In this guide
London weather rarely sticks to the calendar. One week you need a heavy coat, the next a light jacket and an umbrella. A little care at the turn of each season keeps your clothes in good shape and stops you finding a musty jumper or a moth-eaten coat when you need it most.
1. Autumn: bring the warm layers back
Coats and knitwear that have sat in a wardrobe all summer often need a refresh before they go back into daily use.
- Air out coats and jumpers for a day before wearing them
- Check for moth holes, loose buttons and broken zips while there is time to fix them
- Wash or clean anything that smells stale rather than covering it with perfume
2. Winter: coats, wool and wet weather
Winter clothes work hardest and pick up the most dirt, from rain and road spray to central heating drying out fabrics.
- Let wet coats dry on a hanger at room temperature, never on a radiator
- Wash wool gently in cold water with a wool detergent, then dry it flat
- Brush off mud once it is dry rather than rubbing it in while wet
3. Spring: clean before you store
When the heavy layers come off, give them a proper clean before they go away. Stains and body oils left over winter are what attract moths.
- Clean coats, scarves and gloves before storing them
- Store wool in breathable cotton bags, not sealed plastic
- Add cedar blocks or lavender bags to help keep moths away
4. Summer: light fabrics and sun care
Linen, cotton and silk need gentler handling, and summer sweat and sun cream can leave marks that set if they are left too long.
- Wash summer clothes soon after wearing to stop sweat and sun cream marks setting
- Dry bright colours in the shade so they do not fade
- Iron linen while it is still slightly damp for a smoother finish
5. All year: habits that help every season
- Rotate off-season clothes out of the wardrobe so it stays easy to use
- Use padded hangers for delicate tops and wide wooden ones for coats
- Follow the care label rather than guessing
