Laundry and dry clean
Laundry and dry clean
August is when Sydney wardrobes start turning over. The coldest weeks pass, spring pieces creep back in, and the winter coats, knits and doonas begin their journey to the back of the cupboard. How you store winter clothes now decides what condition they are in next June. Done right, everything comes out fresh and ready. Done wrong, you meet moth holes, yellow stains and musty smells.
The single most important rule is simple: never store winter clothes dirty. Everything else follows from that.
Invisible residues do the damage. Body oils at collars and cuffs oxidise into yellow marks over a warm summer. Food traces and sweat attract moths and silverfish, which feed on wool and cashmere. Meanwhile, any trapped moisture becomes mould in a sealed cupboard. A garment that looks fine in August can come out ruined in June — because the problem was already in the fibres when it was put away.
Coats and jackets: clean first, then hang on broad shaped hangers in breathable garment bags — never plastic. Knitwear: clean, fold and store flat, since hanging stretches knits out of shape. Doonas and blankets: professionally cleaned and fully dried, then stored in breathable cotton bags. Leather and suede: cleaned and conditioned before a summer in the dark, away from heat. Ski gear: cleaned after the last trip so coatings and insulation survive to next season.
The easiest version of the seasonal switch is one big pickup. Send the whole winter rotation — coats, knits, doonas, blankets, uggs — for cleaning as it comes out of service, and it returns ready to store correctly. Additionally, the pieces you rely on until the last cold snap can go in a second, later collection. No laundromat queues, no drying racks, and nothing put away dirty.
The reward comes in September. A cleaned, properly stored wardrobe means spring pieces that are ready to wear immediately — and next winter starts with fresh coats instead of a rescue mission. If you are already thinking ahead, our spring wardrobe refresh guide covers the reverse changeover.
Yes — always. Invisible body oils and food residues cause yellowing and attract moths over summer. Every item should be cleaned with the right process for its fabric before it is put away.
No — sealed plastic traps moisture and causes mould and mustiness. Use breathable garment bags for coats and cotton storage bags for bedding.
Late August into September works best in Sydney. Stagger it: store the heaviest pieces first and keep one warm layer out for the last cold snaps.
Yes — coats, knitwear, doonas, blankets and footwear can all go in one collection, cleaned to their fabric and returned ready to store.
WashMate collects your winter wardrobe from your Sydney home and returns it cleaned, fully dried and ready to store — standard turnaround is 3–5 business days, with express options subject to availability. Email info@washmate.com.au for a free quote in under two minutes, or book a pickup online. Pickup and delivery is available across Sydney metro for a flat $15 per order.
Follow @washmate.sydney on Instagram for seasonal care tips and before-and-after transformations.
Tap below to book your pickup online, or send us a quick email and we will come back with a free, no-obligation quote.
