From bobbles to dodgy zips, use these eight clever hacks to fix your wardrobe woes this winter

WRAPPING up against the plummeting temperatures and rain can wreak havoc on our winter wardrobe outfits.

But from puddle-proofing suede boots to saving your scarf from bobbling, a few simple household items will make sure your favourite pieces will survive through the season.

Here, Abby McHale looks at hacks that will keep your cold weather clothes in top condition, and rates out of ten how effective they are.

Refreshing coat

• Beige coat, £35.99, New Look – buy now

HAVING your coat in storage all summer can leave a musty smell – as can damp weather and being caught in the rain. Avoid pricey dry cleaning bills by using a sprinkle of bicarbonate of soda.

Pour some over the coat and rub in, leaving to sit for a few hours. It’s an effective odour remover, meaning it’s the perfect and cheap way to have your clothes smelling fresh again.

Result: It really does work; it may be a little messy but it’s a lot cheaper than the dry cleaners. 6/10

Beat static

• Yellow shirt, £32, Topshop – buy now
• Jeans, £40, River Island – buy now

SLINKY, satin-style fabrics are a big trend this autumn.

But the thin fabrics can cause static and become clingy – beat these electrical issues by attaching a safety pin to your garment, and the metal will absorb the charge – diverting it away from your body.

Result: This little trick really works. Use a safety pin each side of your shirt for an even look. 8/10

Itchy jumper

• Chunky knit jumper, £22.99, New Look – buy now

THERE’S nothing worse than an itchy jumper. Don’t banish it to the back of your wardrobe just yet – raid your bathroom instead.

Believe it or not, a dollop of hair conditioner will leave your knit itch-free. Simply turn it inside out and apply conditioner all over the jumper, freeze overnight, let it thaw for a few hours, and then pop it into the washing machine.

Result: As well as leaving your jumper smelling great, this method really will stop you from scratching. Admittedly, however, it is is quite a laborious process. 8/10

Dodgy zips

• Red puffer coat, £35.99, New Look – buy now

HERE are few things more annoying than a stubborn zip, especially when you are trying to wrap up against the chill. If yours is jammed on one of your layers, use a ballpoint pen to push the fabric back out of where it is stuck – just be careful not to mark your clothing.

Another way to beat a zip that won’t budge is by using lip balm to help it move again, though this is most effective when you don’t have clothing stuck inside it.

Result: A little awkward to make sure you don’t leave a mark or damage your clothing. 4/10

Weather-proofing

• Suedette boots, £16, Primark – buy now

SUEDE or suedette boots are not usually the best option to wear in wet weather, as they can become damp. Make yours rain proof by rubbing the wax of a tea light over the boots, while the candle is cold.

This will give it a protective layer, and watch water slip over your boots without sinking in.

Result: Although this may work a treat, be careful not to apply too much – stick to a very thin layer to avoid damaging the boots. 6/10

Bobble-free

IF you regularly wear a scarf or shawl, the fabric can develop bobbles through use or from being washed.

Keep woven fabrics looking fresh by using a fine-tooth hair comb to scrape away the bobbles and leave your garment looking as smooth as new again. You can also use a razor to scrape away the excess fabric.

Result: This took a bit of practice to master a good technique, but eventually the comb method did work. 7/10

Neck smudge-free

• Maroon roll neck, £17.99, New Look – buy now

ROLL necks are a wardrobe staple, but can take half of your make-up off when pulled on.

Keep your face intact by placing a tissue over the jumper’s neck area, this will make sure that any smudges come off on the tissue, instead of ruining your clothes.

Result: The process is a bit fiddly, but it definitely does stop makeup from going on your jumper. 7/10

Rub out mistakes

• White boots, £42, River Island – buy now

WEARING white boots can sometimes be a risky business, as they can be easily scuffed.

Raid your pencil case to save your footwear – simply take a regular pencil eraser and go over the marks, this will get your boots back to being sparkling white.

Result: This does work. However, it takes a bit of elbow grease and doesn’t get rid of some of the larger marks. 5/10

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