The cooler months are perfect for knit sweaters. But washing them? Not so much. You can feel like you are playing roulette when cleaning your sweater, regardless of its material. Is it going to shrink? What happens if it gets fluff on everything? Is it going to stretch weirdly? New sweaters are stressful to wash. Experts share their top sweater-washing tips and product recommendations.
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Damian Lugowski
Read The Label
Knit sweaters should not be thrown in the washing machine with all your other clothes and hoped for the best. As knit sweaters contain loops, they are delicate, says Alexandra Wojenski, a Grove guide, and sustainable cleaning expert.
Unlike woven fabrics, knitted loops tend to be looser and stretch easily. Washing machines can also pull the fibers, leaving knit sweaters distorted, stretched, and worn out. It is hazardous for wool or wool-blend knits to be washed with heat.
Jeeves New York VP Zachary Pozniak said: “Read the garment care label.” The label will tell you the material of your sweater material and how to wash it. Consult the care tag before cleaning a knit sweater – that little piece of fabric with symbols you’ve probably never noticed.
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Most cotton knits can be machine-washed and machine-dried. Due to shrinkage issues, most wool, viscose, rayon, and angora knits must be dry-cleaned. Don’t hand-wash expensive sweaters; if in doubt, dry clean them. Follow the label instructions religiously. When in doubt, talk to an expert.
Wash Less Often
The material of a sweater will wear out no matter how gentle you are. Don’t wash your favorite knits more often than you need to if you want to extend their life. To prevent stains and smells, clean sweaters when dirty or smelly before putting them away for the season. To refresh your sweater between washes, spray it with vodka, as it kills all odors and dries instantly.