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How to Wash & Care for Knitwear
Welcome to our helpful guide on how to wash and care for your knitwear! Whether it's your favourite chunky sweater or a delicate knitted scarf, proper care ensures your pieces stay soft, stylish and long-lasting. In this blog, we'll share tips on how to wash knitwear gently, dry it without stretching and store it to avoid issues like moths and wrinkles. We'll also cover everyday care to keep your knitwear looking its best. Your knitwear is an investment in comfort and style, so taking the time to care for it properly means you can enjoy it for years to come. Let's dive in and explore how to keep your knitwear in perfect shape!
Quick Links:
- Why Does Looking After Knitwear Take Extra Care?
- How To Wash Knitwear
- How To Dry Knitwear
- How To Take Care Of Knitwear To Make It Last
Why Does Looking After Knitwear Take Extra Care?
Being extra careful with your knitwear is essential to keep it looking fabulous and lasting longer! Knitwear is delicate by nature, and without proper care, it can pill – which means form those tiny, fuzzy balls that appear on the surface due to friction. It can also stretch out of shape if washed or dried incorrectly, losing its perfect fit. Other big issues include snagging, shrinking or moth damage if stored improperly. Knitwear’s fibres, whether wool, cotton or synthetic, require gentle handling to maintain their softness, structure and colour. By washing carefully, drying flat and storing correctly, you’ll avoid these common problems and keep your knitwear cosy, stylish and ready to wear season after season. A little love goes a long way when it comes to knitwear!
How To Handwash Knitwear
Handwashing knitwear requires gentle care to avoid damaging the fibres and is generally recommended as opposed to using a washing machine.
Step 1: Prepare your supplies
Gather a clean basin, sink or tub large enough to hold your knitwear comfortably. Use lukewarm water (around 30 C) to avoid shocking the fibres. Choose a mild detergent specifically designed for delicates or wool, and avoid harsh detergents or bleach. Have a clean towel nearby to help with rinsing if needed, and a pair of rubber gloves if you prefer.
Step 2: Fill the basin with water
Fill the basin or sink with lukewarm water, ensuring the water level is enough to submerge your knitwear fully - but not so much that it overflows when you put it in. Add a small amount of detergent to the water. Follow the detergent's instructions for the correct amount, but generally a teaspoon is sufficient for a small sink. Gently place the knitwear into the water. Avoid dropping or tossing the knitwear in, as this can cause stretching or damage. Press it down lightly to ensure it is fully submerged and soaked through.
Step 3: Gently agitate the water
Use your hands to swirl the water gently, allowing the detergent to distribute evenly. Avoid vigorous scrubbing, wringing or twisting of the knitwear, as this can cause stretching, felting and distortion of the fibres.
Step 4: Clean the knitwear
Begin cleaning your knitwear by focusing on any soiled areas you notice, such as cuffs, collars or stains. Use your fingertips to gently rub the fabric in a circular motion, working the detergent into the fibres. Be patient and avoid excessive force. For stubborn stains, let the knitwear soak longer to loosen dirt.
Step 5: Soak the knitwear
Allow the knitwear to soak in the soapy water for about 10-15 minutes. This helps loosen dirt and oils without aggressive handling. Don't leave it soaking for too long though, as prolonged exposure to water can weaken the fibres.
Step 6: Drain the water and begin rinsing
Carefully lift the knitwear out of the soapy water, supporting its weight to avoid stretching. Drain the soapy water from the basin or sink and then refill with clean lukewarm water (ensuring it's free of detergent residue). Submerge the knitwear in the clean water and gently swish it around to rinse out the detergent. Repeat this step if necessary, changing the water each time until no soap suds remain. This may take 2-3 rinses.
Step 7: Remove excess water
Once rinsed, carefully lift the knitwear out of the water, supporting its weight to prevent stretching. Gently press the water out of the garment without wringing or twisting. You can press it between your hands or against the side of the basin. For an extra thorough rinse, you can run a small stream of lukewarm water over the knitwear while holding it, ensuring all detergent is removed.
How To Machine Wash Knitwear
Machine washing knitwear can be risky, as the agitation and spin cycles may cause stretching, shrinking or damage to delicate fibres. However, if the care label on your knitwear explicitly states that it is machine washable, follow these detailed steps to minimise the risk.
Step 1: Prepare your knitwear
Turn the knitwear inside out. This helps protect the outer surface from friction and pilling during the wash cycle. Make sure you fasten any buttons, zippers or closures to prevent snagging.
Step 2: Use a mesh laundry bag
Place the knitwear in a mesh laundry bag designed for delicates, like our Clevinger 5 Piece Laundry Mesh Wash Bag Set. This provides an extra layer of protection by reducing agitation and friction during the wash cycle. If you don't have a mesh bag, wash the knitwear alone to avoid contact with other garments.
Step 3: Select the right detergent and set the washing machine
Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for delicates or wool. Avoid harsh detergents, bleach or fabric softeners, as these can damage the fibres. Next, choose the gentle or delicate cycle on your washing machine. This cycle uses slower agitation and a shorter wash time, which is safer for knitwear. Set the water temperature to cold or lukewarm, unless the care label specifies otherwise. Hot water can cause shrinking or felting.
Step 4: Start the wash cycle
Place the knitwear that's inside the mesh bag into the washing machine. Add the appropriate amount of mild detergent according to the manufacturer's instructions. Start the wash cycle and allow it to run. If you're concerned about the knitwear being damaged, you can pause the machine halfway through the cycle to check on it and ensure it hasn't become tangled or stretched.
Step 5: Remove the knitwear
As soon as the wash cycle is complete, remove the knitwear from the washing machine. Don't let it sit in the machine, as this can lead to wrinkles, stretching or odours.
Now that your knitwear is nice and clean, it's time to dry it!
How To Dry Knitwear
Drying knitwear properly is crucial to maintaining its shape, texture and longevity, so it's important to follow this detailed step-by-step guide on how to dry knitwear. But first, here are some important factors to remember when drying knitwear:
- Hanging knitwear on a clothesline can cause it to stretch out of shape due to the weight of the wet fabric pulling downward. This can lead to misshapen shoulders, elongated sleeves and an overall distorted fit.
- The heat and tumbling action of a dryer can cause your knitwear to shrink, felt or lose its shape. Delicate fibres like wool, cashmere and cotton are particularly vulnerable to damage in a dryer. Always air-dry knitwear to preserve its quality.
- Laying knitwear flat ensures it dries evenly and maintains its original shape. Gravity can distort the garment if it's hung or draped, but laying it flat prevents stretching and sagging.
Step 1: Remove Excess Water
After washing, gently press the water out of the knitwear. Do not wring or twist the garment, as this can cause stretching or distortion. You can roll the knitwear up in a clean, dry towel to absorb excess moisture. Press down lightly to help the towel soak up the water.
Step 2: Lay The Knitwear Flat
Find a clean, dry surface where the knitwear can lie flat. Use a drying rack, a mesh drying mat or a clean towel placed on a flat surface like a table or floor. Lay the knitwear flat in its natural shape. Smooth out any wrinkles or folds gently with your hands to ensure it dries evenly.
Step 3: Reshape The Knitwear
Gently stretch and reshape the knitwear to its original dimensions. Pay attention to the sleeves, collar and hemline to ensure they retain their proper shape. If the knitwear has ribbing (like cuffs or waistbands), gently pull it back into place to maintain elasticity.
Step 4: Allow To Air-Dry
Let the knitwear air-dry completely. This may take 24-48 hours, depending on the thickness of the fabric and the humidity in the room. Ensure the drying area is well-ventilated and away from direct sunlight or heat sources, as these can cause fading, shrinkage and damage to the fibres.
How To Take Care Of Knitwear To Make It Last
Knitwear is a timeless addition to any wardrobe, offering warmth, comfort, and style. However, its delicate nature means it requires a little extra TLC to keep it looking its best. Whether it's a cosy wool sweater, a luxurious cardigan or a lightweight cotton hoodie, proper care is essential to prevent stretching, pilling or damage. We'll walk you through our essential tips to help you care for your knitwear, from washing and drying to storing it properly.
- Always Check The Label - Before washing or drying, read the care label for specific instructions. Different fibres, like wool, cashmere and cotton, may require different care methods.
- Hand Wash When Possible - Handwashing is the gentlest way to clean knitwear. Use lukewarm water and a mild detergent designed for delicates.
- Never Wring Or Twist Knitwear - Wringing knitwear can stretch or distort the fabric. Instead, gently press out excess water or roll the garment in a towel.
- Lay Flat When Drying - Always dry knitwear flat on a clean, dry surface to maintain its shape. Avoid hanging it on hangers, as this can cause stretching.
- Keep Away From Heat - Avoid direct sunlight, radiators or tumble dryers, as heat can cause shrinkage, fading or damage to the fibres.
- Store Knitwear Properly - Fold knitwear neatly and store it in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging knits, as this can stretch them out of shape.
- Use Cedar Balls Or Lavender Sachets - To protect your knitwear from moths, store it with natural repellents like cedar balls or lavender sachets. Avoid mothballs, as they can leave a strong odour.
- Address Pilling Early - Gently use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb to remove pills when you start noticing them. Avoid pulling them off by hand, which can damage the fabric.
- Always Store Knitwear Clean - Always wash or clean knitwear before storing it for long periods. Dirt or oils can attract pests or cause stains over time.
- Avoid Overloading Storage Spaces - Give your knitwear room to breathe in drawers or shelves. Overcrowding can cause wrinkles and distort the shape of the garments.
Clean, Dry & Store Your Knitwear Like A Pro
Follow these helpful steps and keep our tips in mind to make sure that you maintain your knitwear like a pro. And if you feel like it's time to upgrade your knitwear, then explore our huge knitwear range including cardigans, hoodies and much more. Visit us online or in-store and head over to the Hub for more clothing ideas and inspiration! Some great articles you'll love include:
