Holmes County OSU Extension Educator Kate Shumaker Offers Winter Wardrobe Refresh Tips

Kate Shumaker, Holmes County OSU Extension family and consumer sciences educator, offered step-by-step advice on Jan. 17 for refreshing winter wardrobes midseason to help residents protect garments from salt, water and wear. Her guidance focuses on simple routines that preserve insulation and fabric, reduce repair costs and cut clothing waste for families managing long Ohio winters.

Shumaker urged residents to follow garment care labels as the first rule and advised cold-water machine washes when labels are uncertain. Delicate pieces should be hand-washed gently and dried flat, while items rated for machine drying should be tumbled on low. For garments with heavy soiling or those marked dry-clean-only, she recommended professional dry cleaning rather than at-home shortcuts that can damage fabric.

Outerwear requires special attention in Holmes County’s winter conditions. Shumaker suggested using fabric-protector sprays to reduce water and salt penetration and treating road-salt stains promptly before they set. For down and synthetic-filled jackets, she recommended professional cleaning and re-fluffing when insulation becomes compacted to restore loft and thermal performance. Wool garments can be refreshed with a fabric steamer to remove wrinkles and odors without aggressive washing.

Daily-care habits can prevent common midseason problems, Shumaker said. Sweaters should be folded rather than hung to avoid stretching at the shoulders. Small tears and missing buttons should be repaired promptly to stop minor damage from becoming unwearable. Protecting knits from snags and storing items clean are straightforward steps that extend usable life and preserve appearance between laundries.

Shumaker also emphasized a deep clean before storing seasonal items for the off season, to prevent stains and pests from settling into fabric while garments are not in use. That practice reduces the likelihood of costly restoration or replacement when seasonal wardrobes are rotated.

The practical recommendations are aimed at household budgets and local lifestyles, where wet, salted roads and frequent temperature swings test outerwear. By adopting routine care and knowing when to use professional services, residents can stretch clothing budgets and keep winter layers performing through the season.

For more programming and hands-on demonstrations, Holmes County residents are encouraged to contact Holmes County OSU Extension or sign up for the Family & Consumer Sciences newsletter. Applying these care steps now will help local closets survive the remainder of winter and ease the transition to spring storage and wardrobe refresh.