The embrace of the winter chill opens doors of opportunity for fashion enthusiasts who are excited to flaunt their collection of wool shawls. The wool shawl provides the warmth that the chill of winter demands while elevating style with an essential accessory.
Frequent use of the wool shawl during winter means extra maintenance. First question, should a pure wool shawl be washed or dry cleaned as it becomes a daily go-to during winter months? The answer is three-fold, it relies on striking a balance between cleanliness, preservation and budget. To be sure an exquisitely crafted pure wool shawl is an accessory that needs to be maintained in pristine condition for years to come.
Clothing designers, textile conservationists, and specialty cleaners fail in line with the thought that too much cleaning could promote damage to accessories like the wool shawl. If the budget permits, dry cleaning is the sensible solution, or is it? Think about it, the harsh chemicals and handling that the wool shawl will be subjected to in the dry cleaning process damage the integrity of the fabric. Fashion industry insiders recommend accessories such as wool shawls be cleaned only when necessary.
Pure wool shawls will encounter less damage with a gentler process when cleaned by hand. Finding a boutique hand cleaning service outside of major fashion capitals is a challenge. Hand washing at home is a choice when the right cleaners are selected such as the once popular Woolite, a hand washing staple for wool that survives today.
To avoid overwashing while properly maintaining the wool shawl, the regular use of a garment brush will remove surface dirt and food particles. Brush will extend the time between more in-depth washing or dry cleaning.
Stu Bloom, Rave FabriCARE’s founder suggests that how often a fashion accessory such as a wool shawl is put to use influences its cleaning frequency. If it is lightly worn in clean environments; the wool shawl may only need seasonal cleaning. The wool shawl that becomes a favorite constant accessory that is exposed to high humidity, odors, sweat and pollution obviously needs frequent cleaning.
Camille Myers Breeze, founder of Museum Textile Services, agrees and recommends dry cleaning wool garments at least once every six months before seasonal storage to prevent moth damage. These hungry insects know the finer tastes of fabric and love wool. A wooden cedar storage chest is a natural protector for storing wool garments and accessories. There was a time when every home had a cedar-lined closet, a cedar chest or at least a dresser with one cedar lined draw. Mothballs were heavily favored to protect wool but are frowned upon now because of their environmental footprint.
The wool shawl unlike a top or skirt, does not have direct contact with the skin, so like a winter coat, it requires less frequent cleaning. Practical maintenance practices such as regular brushing and attentive spot cleaning will maintain the elegance and warmth of the wool shawl for many winters.
Maintaining a wool shawl so that it will last for a lifetime of seasons and memories is a responsibility that requires mindfulness and moderation. The steps taken in maintenance are a commitment to preserving an article of clothing that is a piece of personal history and style.
A wool shawl that is used daily accumulates memories. Along with those memories, it is a magnet for dirt, dust and oils. Can its maintenance be limited to one wash or dry clean per season? Consider the environment where the shawl is worn. Winter experiences that include a mix of indoor warmth and outdoor adventures expose them to a variety of elements—dust, smoke, spills and stains. Depending on how much use the wool shawl receives, a mid-season refresher should be considered. Once a season could be the right amount.
Frequent cleaning, especially dry cleaning, is harsh on delicate wool fibers. It involves chemicals that can strip away the natural oils that maintain the texture of the wool. This will leave the treasured wool shawl less soft and a threat to its color stability and vividness. How many times a season the wool shawl is cleaned is dictated by the use it receives. A wool shawl that is worn daily through all the rigors of the season may need more cleaning than one that is worn on special occasions once or twice a week.
The lifespan of a favorite treasured wool shawl requires proper storage. Back to Camille Myers Breeze, founder of Museum Textile Services, she recommends a wool shawl be stored in a breathable fabric bag. Cedar blocks or lavender sachets will ward off those hungry moths and leave a fresh fragrance when unpacked.
After careful consideration about preservation and budget, it is tempting to limit cleaning to just once per season for convenience. A wool shawl that is used daily in winter requires extra maintenance. Regular brushing, spot cleaning, careful storage, and at least a seasonal deep hand clean can help maintain the beauty and integrity of a favorite wool shawl. A wool shawl is a fashion accessory that tells the story of the wearer. It is a fashion statement that holds memories, reflects a style, and personal journeys of the wearer. Proper care of a wool shawl ensures that its story can be worn and told for many winters to come.
The wool shawl embraces the winter months, filling them with style and warmth. Throughout the winter, the wool shawl tells the style story of the wearer and demands a level of care that recognizes the delicate nature of wool. Expert advice and incorporating home maintenance routines ensure that the wool shawl remains a precious part of winter ensembles. The wool shawl that is cared for is ready to embrace the season with elegance and warmth on a chilly day. The enduring beauty of wool shawls is ready to enhance winter fashions with unique comfort and warmth. They can last a lifetime when properly cleaned, maintained and stored.
Related posts:
Experts Weigh-In On When To Wash It
How Often Should You Dry Clean Your Coats
When to dry clean wool pants
