Are you afraid of your wool sweaters shrinking? how to wash it correctly

To ensure that your wool sweater stays in good condition throughout the winter, it is essential to wash it correctly. If you throw a wool sweater in the washer with other items and wash it in hot water, chances are it will shrink and you won’t be able to wear it again. To avoid the need to replace your winter apparel, we are sharing how to wash wool sweaters properly in both washing machine And by hand.

It is important to check the care tag on the sweater first; It will say one of three things: dry clean only, hand wash only, or machine wash – in which case it will list the recommended water temperature and use cycle for best results. Use the step-by-step guidelines below to learn how to wash a wool sweater in the washing machine, how to hand wash it, and how to dry it to ensure that your winter favorite stays true to size, Color and shape remained intact.

How to wash a wool sweater in a washing machine

Before putting a wool sweater in the washing machine, check the care tag to make sure it is machine washable and follow the instructions regarding water temperature and wash cycle. Follow these steps to properly wash a wool sweater in the washing machine.

1. Pre-treat stains: If you see a stain on a sweater, pre-treat them Before putting the sweater in the washing machine. Use a stain remover Suitable for wool, apply it gently to the stain and let it act for the directed time. Using a clean, damp cloth, blot to remove as much of the stain as possible.
2. Prepare the sweater: Turn the sweater inside out and place it in a mesh bag. Make sure you use a mesh bag that is large enough to hold the sweater without squeezing it so much that it gets wrinkled or damaged.
3. Choose the correct wash cycle. Select the cold water setting and if your washing machine has a wool setting, select it. If not, choose a cycle that is gentle with less agitation.
4. Use mild detergent. Add laundry detergent to the fabric, choosing a gentle detergent suitable for wool.
5. Quickly remove from washer. As soon as the wash cycle is complete, remove the mesh bag with the wool sweater. The longer the sweater remains in the mesh bag and washer, the more wrinkles will set. Take the sweater out of the mesh bag and shake it out to remove as many wrinkles as possible.

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How to hand wash a wool sweater

If the care tag on a wool sweater indicates that it cannot be washed in a washing machine, but not necessarily dry cleaned, the best option is to wash the sweater by hand. Follow the steps below to hand wash a wool sweater correctly.

1. Pre-treat stains: Just like when you machine wash a wool sweater, check for stains before hand washing. If you see stains, pre-treat them using a stain remover suitable for wool. apply gently stain remover Apply to the stain and let it work for the time directed. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the stain and remove as much of the stain as possible.
2. Fill a vessel with water: Fill a large container such as a plastic tub or your bathtub with cold water. It is essential to use cold water as it is more gentle on wool than hot water.
3. Add detergent: Add appropriate amount of laundry detergent to the container with cold water and stir gently to mix. Use a gentle detergent that is suitable for woolen clothes.
4. Place the sweater in the container: Turn the sweater inside out and place it in the container, making sure every part of it is completely submerged. Swish it around gently in the soapy water, then let it sit for an hour.
5. Wash it with cold water: Remove the soapy water, which may have changed the color of the sweater during the soaking process. Fill the container with cold water and gently squeeze the sweater to remove any detergent residue, then pour out the water. If detergent residue remains, repeat the step again.

How to dry a wool sweater

Do not put a wool sweater in the dryer as it will shrink. Instead, follow the steps below for the best way air dry Wool sweaters so that they keep their shape and don’t shrink or stretch.

1. Remove excess water: To remove excess water from a wool sweater, instead of wringing it out like you would cotton, gently press it to remove as much water as possible. Then, place the wet sweater on a clean, dry towel and wrap it tightly inside the towel. Gently squeeze to transfer water from the sweater to the towel, then unfold.
2. Let the sweater air dry: Lay the sweater flat on the drying rack, smooth out any wrinkles and let it air dry completely.

Best Tips for Washing Wool Sweaters

• Use net bags. When washing a wool sweater in the washing machine, place it inside a mesh bag for added protection. The mesh bag will keep it from getting torn and stretched, especially if you’re washing other items in the load that could potentially cause tangling and damage.
• Be gentle. Use a mild laundry detergent that is suitable for wool, choose a gentle wash cycle without vigorous agitation, and use cold water that is softer than hot water and will not shrink the wool garment. For the best gentle way to wash a wool sweater, skip the washing machine and wash it by hand.
• Find the right vessel. If you’re hand-washing a wool sweater in a container, such as a plastic tub, make sure it’s large enough to accommodate the sweater comfortably. This will ensure that the water and detergent can flow freely and reach every part of the sweater, plus it will help prevent wrinkles from forming.
• air dry your sweaternever wear a woolen sweater dryer Because the heat from the dryer will cause it to shrink. Instead, let it air dry, wring out the sweater to remove excess water, wrap it in a clean, dry towel, and lay it out on a flat cloth. drying rack Until it dries completely.