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Chic, trendy, and cozy, wool sweaters are winter wardrobe essentials. But washing them isn’t always easy, as we fear damaging or shrinking them. Here’s a foolproof trick spotted on TikTok to clean your sweater safely.
As temperatures drop, you always find it with the same pleasure, and it seems impossible to spend a winter without it, as it keeps you warm while maintaining a stylish look. Along with puffer jackets, coats, and scarves, wool sweaters are among the winter wardrobe staples. Whether oversized, turtleneck, or crewneck, this must-have comes in various styles and colors. But whether you’re team wool sweaters, cashmere sweaters, or cardigans, the problem is often the same: maintenance. How to clean knit sweaters without damaging them? On the social network TikTok, we found a trick from the influencer @bubblebead for easily maintaining your favorite sweaters.
Knit sweaters: the simple and quick trick to maintain them Choosing the best method to clean delicate knit sweaters isn’t easy. Generally, it’s recommended to wash these precious items as little as possible to maintain their original shape. However, it’s difficult to entirely skip cleaning. You can, however, space out washes by wearing long-sleeve shirts underneath so that your knit isn’t in direct contact with your skin and therefore with sweat.
To limit the cleaning of your sweaters, the influencer @bubblebead, a second-hand specialist, recommends using a steamer. You can indeed use the device that emits steam on your knit to eliminate bacteria and “lather the knit” of your sweaters. “It’s a good alternative between two washes. Just make sure to maintain a sufficient distance to avoid damaging your piece,” says a dyer from Pressing de Seine, located in Paris.
Wool program, spin cycle… How to wash your wool sweater in the washing machine without shrinking it? If, however, your knit is dirty and machine washing is necessary, the influencer invites us to follow some recommendations to not damage your garment. Improperly washed, wool can deform or worse, shrink.
Wool and cashmere: what washing program to use for machine cleaning? The influencer recommends washing wool with a wool or delicate program and never exceeding 400 spins, opting for cold wash. Indeed, to avoid finding your precious item felted or pilled, favor machine washing programs dedicated to wool or delicate clothing. To take care of your favorite knit, it’s important to use a washing program with a fairly low temperature. Otherwise, you may find your sweater child-sized when opening the washing machine door. For cashmere pieces, it’s better to opt for a cold program.
At what temperature should wool sweaters be washed in the washing ma
hine? Opt for a program with a temperature of 20°C if possible (maximum 30°C). If your machine doesn’t have a special wool program, you can opt for hand washing.
What spin cycle to choose for a wool sweater? “To ensure your garment remains in good condition, program a gentle spin, at 400 spins per minute,” says the French eco-friendly detergent brand, Les Petits Bidons.
How to hand wash a wool sweater? While wool or cashmere can be machine washed (with a specific program), mohair and angora knits should be hand washed. To hand wash your item, simply immerse it in cold water (add a few drops of fabric softener, this step is optional). Let your sweater dry on a flat surface to regain its original shape. Once dry, you can finish with steaming using a steamer: the steam helps the knit become more supple. For the most delicate materials like cashmere, always prefer professional cleaning.
How to prevent pilling on a knit sweater? The last problem with sweaters and not the least: pilling. They accumulate quickly and give a worn-out look to your clothes. To remedy this, the influencer advises using a lint shaver to “shave off the pills without shaving off the wool, without damaging it.” This tool can be used in maintaining many pieces in your wardrobe such as jackets, coats, or even sweaters. If you don’t have one and to prevent pilling, the influencer shared a tip in another video. She suggests using a hairbrush with natural bristles (which won’t damage the wool or knit unlike synthetic bristles). Then, gently brush your garment, which will restore volume and remove pills as the hairbrush will “untangle the knots” of your natural fiber knit. You’re all set for winter!
