Our great-grandparents didn’t have quick and easy access to wash sweaters as we have now, but still, the quality of the sweaters they kept as a memory to show us is like a newly bought sweater.
Ever wonder how?
I asked my grandmother how she still has the sweater that my mother used to wear when she was in her teenage years. And there I got the great secret when she said, “To make sure that your sweaters last a lifetime you must handle them with the delicacy they deserve, handwashing your sweater is the key”
Washing sweaters properly is essential to maintain their quality and prevent them from stretching, shrinking, or losing their shape. But the question is, ‘How to hand wash sweaters?‘
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to wash sweaters while maintaining the quality of your sweaters. It’s important to wash them correctly before storing them away for the season.
The first Essential Thing To do Is To Read The Label
Before attempting any cleaning method for your sweater, always check the care label. If it specifies “dry clean only,” avoid washing it at home and opt for professional dry cleaning instead. Similarly, if the label indicates “hand washes only,” refrain from machine washing it, even on the gentlest setting. Disregarding the care instructions can quickly damage your beloved sweater. Therefore, don’t forget to check the care label carefully for any specific instructions or recommendations from the manufacturer. The label will indicate whether the sweater should be hand-washed or machine-washed, as well as the appropriate water temperature.
If the label Indicates That The Sweater Should Be Hand-washed.
Take into account handwashing as a suitable option. Sweaters are fragile garments that can shrink when subjected to the heat and agitation of a washing machine. Learn from any senior citizen around you about how to handwash your sweaters. Because they have lived in an era where machines were not handy. And they had all the great techniques to wash sweaters without messing up the quality. Handwashing is the gentlest method you can use at home, and it’s easier than you might imagine.
To hand wash a sweater, here is the method you need to follow step by step.
- Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can cause shrinking.
- Add a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicate fabrics or wool.
- Gently submerge the sweater in the water and swirl it around. Do not agitate or rub, as it can cause pilling or felting.
- Let the sweater soak in the water for 10-15 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers and remove dirt.
- Rinse the sweater with clean, lukewarm water until all the soap is removed. You may need to repeat the rinsing process a few times.
- Press the sweater gently to remove excess water.
- Lay a clean, dry towel flat on a surface and place the sweater on top of it. Gently roll up the towel with the sweater inside to absorb more moisture.
- Reshape the sweater by gently stretching it back into its original shape. Lay it flat on a drying rack or clean towel to air dry. Avoid hanging the sweater, as it can cause stretching.
If the manufacturer Allows The Sweater To Machine Washing.
I know in today’s busy world, it is difficult for many women to spend hours hand washing sweaters only, therefore, they prefer to buy sweaters that can be washed in the machine. But a frequent question is how to correctly do it. While sweaters are labeled as machine washable but they don’t tell you how. It’s important to note that not all settings are suitable for washing them.
Here is what you need to follow and know about Machine-Washing Method:
- As you checked the care label to ensure that the sweater is safe for machine washing. Turn the sweater inside out before placing it in a mesh laundry bag. This will help protect the sweater from friction and snagging during the wash cycle.
- Select a delicate or wool cycle on your washing machine and use cold water. Avoid using regular or heavy-duty cycles, as they can be too harsh.
- Add a small amount of mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics or wool to the machine.
- Start the washing machine and let it complete the cycle.
- Once the cycle is finished, remove the sweater from the mesh bag.
- Gently reshape the sweater by stretching it back into its original form.
- Lay the sweater flat on a drying rack or clean towel to air dry.
How To Dry Sweater Without Messing up the Quality and Shape.
Whether you hand wash your sweaters or wash them with the help of a machine. It is crucial to know what is the best way to dry them. When it comes to drying sweaters, it’s crucial to handle them with care to avoid stretching, misshaping, or damaging the fabric. Here are a few effective recommended drying methods I tried Myself:
Flat Drying:
Lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel or a mesh drying rack. Reshape the sweater to its original form, gently patting and stretching it if necessary. Allow it to air dry naturally without applying any direct heat.
Roll-up Method:
Place the sweater on a clean, dry towel and roll it up, pressing lightly to remove excess moisture. Unroll the towel and transfer the sweater to a new dry towel or drying rack to finish air drying.
Sweater Drying Rack:
Invest in a sweater drying rack, which has a mesh surface that allows air to circulate the sweater. Place the sweater on the rack, reshape it if needed, and let it air dry.
Avoid Hanging:
Hanging sweaters can lead to stretching and distortion of their shape. It’s best to avoid hanging them unless you have specialized hangers designed to support the weight of the sweater evenly.
Keep Away from Direct Heat:
Avoid exposing your sweaters to direct heat sources like radiators, heaters, or direct sunlight, as excessive heat can damage the fibers and cause shrinkage.
Time and Patience:
Time and patience as my grandmother used to say is the key. Remember that air drying takes time, especially for thicker or heavier sweaters. Allow sufficient drying time before wearing or storing them.
Don’t Forget to Note Down These Things to Avoid While Washing the Sweaters.
It is as important to know what not to do as it is, what has to be done. Therefore, note down these things you must avoid doing.
– Avoid using harsh chemicals, such as bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage the fibers and affect the sweater’s quality.
– Avoid wringing or twisting the sweater, as I mentioned above it can cause stretching and misshaping.
– Keep different-colored sweaters separate to prevent color bleeding.
– If your sweater has stains, spot-clean them before washing to increase the chances of complete removal.
– Always allow your sweater to fully air dry before storing or wearing it again.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively wash your sweaters while maintaining their quality and extending their lifespan.
