylic: Affordable and warm, but can lose shape if overheated.
-
Fleece: Great for casual wear, but can attract lint and pet hair.
-
Down/Insulated Jackets: Require special care to maintain loft and warmth.
The first rule? Always check the care label. If it says “dry clean only,” believe it.
2. The Sweater Shuffle: Cleaning & Storing Knitwear
Washing:
-
Hand wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, or bring to us for professional cleaning.
-
Never wring or twist sweaters—gently press out water instead.
-
Lay flat to dry on a towel to maintain shape.
Pro Tip: We offer sweater cleaning that removes stains, refreshes fibers, and prevents stretching—perfect for wool and cashmere.
Storage:
-
Fold sweaters instead of hanging them to avoid shoulder bumps.
-
Store in breathable fabric bins with cedar blocks to deter moths.
3. Scarf Care: More Than Just a Wash
Scarves get a lot of wear in fall and winter—they’re wrapped around our necks, tossed into bags, and sometimes used as an impromptu blanket (no judgment).
Care Tips:
-
Wash delicate scarves by hand or bring them in for dry cleaning.
-
For wool or cashmere scarves, store them folded, not hung, to prevent stretching.
-
Avoid spraying perfume directly on them—it can stain delicate fibers.
Extra Touch: We can also repair fringe or re-block scarves to restore their shape.
4. Jackets & Coats: Cleaning Before It’s Too Late
Outerwear often gets overlooked when it comes to cleaning, but jackets and coats collect dirt, oils, and odors just like any other garment.
Fabric-Specific Tips:
-
Wool Coats: Dry clean once or twice per season to maintain shape and color.
-
Down Jackets: Use professional cleaning to avoid clumping and loss of insulation.
-
Leather Jackets: Special leather cleaning and conditioning keep them supple and crack-free.
Storage:
-
Hang on sturdy, wide-shouldered hangers.
-
Store with room to breathe—don’t pack tightly in a closet.
5. Fight the Pilling Problem
Pilling—the little fuzz balls that form on sweaters and scarves—can make garments look old fast.
How to prevent:
-
Wash inside-out.
-
Avoid friction with bags or rough coats.
-
Use a fabric shaver or sweater stone to gently remove pills.
Pro Tip: When we clean sweaters and scarves, we also depill them so they come back looking refreshed.
6. Keep Cozy Fabrics Smelling Fresh
Over time, cozy fabrics can hold onto odors (smoke, food, perfume). To keep them fresh:
-
Air them out after wearing—hang in a dry, well-ventilated area.
-
Use breathable garment bags for storage.
-
Bring them in for professional cleaning at the end of the season to remove buildup before storing.
7. Repair Before It’s a Problem
Small issues—like a loose button on a coat or a snag in a sweater—can quickly turn into big ones. Our alteration team can:
-
Replace missing buttons
-
Fix loose seams
-
Reinforce hems
-
Repair snags before they unravel
This not only saves your garment but also extends its lifespan.
8. Seasonal Transition Checklist
When fall arrives and you pull out your cozy fabrics, follow this checklist:
-
Inspect: Look for stains, loose threads, or pilling.
-
Clean: Professionally clean or hand wash as needed.
-
Repair: Bring in items for mending or alterations.
-
Store: Properly fold or hang to maintain shape.
And when winter ends, repeat the process before storing everything for the summer.
9. Why Professional Care Matters
Cozy fabrics require more attention than a standard wash cycle can give. At Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations, we:
-
Use fabric-specific cleaning methods
-
Press and finish garments to look like new
-
Provide repair and alteration services to keep pieces wearable for years
We’re a locally owned, woman-owned business with a long history in West Chester, and we treat your clothes like our own.
10. The Bottom Line: Love Your Cozy Clothes Longer
Sweaters, scarves, and jackets aren’t just functional—they’re part of what makes fall and winter feel warm and inviting. By caring for them properly, you’ll keep them looking beautiful season after season.
From cleaning and pressing to alterations and repairs, Deluxe Cleaners & Alterations is here to make sure your cozy favorites stay just that—favorites.
Ready to refresh your fall wardrobe?
Stop by one of our West Chester locations today and let us help you keep your cozy fabrics looking their best all season long.