- Woolen sweaters are the basis of a winter wardrobe, offering warmth and thermal comfort, but requiring special care.
- Improper washing can damage the wool, leading to shrinkage, pilling and loss of softness.
- It is safest to wash wool by hand in lukewarm water, avoiding sudden changes in temperature and intensive spinning.
- Find out how to care for a woolen sweater so that it will serve you for years and always look like new!
How to care for a woolen sweater so as not to damage it?
I guess each of us has at least one wool sweater in our wardrobe. A woolen sweater is a winter classic and one of the best clothing choices. First of all, it is warm and even a thin woolen sweater can provide thermal comfort on cold days. What’s more, wool can adapt to the ambient temperature, keeping you warm when it’s cold and preventing overheating when it’s warmer. Additionally, it is a “breathable” material and perfectly wicks away moisture. And a good quality woolen sweater can serve for many years, provided it is properly cared for, of course. And how? It is crucial to wash this natural and delicate fabric properly. Unfortunately, often as a result of washing at an inappropriate temperature, the fibers in the sweater become clumpy and unpleasant to the touch, and unsightly balls and pulls appear on them. Therefore, a woolen sweater should definitely be washed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and with mild detergents. Most often, it is better to give up and do it manually.
A woolen sweater washed this way will never shrink. It will stay as good as new for years
It is safest to wash woolen sweaters by hand in a bowl. This is the only way you will be able to control the water temperature and avoid intense spinning. Remember that wool does not like sudden changes in temperature. Therefore, always wash your sweater in cold or lukewarm water (maximum 30°C) and avoid sudden rinsing in very cold water after washing in warm water. Sudden thermal shocks can cause fibers to shrink. Importantly, you don’t have to buy a special one to make it as soft as it used to be. You can use your hair shampoo instead. Soak the sweater in water with shampoo and knead it gently. Remember not to use fabric softeners as they may stick the fibers together. After washing, do not wring or spin your sweater. You can gently squeeze out excess water by rolling the clothes in a towel.
Wool care rules. Thanks to this, natural fibers will retain their shape
Natural fibers require special treatment and care because they are easily damaged. Some woolen sweaters can be washed in a washing machine using a program intended for this purpose. Of course, before you throw your favorite sweater into the drum, check the manufacturer’s instructions on the label, because not all fibers are machine washable. in regular powder it can make it rough and wear off its fluffiness. That’s why it’s so important to choose the right liquid that, in addition to washing the fibers, will care for them. Taking care of woolen sweaters means not only washing them, but also storing them properly in the off-season. Before you put away your sweater for the summer, make sure it is perfectly clean and dry. Moisture and residual dirt may attract moths. Store wool in airy but tight containers or bags, preferably with the addition of natural moth repellents, such as lavender or cedar.
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