What should I do with a down jacket that I loved and wore out for a whole season?

Down jackets from brands like CANADA GOOSE and TATRAS were incredibly popular this fall and winter, and you probably saw them everywhere, not just on the streets, but also on TV reporters.

Tanimura advises, "To care for your down outerwear at home, after wearing it, wipe off any dirt around the collar with a tightly wrung-out towel and let it dry in the shade. Also, since sebum stains won't come off with water, wipe them off with benzine, which dissolves oil stains."

Regarding stains on down outerwear, "Stain removal typically involves drawing the dirt to the back of the fabric, so down, which has cotton inside, cannot be stain-removed once it gets dirty. For this reason, Hakuyosha recommends a 'water-repellent treatment' before wearing as a way to prevent stains from forming. By adding a water-repellent treatment to all outerwear, regardless of the material—from coats and suits to blousons and ties—stains become less likely to form, ultimately preventing dirt buildup."

What are some tips for cleaning and storing clothes during the off-season?

Those who "store their items immediately after getting them back from the dry cleaner" should be careful!
"For suits and coats, first remove the plastic covering and use a breathable garment cover to protect them from dust. Also, thin metal hangers can put stress on the shoulders and cause them to lose their shape, so we recommend switching to hangers that conform to the curve of the shoulders for storage."

Then, store them in a place where the temperature and humidity are relatively constant and where they are not exposed to direct sunlight. Don't forget to take measures against insects. Garment bags that come with suits are also suitable for storage, but those with plastic lining inside are not recommended because they have poor ventilation. Knits and scarves should also be stored after removing the plastic lining," he explains.

Furthermore, a recent trend is "pre-wear cleaning," where clothes are sent to the dry cleaners just before wearing them. "While some people forget to take their clothes to the dry cleaners because of the unpredictable changes in temperature and weather, the number of people intentionally sending their clothes to the dry cleaners just before wearing them is increasing year by year. We understand the desire to have your clothes cleaned before wearing them to ensure they are fresh, but stains and dirt become harder to remove over time. Leaving clothes uncleaned can also cause mold, discoloration, and insect damage, so we recommend having them cleaned before storing them at the end of the season."

Q5. How can I build a good relationship with a reliable dry cleaner?