How to Care for Knitwear

Caring for knitwear is essential to maintaining its softness, shape, and longevity. The key to keeping your favorite sweaters and knitted garments in top condition is understanding how to properly wash, dry, and store them. Whether you’re dealing with delicate cashmere or a cozy wool blend, the right care techniques can prevent pilling, stretching, and shrinkage. In this blog, we’ll explore the best practices for knitwear care, ensuring your garments stay beautiful and wearable for years to come.

1. Washing Knitwear:

Knitwear is best washed by hand, but some pieces can be safely machine washed if handled with care. Here’s how to do it: 

• Hand Washing:  Fill a basin with cold water and add a gentle detergent designed for wool or delicates. Submerge the knitwear and gently agitate the water to allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers. After soaking for 10-15 minutes, rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed. Avoid wringing the fabric; instead, press out excess water by laying the garment flat between two towels. 
• Machine Washing:  If your knitwear is labeled as machine washable, place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it. Use the delicate cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Select the shortest spin cycle to reduce agitation. After washing, follow the drying instructions below to prevent damage. 

2. Drying Knitwear:

Proper drying is crucial to maintaining the shape and texture of your knitwear. 

• Air Drying:  Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel, gently reshaping it to its original form. Avoid hanging knitwear, as this can cause stretching. Place the towel on a flat surface and allow the garment to air dry completely. For faster drying, you can roll the towel with the garment inside to remove excess water before laying it flat again. 
• Avoiding Heat:  Never tumble dry knitwear, as the heat can cause fibers to shrink or become misshapen. Always air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources to preserve the color and texture of the fabric. 

3. Storing Knitwear:

Storing your knitwear correctly can prevent damage such as moth holes, stretching, and fabric wear. 

• Folding vs. Hanging:  Always fold your knitwear and store it on a shelf or in a drawer. Hanging can cause the fibers to stretch out, especially at the shoulders. If you must hang your knitwear, use your padded hangers designed to support the garment’s shape. 
• Storage Conditions:  Store knitwear in a cool, dry place. Consider using breathable cotton bags or boxes to protect against dust and moths. Adding cedar blocks or lavender sachets can also help deter pests naturally. 
• Seasonal Storage:  When storing knitwear for the season, make sure each piece is clean and thoroughly dry to avoid attracting pests. Avoid plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and lead to mildew. 

4. Dealing with Common Knitwear Issues:

Even with careful maintenance, knitwear can develop problems like pilling and snags. Here’s how to handle them: 

• Pilling:  Pills are small balls of fiber that form on the surface of knitwear due to friction. Use a fabric shaver or a pilling comb to gently remove them. Regularly depilling your garments will keep them looking fresh. 
• Snags:  If your knitwear gets snagged, don’t pull the loose thread. Instead, use a blunt needle to carefully push the snag back into the fabric from the inside. 

Contact Hangers Cleaners Today

Proper care for your knitwear not only keeps it looking new but also extends its life, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite pieces season after season. If you’re ever unsure about how to clean or care for a particular knit item, consider professional dry cleaning services. At Hangers Cleaners, we specialize in handling delicate fabrics, including knitwear, with the utmost care. Our stores in Little Rock offer convenient pickup and delivery services throughout Pulaski and Saline Counties in Arkansas. Call us at (501) 227-8500 to schedule your free laundry pick-up or delivery today and let us help you keep your knitwear in pristine condition.