How to Care for Your Sweaters from Season to Season
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How to Care for Your Sweaters from Season to Season
March 28, 2024
If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Do I really need to have this dry cleaned?” we’ve got some very good news…you don’t always have to follow instructions. Sweaters with tags that read “Dry Clean Only” don’t necessarily need to be taken to the cleaners every time they need a wash. In fact, constant dry cleaning can add up in terms of time, environmental impact, and cost—especially when you’ve already invested in high-quality pieces. So, if you’re (understandably) not rushing to get to the dry cleaners but want a sweater refresh, take things into your own hands by washing your knits at home. Wondering how? Here’s everything you need to know.
How to Care for Your Sweaters from Season to Season
Step 1: Prepare
For heavier-knit sweaters, remove any pills with a sweater stone. The gentle texture of pumice effectively leaves behind a finish that’s as good as new. Glide in one direction over the area you want to treat in short, gentle strokes and shake out to remove excess pumice and pills. For finer knits, try a sweater comb to preserve the delicate fibers.
Step 2: Clean
Separate your items by color and turn inside out. To hand wash, make a bath in a basin of cool or tepid water with the recommended amount of your go-to sweater shampoo and submerge your garments—using your hands mix the water and detergent. Soak for half an hour, or more—a longer soak for wool and cashmere won’t affect the garment. If items are silk, keep the piece soaked for just thirty minutes, as you may risk losing their shape. We prefer hand washing, but if you want to use a machine, make sure it’s set to a delicate cycle and run with cold water. Add sweater shampoo. With your garments still inside out, place in a mesh laundry bag. Let the cycle run and remove immediately to prevent any disfiguration.
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Step 3: Dry
Lay a towel down on an even surface and lie your garment on top in its original shape. Roll the towel up like a rolling pin to remove excess water, then unroll and lay the item flat on a drying rack or towel. You can hang your item if it won’t stretch or deform, but we recommend playing it safe and just letting it rest flat. Once your garment is dry, you can remove extra pills with a sweater stone as needed.
Step 4: Store
Always launder wool and cashmere at the end of the season before you stow away for next winter. Even if you only wore a sweater once, it’s essential to wash away any trace of what moths feed on, which, unfortunately, includes your body’s oils, products, and perfume. Once dry, fold your knits and place them in a breathable cotton bag with a zip closure. Contrary to popular belief, plastic bins will retain moisture, creating a damp atmosphere where bugs thrive. For extra protection, throw a sachet of half a cup of dry lavender (a bug’s kryptonite) in with your sweaters and store in a cool, dry place.
Team Tip: Consider using a knitwear spray between wears and store cedar oil somewhere in your closet for moth protection.
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Photos by Bliss Kaufman