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Why You Need to Take Extra Care With Your Woollens
Wool is a natural fibre, so it is breathable but has a high moisture absorption rate. After sitting in a trunk for 8 months (especially in the humid conditions of Bangalore), your woollens will have collected dust, sweat, and smell-causing bacteria.
- Moths thrive in dark corners, and creased garments can end up with permanent creases.
- Wool expands when wet and contracts when not dried properly.
- Smell is caused by bacterial build-up.
- Cashmere and merino can be eaten through by moth larvae in weeks.
- Improper storage can cause your knits to flatten.
Reviving your garments is an important process. If rushed, using hot water or a dryer, you could ruin your 5000 INR sweater in minutes. The first step Band Box takes is Inspection & Profiling. We analyse the type of fabric, weave and any staining. You can do the same at home by looking at the care label and seeing how much damage has been caused.
First Step: Air Your Clothes
Hang your woollens up or place them flat on a drying rack in a cool, well-ventilated area. We recommend a padded hanger. This could be a balcony with morning sun, but avoid direct afternoon sun as this could cause your clothes to fade and your wool fibres to become weaker.
This helps to air out your clothes and allows the moisture to evaporate. It can also help to clear mild odours, removing up to 70% of musty smells after a few hours.
If you still have an odour you can move on to the following steps.
Washing Woollen Clothes At Home
Many woollens are machine washable, including many merino and lambswool items. Follow these steps to help wash your clothes at home.
Hand Wash
- Fill a basin with cold water. Never use warm or hot water as this will cause the wool to shrink.
- Add 1 teaspoon of gentle wool detergent or baby shampoo. Avoid using normal detergent as it is too alkaline.
- Place your garment into the water and gently press. Do not scrub or rub.
- Leave in the water for 10-15 minutes. Drain the water and top up with fresh cold water.
- Squeeze out the excess water by rolling the garment in a clean towel. Never twist.
- Place flat on a drying rack and avoid direct heat and sunlight.
Machine Wash
Use a wool/delicate setting with cold water and low spin, and place the garment into a mesh laundry bag. Avoid using fabric softener as this can make your fibres greasy and reduce breathability.
Don’t wash at home if your garment has a dry clean only label, is structured (such as blazers, lined coats and pleated skirts), or has set-in stains. It would be safer to take it to a professional.
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When to Opt for Dry Cleaning
Overcoats, padded jackets and cashmere-mix clothing can be problematic to wash in the winter in Bangalore. Dry cleaning uses solvents to break down the grime and grease on your garments without causing the fibres to swell.
Band Box use eco-friendly solvents to clean your clothes using our Targeted Purification method, which ensures that your woollen garments will remain intact. Stains can cause issues if left for months on your garments. Coffee spillages or oil from your skin can oxidise, meaning the stain becomes permanent.
When to Dry Clean
- Structured jackets and blazers
- Wool-mix coats with linings
- Delicate cashmere or angoras
- Stained or smelly garments
Everyday jumpers and scarves can be washed at home but your favourite winter coat should be left to the experts. We offer collection and delivery throughout Bangalore, making it easy for you to send your heavy garments to Band Box Dry Cleaners.
Jumpers vs Dry Cleaning for Jackets
Whilst both may be made from wool, there are differences in how they should be cleaned.
Jumpers – Jumpers tend to be knitted and should never be hung whilst damp as they may stretch. Always lay flat to dry. Pilling can be common so we recommend using a fabric shaver. To reduce odours we recommend soaking in a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda per litre of cold water for 20 minutes.
Jackets – Jackets often contain linings, padding on the shoulders, zips and buttons. Using water can cause the jacket to warp. Dry cleaning keeps the structure intact. Band Box use our Hand Finished Pressing method to give your garments back their original shape by using steam tensioning. This can’t be done with an iron at home.
If you are unsure, bring your garments to Band Box. We profile each garment so your cashmere jumper and wool blazer will be treated differently.
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Blanket Cleaning in Bangalore
Woollen blankets are quite a big task to clean. Due to their weight, high water absorption and the long time they take to dry, you may get mildew in the humid weather of Bangalore.
Home Method (Only Works on Washables)
- Front-loading washing machine (agitator top loaders can damage the weave).
- Cold water. Delicate cycle. Extra rinse.
- Air dry or use a large dryer on low heat. Add wool dryer balls.
Professional Cleaning
Band Box can clean all your clothes, from day-to-day items to household linens. We can clean your heavy blankets and curtains too. Our professional and eco-friendly process means we avoid using any harsh chemicals. We also monitor our water usage. This means your blanket will come back smelling fresh with no guilt.
Removing Musty Smell From Clothes
The most complained-about issue when clothes have been in storage for a long time is musty smell. Here are three ways to help you!
- Baking soda: Soak the garment in a mixture of 1/2 cup of baking soda dissolved into a bowl of cold water. Let the garment soak for 20-30 minutes, then rinse gently before air drying. The baking soda will neutralise the smell of the garment.
- Charcoal: Wrap 7-10 pieces of charcoal briquettes inside a muslin cloth. Put them inside a zipped bag with the garment and leave for 5-6 days. The charcoal will naturally draw out the moisture and smell.
- Essential oil: Add 2-3 drops of tea tree or lavender essential oil to your final rinse. Tea tree has antibacterial properties to kill any microbes causing the smell.
If you still have an issue with the smell, this could mean the smell has become trapped in the fibres. We recommend getting your garments professionally dry cleaned so we can use deodorising solvents to remove the smell completely. We offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee so we will clean your garment again free of charge.
How to Store Your Woollens Properly
Once clean and fresh, store your woollens properly so you don’t have to go through the process again next February!
- Use breathable bags made of cotton/muslin. Plastic retains moisture.
- Place some cedar blocks or dried lavender in there to keep moths away.
- Fold your knitwear, and hang up your coats using padded hangers.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Check every few months when out of season.
Band Box can help give advice on how to store your woollens. We can also clean them for you so you can store them and be ready for winter!
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Trends in Bangalore 2026-2027
This year’s trends for outerwear are chore coats (boxy functional jackets). Other trends include faux fur, trench coats and puffer jackets. The colour palette is muted earthy tones such as black, beige and olive with pops of red.
Cleaning advice: Trendy items will often involve unique fabrics. Faux fur needs to be handled with care, chore coats can have waxed cotton finishes and puffers need special care. Band Box have knowledge of all of these modern fabrics.
Whether you’re bringing out your old puffer or investing in a new chore coat, you can rely on us!
Conclusion: Don’t Let Another Winter Catch You Off Guard
Your woollens have been waiting since February. They deserve more than a quick wash and a prayer. With the right techniques (airing, cold-water washing, professional dry cleaning for delicate items, and proper storage) you can enjoy them for many winters to come.
Start today. Book a free pickup with Band Box Dry Cleaners and let our 50+ years of expertise handle the hard work. Your sweaters, jackets, and blankets will come back fresh, crisp, and ready for Bangalore’s chill.
Schedule your pickup now or find your nearest branch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I wash wool in hot water?
No, wool will shrink and felt when washed in hot water. We always recommend washing in cold water below 30 degrees. Band Box use temperature-controlled processes to ensure that none of the fibres are damaged.
How often should I dry clean my woollen garments?
As a general rule once per season will be fine, unless you are regularly wearing them or getting them stained. However, too much cleaning can cause damage to the fibres. We have Inspection & Profiling to ensure we know exactly what each garment requires.
How do I get rid of musty smells on my wool?
For light musty smells, using baking soda or a charcoal bag will help. For more heavily musty items we recommend getting them professionally dry cleaned. Our Targeted Purification will remove any musty smells without causing damage.
Can all types of wool be dry cleaned?
Most can, however some delicate fibres such as angora may require extra care. We profile each garment individually to give your cashmere, merino and lambswool the perfect treatment.
How do I store my woollens in the humid climate of Bangalore?
Store your woollens in breathable cotton bags with cedar blocks. Try to avoid using plastic storage boxes as they trap in moisture. Ensure you have your woollens cleaned by Band Box before storing them.
Can Band Box clean my winter coat with a furry collar?
Yes! We can clean mixed materials including faux fur. We have Hand-Finished Pressing to ensure your collar and garment is restored perfectly.
Do you offer a collection and delivery service?
Yes! With 15 branches throughout Bangalore we can come to you for free. Your woollens will be returned to you crisp and fresh within 72 hours (3 working days).