Revive Your Autumn/Winter Wardrobe: Expert Garment Care Tips

Autumn is in the air, and it’s nearly time to bring out the jumpers, coats, and scarves! But before you start layering up, your autumn/winter wardrobe needs a little care and attention. After months in storage, your clothes might need a refresh to get them back to their best. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, you can restore them to look and feel as good as new.

At Fridja, we’re experts in garment care, and we’re here to show you how to breathe life back into your wardrobe using a clothes steamer, fabric shaver, and a few other helpful tips. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Air Out Your Clothes

Why Airing Matters

The first thing to do when you dig out your woolly jumpers and heavy coats is to give them a good airing. This helps remove any stale odours that might have built up while they’ve been stored away. Hang your clothes in a well-ventilated room (or outside on a washing line if possible), for a few hours. This will freshen them up before you move on to the next steps. If possible, do this on a sunny day – UV rays from the sun can kill bacteria and give your clothes a fresher feel.

Step 2: Deal with Stubborn Stains

Spot Cleaning Tips

Before you start steaming or shaving, check your clothes for any stubborn stains. It’s best to deal with these first to avoid setting the stains deeper into the fabric.

Spot Cleaning Tips

1. Blot, don’t rub – If you find a stain, blot the area gently with a damp cloth rather than rubbing, which could make it worse.

2. Use a stain remover – Apply a small amount of stain remover to the stain and leave it for 5-10 minutes before rinsing or dabbing it away.

3. Test first – Always test any cleaning product on a hidden part of the garment to make sure it doesn’t damage the fabric.

Step 3: Steam for a Wrinkle-Free Finish

Why Use a Clothes Steamer?

After months in storage, your clothes are bound to have picked up some wrinkles and creases. That’s where a clothes steamer works its magic! Our Fridja clothes steamers are gentle on fabrics and powerful enough to smooth out creases in minutes. Plus they eliminate any mild odours and can even kill bacteria.

How to Steam Your Clothes Effectively

  1. Hang the garment – Start by hanging your garment on a sturdy hanger.
  2. Use slow, sweeping motions – Hold the steamer upright and glide it over the fabric in slow, downward strokes.
  3. Pay attention to delicate areas – Be extra careful around areas like collars, cuffs, and linings, making sure not to over steam.
  4. Let them cool down – After steaming, leave your clothes to cool and dry before wearing or storing them.

Garment steamers are a fantastic solution for removing wrinkles and creases without the risk of damaging your clothes. Traditional irons can leave shiny marks or even scorch delicate fabrics, but steamers are much gentler. They work by relaxing the fibres of your clothes, smoothing out wrinkles while preserving the texture and shape of the fabric.

Whether it’s wool, cashmere, or silk, a steamer is ideal for delicate materials that need a soft touch. Steaming not only removes wrinkles but also relaxes the fibres in your clothes, making them softer and more comfortable.

Step 4: Refresh with a Fabric Shaver

Why Your Jumpers and Jackets Need a Fabric Shaver

Over time, your jumpers, jackets and scarves may develop those little bobbles, or “pills,” especially on wool or cashmere. But there’s no need to live with them! A fabric shaver is your go-to tool for removing those unsightly pills and making your jumpers look new again.

Step 5: Store Your Clothes Properly for Next Season

Tips for Proper Garment Storage

After you’ve gone to the effort of rejuvenating your autumn/winter wardrobe, you’ll want to make sure they stay in great condition until next year. Proper storage is key to keeping your clothes looking new season after season.

Tips for Proper Garment Storage

  • Use breathable garment bags – Choose cotton or another breathable fabric rather than plastic, which can trap moisture and lead to mould.
  • Store in a cool, dry place – Avoid storing your clothes in places like lofts or basements where temperatures fluctuate. A cool, dry cupboard or wardrobe is best.
  • Add lavender sachets – Lavender is a natural moth repellent and will keep your clothes smelling fresh while preventing damage from pests.

One of the biggest threats to your autumn/winter wardrobe is moths. These tiny pests can cause significant damage to your favourite garments, especially those made from natural fibres like wool, cashmere, and silk. Moths love dark, undisturbed places, making stored clothing a prime target. To protect your clothes, it’s essential to take proactive steps against these fabric-eating insects.

We highly recommend using anti-moth treatments from Total Wardrobe Care. They offer a range of natural, effective solutions to keep moths at bay. From lavender sachets to moth traps, their products help to repel and prevent moth infestations, ensuring your clothes stay in top condition throughout the season. By pairing their treatments with regular garment care, you’ll keep your wardrobe safe from moth damage and ready to wear whenever you need it.

Read their guide on hot to get rid of moths here.

Why Choose Fridja for Garment Care?

Handheld Clothes Steamers, Powerful Clothes Steamers and Fabric Shavers

At Fridja, we’re passionate about garment care. Our clothes steamers and fabric shavers are designed to make maintaining your wardrobe easy and effective. Whether you’re freshening up your jumpers for autumn or your summer dresses for next year, Fridja has the perfect tools for the job. Trust us to keep your clothes looking as good as new.

With these simple tips and tools from Fridja, your autumn/winter wardrobe will be ready for the season in no time. Happy steaming, shaving, and wearing!