8 Items to Launder Before Winter That Will Save You So Much Time Later

Key Takeaways

• Prepare for winter by cleaning essential clothes, from cozy sweaters to essential outerwear, ensuring your wardrobe is fresh and damage-free.

• Refresh your home with laundered winter bedding and blankets for allergy-free comfort, and invest in airtight storage to keep dust at bay.

• Give rugs, vacuum rolls, and window treatments a deep clean to welcome the new season with a spotless and inviting home environment.

Do you feel that cold wind ? That's right—winter is coming. But before the season officially arrives, it's best to prepare weeks in advance by getting your home clean and organized. Ready for a supercharged laundry day? Here are eight items to clean before winter.

• Shantae Duckworth is a home organizer and the founder of Shantaeize Your Space

• Kris Hargrove is a professional organizer and the founder of Organized by Kris

Winter Clothing

Start by laundering winter clothing —like sweaters and wool pants—before the season starts, according to Shantae Duckworth, professional home organizer. "If you live somewhere with distinct seasonal changes or plan to enjoy winter activities in the mountains, starting the season with clean, fresh clothes is a great way to prepare," she explains. "It's also an excellent time to check for any wear or damage on items and replace them if necessary, so you're fully prepared for the season ahead."

Related: How to Wash and Care for all Your Wool Items So They Last a Lifetime

Outerwear

Do you remember spilling hot chocolate on your winter coat last season? What about when you were playing with that cute, furry puppy? If you didn't send your coat to the cleaners last year or wash the machine-safe ones, they'll likely need a little freshening up before the temperature really starts to dip. After all, you don't want to get caught in the cold with a dirty coat .

Winter Sheets and Duvets

If you live in a colder climate, there's a chance you have winter bedding such as a thicker comforter or flannel sheets—those need a good wash, too. "Winter bedding items are also great to pull out and launder," Duckworth says. "We tend to only use these items for about three to four months of the year, depending on where you live and how your seasons change, which means that these items have been tucked away for months and could use a refresh."

Professional organizer Kris Hargrover notes that unless your winter linens have been stored in airtight bins or zipper bags, they're probably dusty. "A surprising amount of dust can collect on clothes and blankets left in the closet , which may trigger severe allergic reactions," she explains. "Starting the winter season with fresh, dust-free items makes for a much cozier experience." Then, make a note to buy storage bins for next year, especially if you suffer from allergies.

Down or Down-Alternative Comforters

When was the last time your comforter got a good cleaning ? Be sure to wash it alone in the washing machine. And while you might think down comforters need to be professionally dry-cleaned, that's not necessarily true. Use the bedding cycle if your machine has one, or "delicate," if not.

Throw Blankets

There's nothing like curling up by the fireplace with that Christmas quilt your grandmother knit or the weighted blanket you were gifted. While you probably put them away for the summer, there's a pretty good chance you didn't clean them first. So, why not give them a wash before your next movie night?

Washable Rugs

After beach trips in the summer and crunchy leaves underfoot in the fall, your washable rugs may have absorbed more than their fair share of dirt. While you're in the middle of your laundry spree, get those rugs in the washing machine for a thorough cleaning.

Vacuum Roll

When was the last time you washed your vacuum roll? For many, probably never. (We're not judging.) If your vacuum has a removable brush roll, it's likely filled with dirt, dust, and hair. Remove it and soak it overnight for a deep clean, or wash it on the delicate cycle of your washing machine (as long as the machine doesn't have an agitator).

Window Treatments

When was the last time your curtains were cleaned? Yikes! Give them a thorough washing before the new season. Take them off the rod and put them in the washing machine if they're machine-washable . If not, set them aside to take to the dry cleaner.

Read the original article on Real Simple