As the air turns crisp and cozy sweaters make their return, fall brings a fresh rhythm to our homes and our laundry routines. From heavier fabrics and layered outfits to muddy fall adventures, the season calls for a little extra care when it comes to washing and organizing your wardrobe.
This is the perfect time to refresh your laundry routines, tackle those comforters and blankets, and make sure your favorite knits stay soft all season long. Whether you’re managing family laundry day or caring for your own seasonal pieces, these 10 fall laundry care tips will help you keep clothes cleaner, fresher, and longer-lasting all while reducing waste and saving energy.
10 Seasonal Laundry Care Tips for Fall
1. Switch to a gentler or fragrance-free detergent
As the air gets drier, fabrics can become rougher on skin. Using mild or fragrance-free detergent helps protect sensitive skin and keeps fabrics soft.
2. Treat fall-specific stains immediately
Pumpkin, apple cider, wine, and mud are common fall stains. Pre-treat stains with a stain remover or a small amount of detergent before washing to prevent permanent marks.
3. Adjust your wash temperature
Cooler fall weather means heavier clothes like sweaters and jackets. Wash delicate wool or cashmere items in cold water and hand wash if possible to avoid shrinkage. Learn more about hand washing your clothes here.
4. Use shorter wash cycles when possible
With sweaters, scarves, and lighter layers, shorter, gentler cycles reduce wear and tear and help clothes last longer.
5. Dry clothes properly for the season
Fall humidity can vary. Air-dry delicate items indoors or on a drying rack to prevent shrinkage, and avoid over-drying in the dryer, which can make fabrics stiff.
6. Rotate seasonal clothing
Bring fall clothing to the front of your wardrobe and store summer clothes away. Wash items before storing them to avoid odors or pests.
7. Freshen up heavier fabrics
Use a laundry booster or fabric freshener on blankets, sweaters, and coats that have been in storage to remove musty smells.
8. Check and clean your washing machine
Fall is a good time to run a maintenance wash or clean your washing machine filter to remove residue from summer’s sweatier, sand, sunscreen filled loads.
9. Fold and store correctly
Heavier fall items like sweaters and jackets should be folded and stored in breathable bins to avoid stretching or mildew.
10. Prepare for winter layers
As you wash scarves, gloves, and hats, consider keeping a separate mesh bag for small items to avoid losing them in the wash.
Remember, as you settle into the season of cozy layers and comfort, a few small changes in your laundry routine can make a big difference for your clothes and the planet. By choosing mindful washing habits and sustainable products, you can care for your wardrobe while cutting down on waste, plastic jugs, and harsh chemicals.
Ready to make your fall laundry routine simpler and more sustainable? Try Tru Earth’s Ultimate Laundry Bundle packed with our top laundry essentials to help you wash efficiently, reduce waste, and enjoy a cleaner home and wardrobe this season.
