How to Wash & Refresh Your Autumn and Winter Clothes After Summer

As the seasons shift and the days grow colder, pulling out your autumn and winter wardrobe can feel like reuniting with old friends. Cozy knit sweaters, warm jackets, and trusty down coats are ready to return to daily rotation. But after months in storage, they often need a little refresh to look, feel, and smell their best. The right approach - and the right detergent - makes all the difference.

Let Your Clothes Breathe Before Washing

When you unpack your clothes, don’t rush them straight into the washing machine. Start by airing them out. Hang sweaters, scarves, and coats in a well-ventilated space, or outdoors on a dry day. Natural fibers like wool and cotton absorb scents while stored, and fresh air helps release any mustiness.

Caring for Wool Sweaters and Knitwear

Wool is one of the trickiest fabrics to clean, but it’s also one of the most rewarding when treated correctly. Avoid harsh detergents that strip fibers or cause shrinkage. Instead, use a gentle formula designed specifically for wool, like Re:claim Wool Wash, which not only cleans but also contains lanolin - the natural wool fat that helps maintain softness, reconditions the fibers, and extends the life of your favorite garments.

Refreshing Down Jackets & Coats

Down-filled coats and jackets are winter essentials, but they can flatten or smell stale after storage. The good news is they’re easier to wash than many people think. Always use a down-safe detergent, such as Re:claim Down Wash, which preserves natural down oils and ensures lasting warmth. Wash on a gentle cycle, then tumble dry on low with clean tennis balls or dryer balls to restore that fluffy loft. Your jacket will come out looking and feeling brand new.

Everyday Autumn Staples

For flannels, cotton shirts, and other regular garments, a reliable all-around detergent is all you need. Re:claim Liquid Detergent works perfectly for everyday laundry while keeping colors bright and fabrics fresh. If clothes have picked up a storage odor, add a splash of white vinegar during the rinse cycle-it naturally neutralizes smells.

Extra Care for Outerwear

Not all coats need a full wash every season. Sometimes a quick steam or a spot clean is enough, especially for wool coats and technical outerwear. But if your waterproof jacket has lost its ability to repel rain and snow, it’s worth restoring its performance. After washing, treat it with Re:Claim Waterproofer to bring back long-lasting water repellency and keep your jacket ready for any weather.

A Seasonal Ritual Worth Keeping

Refreshing your autumn and winter clothes isn’t just about cleaning-it’s about creating a little seasonal ritual. With the right detergents, your wardrobe feels renewed, and every piece is ready for crisp walks, cozy evenings, and the first snow of the year.

When spring comes again, think about how you store your clothes. Skip the plastic bags and instead use breathable cotton covers or simple boxes that let fabrics breathe. To add a natural touch, tuck in a cedar block, a lavender sachet, or even something more local-like a small bar of natural soap or dried spruce tips. It’s less about worry, more about bringing a bit of nature into your wardrobe, so that when you open it again in autumn, everything feels fresh and ready.

In the Nordic way, it’s about simplicity, care, and making the most of what you already have. And when your wool, down, and everyday pieces are cared for with the right wash-Re:claim Wool Wash, Re:claim Down Wash, and Re:claim Liquid Detergent-they’ll stay with you season after season, like trusted companions through the colder months.