Winter & Christmas Garment Care Guide 
Keep Your Winter Wardrobe Fresh with Hampstead Garment Care

When the air gets chilly and London’s streets light up for the holidays, it’s time to pull out your warm coats, soft jumpers, and elegant outfits. Winter is full of comfort and celebration — but it’s also tough on your clothes. Rain, mud, and even festive stains can take a toll. That’s why Hampstead Garment Care has put together this easy-to-follow guide to help you care for your wardrobe this winter and Christmas season.

Getting Your Wardrobe Ready for Winter

Before the real cold sets in, take some time to prepare your wardrobe for the chilly months ahead. Proper preparation helps keep your clothes looking great and lasting longer.

• Do a seasonal swap: Start by rotating your wardrobe. Store lightweight summer items away and bring your winter pieces to the front for easy access.

• Inspect before wearing: Pull out your wool coats, cashmere jumpers, scarves, gloves, hats, and holiday outfits. Check each piece for stains, moth damage, missing buttons, or loose threads.

• Get them cleaned first: Even tiny stains can become permanent if ignored. Have your garments professionally cleaned to remove hidden dirt, bacteria, and odours that attract moths.

• Revive the fabric: Use a gentle steamer to freshen wool or cashmere pieces before wearing. For anything heavily creased or delicate, trust Hampstead Garment Care for professional pressing.

• Repair and restore: Replace broken zips, resew buttons, and fix small tears before the season starts. Our alteration specialists can restore your winter favourites quickly.

• Store wisely: Use breathable garment bags instead of plastic to prevent moisture buildup. Add lavender sachets or cedarwood blocks to repel moths naturally.

• Organise by type: Keep everyday wear, outerwear, and occasion outfits separate so you can grab what you need easily when temperatures drop.

Taking these steps ensures your winter wardrobe is clean, organised, and ready to keep you warm in style.—

Your coat isn’t just outerwear — it’s your main winter statement piece, combining function and fashion. Whether you’re wrapping up for a frosty morning walk through Hampstead Heath or heading to a Christmas dinner in Mayfair, a well-kept coat makes all the difference.

• Use the right hangers: Avoid thin metal hangers that can deform shoulders. Choose wide, padded, or wooden hangers to maintain shape.

• Keep them fresh: Brush away dirt, lint, and hair after each wear using a soft clothes brush. This prevents buildup that can dull the fabric fibres.

• Spot clean wisely: If you get a minor mark, dab gently with a damp cloth and avoid rubbing — but for anything noticeable, always let professionals handle it.

• Air them out: After a day out in the rain or on public transport, hang your coat in a ventilated space to release moisture and odours before putting it away.

• Protect from weather: For wool, cashmere, or down coats, ask for our weatherproofing treatment that adds a water- and stain-resistant layer without changing texture.

• Rotate your outerwear: If you have several coats, alternate between them to prevent excessive wear on seams and collars.

• Regular refresh: Bring your coats to Hampstead Garment Care every few weeks for professional cleaning and steaming to keep them soft, fresh, and ready for any occasion.

Caring for Knitwear and Cashmere

Knitwear made from wool and cashmere is soft, warm, and luxurious — but it needs a little extra care to stay looking its best throughout winter.

• Don’t over-wash: After two or three wears, hang your jumper in a breezy area to air it out. Overwashing can strip natural oils and weaken fibres.

• Fold, don’t hang: Hanging knitwear stretches the shoulders and ruins its shape. Always fold your jumpers and cardigans neatly.

• Remove bobbles carefully: Pilling happens naturally with friction. Use a fabric comb, lint shaver, or a de-pilling stone to restore smoothness without damaging fibres.

• Avoid hot water and heat: Wash wool or cashmere only in cool water and never tumble dry. Heat can cause shrinking and felting.

• Hand wash gently: If washing at home, use a mild detergent designed for wool and press water out instead of wringing.

• Lay flat to dry: Place garments on a clean towel, reshape them, and let them air-dry flat to retain their original form.

• Protect from moths: Store clean, folded knits in natural repellents, such as cedarwood blocks or lavender sachets.

• Let the pros handle it: Our team uses eco-friendly wet cleaning and gentle finishing methods tailored to delicate fibres, ensuring your jumpers stay soft, fluffy, and perfectly shaped.

Taking the time to care properly for your knitwear will make it last for many winters — keeping you warm, stylish, and comfortable all season long.

How to Handle Velvet, Sequins, and Party Outfits

Holiday parties mean fancy fabrics — and they need special care. These luxurious materials, like velvet, silk, satin, and anything embellished, demand attention to detail to maintain their beauty.

• Velvet: This plush fabric can easily lose its pile if mishandled. Never iron it directly; instead, use a steamer from a short distance or let our professionals press it safely. Hang velvet garments on padded hangers and avoid crushing them in a crowded wardrobe.

• Sequins and beads: These details make your party outfits sparkle, but they’re fragile. Avoid rubbing, wringing, or using harsh cleaners. Spot-cleaning at home can loosen embellishments or cause dull patches, so always bring sequined and beaded garments to us for gentle professional care.

• Silk and satin: Smooth and elegant, these fabrics absorb body oils and perfumes easily. Always have them professionally cleaned after a night out. If you must store them at home, use soft cotton covers and avoid plastic, which traps moisture.

• Lace and tulle: These delicate materials snag easily. Handle them with care, keep them away from jewellery or rough fabrics, and store them in breathable garment bags.

• Embroidered details: Hand- or machine-embroidered items should never be soaked or scrubbed. If stained, blot lightly with a clean cloth and let experts take over.

• After-party care: Hang your outfit in a well-ventilated area overnight to air out perfume and body odour before storing it. If you’ve danced the night away, it’s best to book a professional cleaning appointment right after.

• Storage tip: Store partywear in cotton garment bags to prevent snags, fading, or colour transfer. Use acid-free tissue between folds to protect embellishments and delicate fabrics.

How to Tackle Common Winter Stains

Some stains are part of the season — but they don’t have to stay. Winter brings red wine spills at parties, candle wax drips from cosy nights in, and muddy splashes from London’s rainy streets. Knowing how to act quickly and when to call the professionals can save your favourite pieces.

• Red wine: Act fast! Blot gently with a clean, white cloth or paper towel — never rub, as this pushes the pigment deeper into the fabric. Keep it damp with cold water until you can bring it to us for expert stain removal.

• Candle wax: Let the wax harden by placing the fabric in the freezer or applying ice cubes in a plastic bag. Once solid, gently lift the residue with a dull knife or the edge of a credit card. Avoid heating or scrubbing — our team can safely remove any remaining wax and oily residue.

• Mud: Resist the urge to wipe wet mud. Allow it to dry completely, then brush off as much as possible. Some fabrics, especially suede and wool, may need specialist treatment to restore their texture.

• Salt marks: Road salt can leave chalky streaks on trousers, coats, and boots. Wipe gently with a damp cloth and let the area dry naturally. Persistent marks should be professionally cleaned to avoid discolouration or stiffness.

• Chocolate and hot drinks: Cocoa, coffee, and hot chocolate can quickly stain light fabrics. Blot with cool water and bring the item in for cleaning before the sugar and fat set permanently.

• Makeup and perfume stains: During the party season, overspray from makeup, foundation, or perfume often transfers to collars and scarves. Avoid using water — these stains can spread. Our solvent-based cleaning removes oils and pigments without damaging delicate fibres.

• Grease and gravy: Winter feasts sometimes leave traces of food on silk ties or wool dresses. Blot with a dry napkin and never add water; professional solvent cleaning is the only safe solution.

Taking quick action and trusting experts for deep cleaning can make the difference between a short-term stain and long-term damage. Hampstead Garment Care has the right tools and techniques to handle every tricky winter stain — keeping your wardrobe spotless through every celebration.

Smart Storage Tips for Winter Clothes

Good storage means longer-lasting clothes and fewer surprises when you bring them out next year. Proper storage protects fibres, prevents fading, and keeps garments smelling fresh until you need them again.

• Clean before storing: Hidden stains and body oils can oxidise, turn yellow, or attract moths. Always have garments cleaned before putting them away for the season.

• Use acid-free tissue paper: Wrap delicate fabrics and layer tissue between folds to help prevent wrinkles, colour transfer, and shape loss.

• Avoid vacuum bags: While convenient, they compress delicate fibres such as wool, cashmere, and silk, causing them to lose bounce and structure.

• Choose the proper containers: Opt for breathable cotton or linen storage boxes over plastic tubs. They allow airflow and reduce musty smells.

• Keep items elevated: Store clothing on shelves or in drawers above the floor to avoid moisture or dust buildup.

• Use garment bags for long pieces: Wool coats, formal dresses, and tailored jackets look best in breathable garment bags — never sealed plastic bags.

• Add natural protectors: Cedarwood blocks, lavender sachets, or rosemary pouches keep moths away while leaving a pleasant scent.

• Label your storage: If you have multiple boxes or bags, label them clearly for easy access next season.

• Store in a cool, dry, and dark place: Avoid direct sunlight, basements, and humid spots. Consistent temperature and dryness help keep fabrics fresh and strong year-round.

By storing garments thoughtfully, you’ll protect your investment pieces and make the transition into the next season effortless.

Why Choose Hampstead Garment Care This Christmas

Your clothes deserve expert care — especially during the busy festive season. At Hampstead Garment Care, we go beyond basic cleaning — we offer care, restoration, and preservation that help your garments look their best for years.

• Professional dry cleaning and wet cleaning for all fabrics: From everyday coats to delicate couture gowns, we handle each fabric type with precision using the most suitable cleaning method.

• Specialist care for cashmere, silk, velvet, and eveningwear: Our experts treat luxurious materials with gentle solvents and hand-finished processes that protect their texture, colour, and drape.

• Tailoring and repair services for coats, buttons, and linings: Whether you need a hem adjustment, zip replacement, or complete restoration, our in-house tailors give your favourite pieces a second life.

• Collection and delivery across Hampstead, Finchley Road, and Golders Green: Enjoy doorstep convenience with flexible pick-up and delivery times — ideal for the hectic holiday season.

• Eco-friendly cleaning with biodegradable solvents and low-energy machines: We’re proud to lead with sustainability, using water-saving technologies, recyclable packaging, and plant-based detergents.

• Special winter treatments: Ask about our reproofing for outerwear, anti-moth protection, and fabric conditioning to enhance softness and longevity.

• Customer-first service: Every item is inspected, cleaned, and pressed to perfection before return, ensuring that each garment meets our high Hampstead Garment Care standards.

Our team combines craftsmanship, modern technology, and environmental responsibility — so you can wear your favourite pieces with confidence, knowing they’re in expert hands.

Celebrate Sustainably

Enjoy a stylish Christmas that’s also kind to the planet. The holidays are a perfect time to be mindful of what we buy, wear, and gift — small changes can make a big difference.

• Rewear and restyle: Update old favourites with new accessories, or mix and match outfits in creative ways. Try pairing classic pieces with festive scarves and jewellery, or layering, for a fresh look without overconsumption.

• Repair instead of replace: Our tailoring team can bring worn pieces back to life by fixing zips, reattaching buttons, or adjusting fits. Reviving a quality garment saves money and reduces textile waste.

• Choose green cleaning: We use modern, eco-safe methods with biodegradable solvents that keep your clothes beautiful while protecting the environment. Every cleaning cycle at Hampstead Garment Care uses energy-efficient machines and reduces water consumption.

• Donate or swap: If you no longer wear something, donate it to a local charity or take part in a clothing swap. Sharing garments helps extend their life cycle and supports community sustainability.

• Invest in quality: Buy fewer, better pieces that last for years. Natural fibres like wool, silk, and cotton not only feel luxurious but also stand the test of time when properly cared for.

• Opt for eco-friendly wrapping: Use recyclable paper, reusable gift bags, or fabric wraps for presents this season.

• Reduce microplastics: Choose garments made from natural fibres and wash synthetics in laundry bags designed to catch microfibres.

By celebrating consciously, you’ll enjoy the season’s sparkle without harming the planet — proving that sustainability and style can go hand in hand.

Final Thoughts: Stay Warm, Stylish, and Confident

Winter is a season for comfort, reflection, and celebration — a time when warmth meets elegance and every outfit tells a story. From frosty commutes to candlelit dinners, your garments carry you through the moments that matter most. Treat them well, and they’ll keep rewarding you with comfort, confidence, and timeless style.

At Hampstead Garment Care, we believe that clothing care is more than maintenance — it’s preservation. Each coat, jumper, or gown you entrust to us becomes part of a tradition of craftsmanship, respect, and sustainability. Our mission is to help you protect what you love so your wardrobe continues to reflect who you are season after season.

So, before the year wraps up, take a moment to appreciate the little luxuries — a perfectly pressed wool coat, the soft touch of clean cashmere, or the sparkle of a freshly restored party dress. Let Hampstead Garment Care keep every piece immaculate, every fibre cared for, and every memory beautifully preserved.

Merry Christmas from Hampstead Garment Care

As 2025 comes to an end, we want to take a heartfelt moment to thank all our wonderful customers across Hampstead, Finchley Road, Golders Green, and beyond. Your trust and loyalty have made this year truly special. Every coat, dress, and jumper we’ve cared for represents a connection to your story — and we’re honoured to be part of it.

This holiday season, we wish you more than just clean clothes; we want to give you comfort, joy, and confidence that shines through every outfit. Whether you’re celebrating with family, catching up with friends, or strolling through London’s winter lights, may you feel warm, stylish, and ready for every occasion.

We’re also looking ahead to 2026 — a new year full of promise, innovation, and continued commitment to sustainable, luxury garment care. Thank you for supporting local craftsmanship and eco-conscious cleaning.

Wishing you a warm, bright, and elegant Christmas — and a fresh, confident start to 2026!

With love and gratitude,
The Hampstead Garment Care Team
Your trusted London dry cleaning specialists