As the seasons change, it’s time to bid farewell to our warmest layers and store them away until the chill of winter returns. 

But wait!! Before you tuck them away, it’s important to give them the care they deserve. 

Sweaters, whether made of cashmere, cotton, acrylic or wool, require special care instructions if you want them to maintain their shape, softness and color.

Today, I’ll walk you through the proper techniques for washing and storing your knits, ensuring they emerge from hibernation as fresh as the day you bought them!

Washing sweaters is not a one-method-fits-all process.

Different materials require different care methods. Some fibers are delicate and must be hand washed, while others can be thrown into the washing machine.

If you’ve never hand washed any garments before you might know where to start. Have no fear- I got you! Here are the basic steps to hand washing:

*Turn your sweater inside out to protect the outer fibers.

*Fill a basin (I recommend this one) or a sink with cold water and add a small amount of detergent.

*Fully submerge your sweater into the water and gently agitate to loosen dirt and oils. 

*Let them soak for about 15 minutes, then rinse thoroughly until all the soap is out. 

*Avoid wringing or twisting the sweaters during the rinse process as this can ruin the shape of y9our sweater. Instead, press the water out.

Now it’s time to get specific on washing techniques. Let’s sort our sweaters by fabric type.

Cashmere: Always hand wash for best results. Luxuriously soft and the most delicate, cashmere requires gentle handling to preserve quality. Use a specific cashmere detergent, or a mild, gentle soap. Gently press out the excess water and lay on a clean dry towel. Re-shape the sweater, place a clean dry towel on top of the sweater and press down to absorb the excess water. With excess water removed, place the sweater on a flat sweater rack to finish drying. 

Wool: ​​Always hand wash for best results. Wool is durable but can shrink if not washed properly. It's essential to use cold water and a specific wool detergent or a mild, gentle soap.

Cotton: Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Cotton sweaters are the most low maintenance and while they can withstand regular washing you must be mindful of stretching, shape retention, and color fading. Always wash in cold water with a mild detergent. Tumble dry on low heat, or air dry on a flat sweater rack to prevent shrinking. 

Acrylic: Machine wash on a gentle cycle. Acrylic sweaters are easy to care for and while they can be machine washed, be sure to avoid high heat to prevent melting of the fibers. Wash on a gentle cycle in cold water. Lay flat to dry to maintain shape. 

With your sweaters freshly cleaned, it’s time to store them away. Proper storage is key to preserving the quality of your knits during the off-season. 

Follow these tips for the best results:

*Cleanliness is crucial before storage. Make sure your sweaters are completely dry to prevent mold and mildew.

*Fold your sweaters instead of hanging them to maintain their shape and prevent stretching.

*Store knits in breathable garment bags or containers to protect them from dust and pests.

*Avoid storing sweaters in plastic bags or airtight containers, as this can trap moisture and lead to musty odors.

*Store them in a cool, dark, and dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.

*As an extra step, add a scented sachet to your storage container with lavender, cedar wood, and clove to deter any pest from making themselves at home.

 

By following the proper washing and storing techniques, you can be sure your favorite knits will stay fresh–ready to keep you warm when winter returns. Remember, taking care of our clothing isn't just about keeping ourselves cozy—it's also one of the most sustainable things we can do. By giving our sweaters the love they deserve, we're taking care of a resource already in existence and making our wardrobes last longer.

So for you and the planet, show your knits some love and keep them fresh until next winter! Happy washing and storing!

 

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