To care for knitwear properly, wash it rarely, wash it gently, dry it flat and store it folded. Those four habits prevent most of the stretching, shrinking and bobbling that ruin sweaters. The details differ slightly by fibre, so start with the label.
Read the label, then know the fibre
A care label is the manufacturer’s best advice for that exact garment, and it overrides general rules. Beyond it, knowing the fibre tells you what to expect.
| Fibre | Typical behaviour | General approach |
|---|---|---|
| Wool and merino | Warm, resists odour, can felt if agitated | Cool hand wash or wool cycle |
| Cashmere | Very soft, delicate, pills easily | Cool hand wash, minimal handling |
| Cotton | Sturdy but heavy when wet, can stretch | Gentle machine wash, dry flat |
| Acrylic blends | Durable, holds shape, can pill | Machine wash on a gentle cycle |
Care for knitwear by washing less often
Wool naturally resists odour, so airing a sweater overnight is often enough after a single wearing. Spot clean small marks with a damp cloth and a touch of mild soap before reaching for a full wash.
A good rule is to wash when a sweater is visibly dirty or smells, rather than on a schedule. Fewer washes mean fewer chances to stretch the fibres.
How to wash it gently
Hand washing is the safest method for delicate pieces, and it takes only a few minutes.
- Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent made for wool or delicates.
- Turn the garment inside out and press it under the water. Let it soak for about ten minutes.
- Swish lightly, never twist or scrub.
- Drain the basin and rinse in clean water of the same temperature until the suds are gone.
- Press the water out by squeezing gently against the side of the basin.
If your label allows machine washing, use a wool or delicate programme with a low spin speed and place the sweater in a mesh bag. Avoid fabric softener on wool, as it can coat the fibres.
Drying and reshaping
Wet knits are heavy and easily pulled out of shape, so never hang them. Roll the sweater in a clean towel to absorb moisture, then lay it flat on a dry towel or a mesh rack. Smooth it back to its original outline, matching sleeve lengths and ribbing.
Keep it away from direct heat and strong sunlight, which can harden or fade fibres. A tumble dryer is the classic cause of a sweater that now fits a child. The same attention to proportions applies when you buy new, so our guide to how clothes should fit is worth a look.
Deal with pilling and holes
Pilling, the small balls that form where fabric rubs, is normal and does not mean a garment is poor quality. Remove the pills with a fabric shaver or a sweater comb, working lightly on a flat surface. Pulling them off by hand can tug the yarn.
If a thread snags, do not cut it. Use a needle or the tip of a pen to push it back to the inside. Small holes are easy to darn, and many people find repairs satisfying. Looking after clothes in this way is also one of the simplest forms of mindful buying, which fits well with a capsule wardrobe.
Storage that protects the shape
Hangers stretch shoulders, so fold knitwear and keep it in a drawer or on a shelf. Make sure it is clean before storing it for the season, because food stains and body oils attract moths. Breathable cotton bags or a cedar block are traditional deterrents, and a dry, well-ventilated space helps.
When you rotate your wardrobe for the colder months, use the moment to check each piece, as covered in our advice on how to dress for different weather.
Key takeaways
- Follow the care label first, then adjust for the fibre.
- Air and spot clean to reduce full washes.
- Use cool water, mild soap and no wringing.
- Dry flat, never on a hanger.
- Browse more care and style advice in our fashion archive.
Frequently asked questions
Can I put a wool sweater in the washing machine?
Only if the label says so. Use a wool or delicate cycle, cool water, a mesh bag and a low spin speed, and never tumble dry.
How often should I wash a sweater?
Wash it when it is dirty or smells, which for many people is after several wears. Airing it between wears keeps it fresh longer.
Why does my sweater keep pilling?
Friction from bags, seat belts and arms rubbing against the body loosens short fibres, which tangle into pills. Remove them with a sweater comb and expect them to ease over time.
How do I fix a sweater that has shrunk?
Slight shrinkage can sometimes be eased by soaking in lukewarm water with a little hair conditioner and gently stretching it flat. Heavy felting generally cannot be reversed.
Photo: Colorful wool knitting yarn at display for sale in shop in Leirvik, Stord, Norway… by Wolfmann, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
