Fall and winter are sweater weather seasons, and nothing feels better than wrapping up in your coziest knitwear or softest flannel. But as we transition into cooler months, it’s important to know how to wash and care for fall and winter fabrics we have at home. The chillier months demand clothing that can withstand colder conditions, but they also require more delicate care to preserve their quality.

While we all love the warmth and coziness these fabrics bring, they often come with specific care instructions that can be tricky to manage. If you’re anything like me, your general rule of thumb is simple: If a garment costs $100 or more, it’s worth taking it to the dry cleaner to ensure it stays in top shape. But for those items under $100—think sweaters, knit scarves, wool coats, and flannel shirts—you can wash them at home, as long as you follow a few simple care guidelines.

In this guide, we’ll break down the best ways to care for your fall and winter clothes at home, from washing them correctly to storing them properly. Let’s dive in!

1. Wool Sweaters: Keeping Them Soft and Snug

Wool sweaters are a staple for fall and winter wardrobes. They’re cozy, insulating, and look effortlessly stylish. However, wool is a delicate fabric that needs special attention. Many people assume wool has to be dry cleaned, but most wool sweaters can actually be washed at home with the right care.

Washing Wool Sweaters at Home:

• Hand Washing: Hand washing is the gentlest option for wool. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent specifically designed for wool or delicates. Swish the sweater gently in the water for about 10 minutes, and then rinse thoroughly with cool water.
• Using the Washer: If hand washing isn’t an option, place your sweater in a laundry bag to protect it from getting stretched or damaged in the machine. Use the delicate cycle and cold water. The key here is minimal agitation.

Drying Wool Sweaters:

• Never wring out a wool sweater; instead, gently press out excess water by rolling it in a clean towel. Lay it flat on a drying rack or clean towel to dry. Wool can easily stretch, so avoid hanging it.

How Often Should You Wash Wool Sweaters?

• Wool naturally repels dirt and odors, so you don’t need to wash it after every wear. A general rule is to wash your wool sweaters every 3–5 wears unless they get visibly dirty or start to smell.

2. Cashmere: Luxurious but Delicate

Cashmere is like the champagne of fall and winter fabrics—soft, luxurious, and incredibly warm. It’s a bit more delicate than wool, but with the right care, your cashmere pieces can last for years.

Washing Cashmere at Home:

• Like wool, cashmere should be hand-washed in cold water using a mild detergent. If you’re washing multiple items, make sure to wash them one at a time to avoid any snags or pulls.
• If you’re short on time and must use the washer, opt for a laundry bag and set the machine to the gentlest cycle with cold water.

Drying Cashmere:

• Roll the sweater in a towel to remove excess water. Always dry cashmere flat to prevent stretching. Never hang it to dry, as the weight of the wet fabric can distort its shape.

How Often Should You Wash Cashmere?

• Like wool, cashmere can go a few wears before needing a wash. The natural fibers repel odors and dirt, so washing every 3–5 wears is sufficient.

3. Cotton Flannels: The Cozy All-Rounder

Cotton flannels are perfect for layering in the fall and winter. These comfy fabrics are generally low-maintenance, but they can shrink or lose their softness if not washed correctly.

Washing Flannel:

• Wash flannel shirts in cold water to avoid shrinkage. Use a gentle cycle and a mild detergent. If your flannel shirts are particularly soft, consider using fabric softener to maintain that feel.

Drying Flannel:

• Flannels can be dried in a dryer on a low heat setting, but it’s best to remove them while they’re still a little damp to avoid shrinkage. You can also air dry them on a hanger or drying rack.

How Often Should You Wash Flannels?

• Flannel can be washed after every 2–3 wears, depending on how much you sweat or how dirty it gets. It’s a more durable fabric, so it can handle frequent washing.

4. Fleece: Warm, Practical, and Easy to Care For

Fleece jackets and pullovers are perfect for outdoor activities in the fall and winter because they are lightweight, warm, and quick-drying. It is generally low-maintenance, but if not cared for properly, it can pill and lose its softness over time.

Washing Fleece:

• Fleece is best washed in cold water on a gentle cycle. Turn your fleece garments inside out before washing to minimize pilling. Use a mild detergent and avoid fabric softeners, as they can affect the fleece’s texture.

Drying Fleece:

• Fleece should be air-dried to prevent pilling and shrinkage. If you need to use a dryer, set it on the lowest heat setting and remove the item before it’s fully dry.

How Often Should You Wash Fleece?

• Fleece can be washed after every 5–7 wears, depending on how dirty it gets. Because it doesn’t absorb odors as much as other fabrics, it can go longer between washes.

5. Knitted Scarves and Hats: Maintaining the Cozy Vibes

Knitted accessories like scarves and hats add style and warmth to any fall or winter outfit. However, they are often overlooked when it comes to washing. If you want to keep them soft and free of pilling, follow these steps.

Washing Knitted Accessories:

• Hand washing is the safest option for knitted scarves and hats. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent. Soak the items for about 10–15 minutes and rinse thoroughly.

Using a Laundry Bag:

• If you’re short on time, you can wash knitted accessories in the washing machine. Place them in a laundry bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water.

Drying Knitted Accessories:

• Lay them flat to dry to avoid stretching. Like sweaters, these items should never be hung when wet, as their weight can distort their shape.

How Often Should You Wash Scarves and Hats?

• These items don’t need to be washed frequently. A wash after 5–10 wears should suffice, especially if they’re only worn briefly outdoors.

6. Down Jackets: Staying Warm Without Losing Loft

Down jackets are great for staying warm during winter, but they can lose their insulating loft if not cared for properly. While some down jackets are machine washable, they require specific care to keep them in good shape.

Washing Down Jackets:

• Use a front-loading washer (top-loaders can damage the feathers) and wash the jacket on a gentle cycle with cold water. Add a down-specific detergent for the best results. You can also use dryer balls in the wash to help keep the down from clumping together.

Drying Down Jackets:

• Drying a down jacket requires a bit of patience. Toss it into the dryer with a few dryer balls and set it to the lowest heat setting. You can also use tennis ball and it will help restore the jacket’s fluff by breaking up clumps of down as it dries. It may take a couple of drying cycles to fully dry the jacket.

How Often Should You Wash Down Jackets?

• Down jackets should be washed 1–2 times per season unless they get dirty. Over-washing can cause the down to lose its insulating properties.

Storing Your Fall and Winter Fabrics: Tips to Keep Them Looking New

Proper storage is just as important as washing when it comes to preserving your fall and winter fabrics.

Wool and Cashmere Storage:

• Store these fabrics in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Use breathable fabric bags instead of plastic ones, as they allow air to circulate, preventing mildew. Add cedar balls or lavender sachets to keep moths away.

Fleece and Flannel Storage:

• These fabrics are less delicate and can be folded and stored in a drawer or on a shelf. Just make sure they’re clean and fully dry before storing them for the season.

Down Jacket Storage:

• Store down jackets loosely in a breathable garment bag. Avoid compressing them into tight spaces, as this can flatten the down and reduce its warmth.

Follow These Simple Steps to Keep Your Fall and Winter Fabrics in Top Condition

Washing and caring for fall and winter fabrics at home can be easy when you follow these simple steps. Whether it’s wool, cashmere, flannel, or fleece, each fabric has its own specific needs, but with the right care, your clothes can last for many seasons to come. Always use laundry bags, hand

Going on a winter trip soon? Check out my post on travel essentials we forget to pack but definitely need here.