The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and, of course, cozy winter wear. From festive Christmas stockings to warm knitted scarves, our holiday wardrobe plays a big role in making the season special. However, with all the fun and festivities, these items can quickly get dirty. Whether it’s soot from the fireplace, makeup stains, or everyday wear and tear, keeping your holiday clothes clean and fresh requires a bit of extra care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step instructions to clean and maintain your Christmas laundry, ensuring everything stays in great condition for years to come.
Table of Contents
1. Cleaning Christmas Stockings and Santa Hats
Christmas stockings and Santa hats are iconic symbols of the holiday season, but they can easily collect dust, soot, and odors, especially if hung near the fireplace. Here’s how to clean them properly:
Step 1: Prepare the Cleaning Solution
Fill a bucket with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can damage delicate fabrics or cause colors to fade. Add 4 tablespoons of Pinol® Liquid Laundry Soap to the water. Pinol® is gentle yet effective, making it perfect for delicate holiday items.
Step 2: Soak and Gently Clean
Submerge the stockings or Santa hats in the solution. Let them soak for about 10-15 minutes to loosen dirt and stains. Gently rub the fabric with your hands to remove any grime. Be careful around delicate areas like glitter, sequins, or sewn-on letters, as these can easily come loose if scrubbed too hard.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the items thoroughly with clean, lukewarm water to remove all soap residue. Press them lightly against a clean towel to remove excess water. Avoid wringing, as this can distort their shape. Lay them flat on a towel to dry overnight. For Santa hats, avoid soaking the fluffy pom-pom at the end—instead, spot clean it with a damp cloth.
Pro Tip: Never use a washing machine for these items, as the agitation can damage delicate decorations and fabrics.
2. Washing Knitted Hats and Scarves
Knitted hats and scarves are winter essentials, but they require special care to stay soft and looking new. Here’s how to clean them:
Step 1: Choose the Right Detergent
Fill a bucket with warm water and add Pinol® Laundry Liquid Detergent. Pinol® is gentle on fabrics and effective at removing dirt and odors.
Step 2: Soak and Clean
Submerge the knitted items in the solution. Gently press the fabric to allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing, as this can cause the fabric to stretch or pill.
Step 3: Rinse and Add Fabric Softener
Rinse the items in a separate bucket of clean, warm water. Add a few drops of Ensueño® MAX Fabric Softener to the rinse water. The Violet Bouquet scent is perfect for winter, but you can choose any fragrance you love.
Step 4: Dry Properly
Press the items lightly against a towel to remove excess water. Lay them flat on a drying rack or towel to dry. Avoid hanging, as this can cause the fabric to stretch out of shape.
Pro Tip: To keep your knitted items looking new, store them folded in a cool, dry place during the off-season.
3. Cleaning Gloves and Mittens
Gloves and mittens are exposed to dirt, sweat, and bacteria, making regular cleaning essential. Here’s how to keep them fresh:
Step 1: Spot Clean Stains
For small stains, apply Pinol® Laundry Liquid Detergent directly to the affected area. Gently rub with a soft cloth or sponge dampened with warm water.
Step 2: Soak for a Thorough Clean
Fill a bucket with warm water and add Pinol® Liquid Laundry Soap. Submerge the gloves or mittens in the solution. To maintain their shape, wear the gloves while soaking or stuff them with a soft cloth. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes, then gently agitate the water to loosen dirt.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
Rinse the gloves twice in clean water to remove all soap residue. Hang them to dry in a well-ventilated area. Avoid wringing, as this can damage the fabric.
Quick Tip: For leather gloves, use a specialized leather cleaner and conditioner to keep the material soft and supple.
4. Washing Sweaters and Fleece Jackets
Sweaters and fleece jackets are winter staples, but they require careful cleaning to stay soft and cozy:
Step 1: Hand Wash Sweaters
Fill a basin with cold water and add Pinol® Laundry Liquid Detergent. Submerge the sweater and gently press the fabric to allow the detergent to penetrate. Let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cold water and press out excess water.
Step 2: Machine Wash Fleece Jackets
Turn the jacket inside out to protect the outer fabric. Wash on a gentle cycle with Pinol® Liquid Laundry Soap. Use cold water to prevent shrinking.
Step 3: Dry Properly
Lay sweaters and fleece jackets flat on a towel to dry. Avoid hanging, as this can cause stretching. If using a dryer, select the lowest heat setting and remove the items immediately after the cycle ends.
Pro Tip: Fold sweaters instead of hanging them to maintain their shape and prevent stretching.
5. Extra Tips for Holiday Laundry
- Treat Stains Immediately: Address spills and stains as soon as possible to prevent them from setting. Use Pinol® Laundry Liquid Detergent for effective stain removal.
- Freshen Up Between Washes: Use a fabric refresher spray like Ensueño® Fabric Refresher to keep clothes smelling fresh between washes.
- Store Properly: After the holidays, store clean, dry clothes in a cool, dry place to prevent mold and odors.
Got Any Special Holiday Laundry Tips?
We’d love to hear from you! Share your favorite holiday laundry hacks or cleaning secrets in the comments below. Let’s make this holiday season the cleanest and coziest one yet!
