It's hard to imagine autumn and winter without warm wool sweaters. By caring for them properly, we'll be able to enjoy them for many seasons to come. How to wash sweaters without damaging them? Is it safe to wash them in the washing machine, or is it better to wash them by hand? We'll clear up any doubts you might have about washing wool sweaters!
How to wash woolen sweaters?
Why is washing wool in the right conditions so important? Wool fibers tend to bunch up when exposed to excessively high temperatures. This causes garments made from them to shrink, causing the fabric to resemble felt. Anyone who's ever pulled a sweater out of the washing machine that was washed at too high a temperature knows exactly what I'm talking about. Just as important as the correct water temperature is the method used to remove excess water from the fibers. Intensive spinning is definitely not a good idea – it can stretch the fibers, resulting in a distorted garment. So, can wool sweaters be washed in the washing machine at all? Yes! However, there are a few important rules to keep in mind.
How to wash sweaters in the washing machine?
Most new washing machines have a dedicated program for washing wool or delicate fabrics. This is a real lifesaver for sweater enthusiasts, as they don't have to spend hours washing and drying clothes by hand. Automatic wool programs are characterized by low temperatures, not exceeding 30 degrees Celsius, and a weak spin (below 400 rpm) or no spin at all . To ensure a successful wash, you need to use a detergent suitable for washing wool in the washing machine. Choose detergents designed for delicate wool or silk fibers. These products have a neutral pH and are effective even at low temperatures, ensuring your sweaters will be clean and the wool fiber structure will remain intact.
How to wash sweaters by hand?
The inside labels sewn into woolen garments feature a hand-in-a-bowl symbol—it indicates that the item should be hand washed. If your washing machine doesn't have a special delicates program, don't risk washing a wool sweater in inappropriate conditions. Hand washing isn't so bad after all! How do you go about it?
- Pour a little wool detergent into the bottom of the bowl.
- Fill the bowl with cool water – it doesn't have to be icy cold, but certainly below body temperature.
- After dissolving the laundry detergent in the water, place the sweater in the water. Once it's soaked, begin gently squeezing it. Don't use any rubbing or stretching motions – squeezing is perfectly sufficient.
- It's time to rinse – remove the sweater from the bowl and pour in water similar in temperature to the one you washed it in. This is crucial, as wool doesn't like sudden temperature changes. Rinse the sweater at least twice to remove any detergent residue.
- Gently squeeze the water out of the sweater. Do not wring or twist it!
- Place the sweater on a towel spread out on the floor, then roll it up as if making a pancake, pressing gently. If the sweater is still wet, repeat with a new, dry towel.
- Place the sweater on a flat drying rack or dry towel, away from a radiator or other heat source. It's important to dry it flat to avoid deformation.
How to wash acrylic sweaters?
Sweaters made of 100% acrylic can be machine washed at 30 degrees Celsius, using regular detergent or laundry detergent capsules. Remember, it's always a good idea to check the label inside to be sure. To avoid deforming the garment, do not use the highest spin speed, exceeding 800 rpm. As with wool sweaters, acrylic sweaters should also be dried flat. If your sweater is made of a blend of acrylic and wool (e.g., a 1:1 ratio), we recommend hand washing it or using a special delicates cycle.
How to wash alpaca sweaters?
Alpaca wool is delicate and prone to pilling and felting, so—like sheep's wool—it's best to hand wash it, without rubbing or wringing, and dry it flat. Interestingly, instead of detergent for delicate fabrics, it's better to use an herbal shampoo for alpaca. And how should you wash cashmere sweaters? For these garments, follow the same instructions as for regular wool.
How to wash sweaters to keep them soft?
Is your favorite sweater incredibly itchy? There are several ways to effectively soften wool fibers! One is to add a little hair conditioner to a bowl of lukewarm water and place the washed, still-wet sweater in the water for about 10-15 minutes. Another solution is to leave the dry sweater in the freezer for two days. The low temperature will make the fibers fluffier. Before freezing, place the sweater in a clean plastic bag. You can repeat this process periodically as needed.
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