Ranchi's cold season arrives quickly, and most woollens have spent months folded in a trunk. A little preparation means they're fresh when you need them and last for years.
Clean before you wear — and before you store
Moths and carpet beetles aren't attracted to wool itself. They're drawn to the body oils, sweat and food traces left on it. That's why the most important clean is the one before you pack woollens away at the end of winter. If they went into storage unwashed, clean them before wearing them again.
Sweaters and pullovers
- Fold, don't hang. Hanging stretches knitwear out of shape.
- Dry clean or hand-wash in cold water. Hot water and machine agitation felt and shrink wool.
- Remove pilling with a fabric shaver rather than pulling at it.
Coats, blazers and shawls
- Hang coats on broad, shaped hangers to protect the shoulders.
- Brush wool coats after wearing to remove dust before it settles into the fibres.
- Pashmina and fine wool shawls should always be dry cleaned, never washed — see delicate wear.
Blankets and quilts
These are the bulkiest items to clean at home and the ones most often skipped. Have them cleaned at the start of the season so they're fresh, and again before storage. Store them in breathable cotton covers, not plastic, with neem leaves or cloves to deter insects. See blanket & quilt cleaning.
A light airing helps
On a dry winter afternoon, air woollens and bedding in indirect sunlight for an hour or two to freshen them. Avoid harsh midday sun on coloured wool, which can fade it.
SpinWash winter prices
Sweaters from ₹179, woollen coats from ₹329, shawls from ₹199, blankets from ₹300 and quilts from ₹399, all with free pickup across Ranchi. See the full price list.