It’s fall ya’ll, and that means sweater weather is here—a moment of silence for our sundresses and tank tops. The changing season doesn’t have to make laundry day even more stressful than it already is. If you’re unsure of the right way to go about washing your sweaters and knits, look no further! Let’s talk about how to get your knits clean without ruining them.
Read the Label
First things first, read the label. This will give you important information about the temperatures you can wash and dry it at. It’ll also tell you if it needs to be dry-cleaned or hand-washed.
Pretreat Stains
Before washing your sweaters and knits, you’ll want to look for any stains that need to be treated. Use a stain-remover that can be sprayed or applied with a cloth. Be sure never to use a brush to scrub stains on a sweater since it will destroy the fibers.
Washing
Unless your sweater is dirty or stinky, you don’t need to wash it every time you wear it. Aim to wash your knits every 2-4 wears or as needed. It’s also best to wash them inside out. Depending on the care instructions on the label, you have two washing options:
How to Hand Wash Knits
If you’re willing to embark on the task of hand-washing your sweaters, more power to you. First, you’ll need to fill up a basin or some type of container with COLD water (never hot). Add a small amount (like half a teaspoon) of gentle detergent or wool wash to the water. Put on your rubber gloves and get to squishing. Gently squeeze the sweater to ensure every fiber is completely soaked. Take care not to wring or scrub, as this will damage the knit. Then, let the sweater sit in the suds for about 5 minutes. Next, rinse out the sweater until the suds are completely gone. This may take a few rinses, so be patient!
Machine Washing
If you are able to machine wash your knits, all the easier! Just be sure to wash on cold only. Select a cycle on your machine that says something along the lines of gentle, hand wash, or delicate. If you want to add another layer of protection, put your sweater in a mesh laundry bag.
Drying
Now that your sweater is clean, you’ve got to get the thing dry. If you washed it in the machine, you should be able to take it out and lay it flat to dry. Never hang sweaters, as this can cause the fibers to stretch. If you hand-washed your sweater, it’s going to be soaking wet. Use a clean towel to soak up as much water as possible from the sweater without wringing. Then, lay it flat on a dry towel. Carefully roll the towel and sweater together to release the water from the fibers gently.
Washing your sweaters and knits takes a little extra care and effort than your other clothing, but it’s worth it! Keeping your knits looking good as new will save you money and keep you warm all winter long. Read and follow the care instructions carefully. Never hang or put your knits in a dryer, as this will ruin the shape. By following these tips, you’ll keep your sweaters looking great for years to come!
