Caring for Fall’s Fashions: How to Wash and Protect Wool, Corduroy, Suede & Bouclé

As the temperatures cool, cozy sweaters, textured jackets, and stylish layers will come out of storage. This year’s fall fashion is all about comfort, warmth, and richly textured fabrics—however, those fabrics also need the right care to keep them looking their best.

Whether you’re wearing a favorite wool sweater, a trendy corduroy jacket, classic suede boots, or a chic bouclé blazer, knowing how to clean and maintain these fabrics can help them last for many seasons. Here’s everything you need to know about caring for fall’s most popular materials.

Wool: Warm, Cozy, and Worth Protecting

Wool remains one of the most popular fabrics every fall thanks to its warmth, breathability, and timeless style. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the easiest fabrics to accidentally shrink or damage.

Wool Care Tips

• Always read the care label before washing.
• Use cold water and a gentle detergent made for wool or delicate fabrics.
• Hand wash only.
• Never wring wool garments.
• Lay sweaters flat to dry to help them maintain their shape.
• Fold wool sweaters instead of hanging them to prevent stretching.

If the label says “Dry Clean Only,” it’s best to follow those instructions. Our Frederick, MD laundromat offers dry cleaning.

Corduroy: Keep Those Ridges Looking Sharp

Corduroy has made a major comeback in recent years. From pants and jackets to skirts and overshirts, its soft texture and signature ridges make it a favorite fall fabric. It is definitely a textured material closely associated with fall. However, water can damage its structure and shine over time. 

Keep in mind that it does attract lint so do not wash with other items.

Corduroy Care Tips

• Turn garments inside out before washing.
• Wash in cold water by hand but only if necessary.
• Use minimal detergent and test in an inconspicuous area before washing the entire garment in it.
• Air dry
• Use a soft brush after drying to restore the fabric’s texture if needed. Brush in the direction of the wales

Suede: Handle with Extra Care

Suede offers a luxurious look but requires a different approach than most clothing fabrics. Because suede is made from the underside of leather, it should never be machine washed unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.

Suede Care Tips

• After every wear, use a suede brush to remove dirt and restore texture.
• Treat stains immediately with products designed specifically for suede.
• Allow wet suede to air dry naturally.
• Protect new suede items with a suede protector spray.
• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

For heavily soiled suede jackets or garments, professional cleaning is usually the safest choice. If this is your first suede purchase, consider adding a suede care kit to your laundry closet. Kits usually come with the brush, protectant, and stain remover in one convenient package.

Bouclé: Soft Texture with Elegant Style

Bouclé has become one of fall’s biggest fashion trends. Known for its looped yarn and textured appearance, it’s commonly found in jackets, coats, skirts, and sweaters.

Because of its unique weave, bouclé deserves gentle handling.

Bouclé Care Tips

• Check the care label carefully before washing.
• Hand wash
• Avoid rough agitation that can snag the loops.
• Lay flat to dry whenever possible.
• Store carefully to avoid pulling or catching the textured surface.

With proper care, bouclé garments can maintain their elegant appearance for years.

Don’t Forget About Seasonal Storage

Storing your seasonal clothing is just as important as proper laundering techniques.

Before packing away summer clothing:

• Wash everything and use a product like rinse and refresh (Never use fabric softener when storing clothes as it can cause a yellowing) to remove body oils and stains.
• Make sure your laundry is completely dry before storing it to avoid mildew and mold.
• Store clothing in breathable garment bags or storage bins.
• Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to help deter pests naturally.
• Avoid plastic bags and tubs which can trap moisture. Use a breathable canvas type bag or a bag made just for clothing storage.

When storing garments at the end of the season, make sure to clean them well. Invisible stains can become permanent if left alone too long.

Let Us Help Keep Your Fall Wardrobe Looking Its Best

When caring for Fall’s fashions, keep in mind that some fabrics require a little extra attention—and that’s where Spot comes in. Our professional laundry service helps you care for your everyday garments while saving you time each week. Whether you’re washing cozy sweaters, everyday layers, or bulky seasonal items, our experienced team handles your laundry with care so you can spend less time doing chores and more time enjoying everything fall has to offer.

Visit your nearest Spot Laundry location today and discover how easy laundry day can be this season.