Winter in Macau isn’t particularly long, but come November and December, as soon as the north wind starts to blow, it’s time to dig out the down jackets, overcoats and jumpers from the back of the wardrobe. Many people only realise this when they open their wardrobes: the coats they put away last year have a musty smell, yellowed collars, or even small black spots. In fact, the problem usually stems from ‘not washing them properly before putting them away’ and ‘Macau’s humid climate’.
1. Why do winter clothes turn yellow and go mouldy after being stored for a year?
Winter clothes are usually worn only a few times a season, and many people simply put them away as long as they don’t look ‘dirty’. However, invisible sweat stains, sebum and food residues on the garments will gradually oxidise and turn yellow after a damp spring and summer, and will also provide a breeding ground for mould.
- Yellowing around the collar and cuffs: The result of prolonged oxidation of skin oils and sweat stains
- Mould spots and a musty smell: In Macau, humidity is high in spring and summer, and moisture cannot escape from sealed wardrobes
- Down clumping and flattening: If exposed to damp or prolonged compression, the down loses its loft and its insulating properties diminish
II. Before you take them out to wear, do these three things first
- First, check the care label: Check whether the garment is dry-clean only, whether it can be machine-washed, and the maximum water temperature. Wool, cashmere and some coats are usually best dry-cleaned.
- Check for any mould spots or stains: If there is a slight musty smell, you can start by airing the item in a well-ventilated place; if there are visible mould spots, we do not recommend treating them yourself with bleach, as this may cause the colour to fade or damage the fabric.
- Give the down a little shake: Gently shake the duvet to redistribute the down; if it is still clumped or has an unpleasant odour, it will need to be professionally cleaned.
3. Can I wash down jackets and coats at home?
Some down products labelled as machine-washable can be washed at home, but it is by no means easy:
- Down becomes very heavy when it absorbs water, and it is often difficult to wash it thoroughly in a domestic washing machine.
- The most important thing is to ‘dry them thoroughly’; if you put them away before they are completely dry, they will soon become mouldy and develop an unpleasant odour.
- Wool coats and cashmere garments are prone to shrinking and losing their shape when washed.
If you are unsure, it is best to leave it to the professionals. We will select the appropriate dry-cleaning or wet-cleaning method based on the garment’s care label and fabric, and ensure it is thoroughly dry before returning it to you.
IV. Once winter is over, this is the best way to put your washing away
- Be sure to wash them before putting them away, even if you’ve only worn it once or twice
- Ensure it is completely dryI’ve only just put it in the wardrobe
- Do not store in sealed plastic bags for long periods, switch to breathable clothing covers
- Place moisture-proof products in the wardrobe, and ensure the room is well-ventilated on a regular basis
- Do not compress down for long periods of time., to prevent it from losing its fluffiness
Leave it to Sun Professional Cleaning
Sun Professional Cleaning offers dry cleaning, weight-based cleaning and duvet cleaning services. We can handle down items, coats, jumpers and winter duvets. Local customers are welcome to visit our main branch in Xia Huan or our Gaoshi De branch, or book a collection and delivery service. If your garments have mould spots or stains, please send us a photograph first so we can assess them.
To make a booking or enquire, please contact us via WhatsApp or WeChat +853 6388 0349, or call 6234 7275.