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Winter is here, and so are the cozy sweaters, hoodies, and sweatshirts but we all know that cleaning these winter clothes can be a real challenge at home. From delicate woolens like cashmere to a blend of wool and cotton, each piece requires special care and attention. In this blog, we are going to share expert tips and tricks on how to wash and care for your winter clothes at home, so you can keep them looking and feeling their best all season long.
Always read the garment care label
Before washing your winter woolens, always read the garment care label as it can save your favorite woolies and jackets from shrinkage, wrinkles, color fading, etc. The care label provides specific instruction on washing, drying, and ironing, as per the fabric type of your woolies. Some wool sweaters are made up of pure wool, whereas some have mixed fabrics. For example, the care label will have “70% wool, 20% acrylic, 10% cotton” written on them which guides for cleaning all types of wool sweaters, ensuring they remain in great condition.So, If you wash as per the given instructions, you can ensure that your winter woolens remain soft, warm, and looking their best throughout the season.
Pre-treat the stains
Before washing your woolens, it is essential to pre-treat any stains to prevent them from setting in. This simple step can make a significant difference in the overall cleaning process, ensuring that the stain is completely removed and the fabric remains undamaged. By pre-treating stains, you can also avoid the need for harsh chemicals or aggressive washing methods, which can damage the delicate fibers of woolens.
Here are some simple steps to treat the stains-
- Mix 2-3 drops of liquid wool-safe detergent in 1 teaspoon of water.
- Gently apply the solution to the stain from the inside of the garment, working it in with your fingers.
- Place the sweater on a clean white microfiber towel from the outer side.
- Take an old toothbrush and dab the detergent mixture gently all over the stained area for 2-3 minutes.
- Then, the stain will get lifted on the microfiber towel underneath.
- Next, use a clean, white cloth to blot the detergent residue, ensuring no color transfer or bleeding occurs.
Note that stubborn or set-in stains, particularly those caused by substances like ink, oil, turmeric, or other tough agents, may not be completely removable. For such challenging stains, consider exploring our comprehensive guide to homemade stain removers, specifically designed to tackle tough stains at home.
Incase your sweater have
tough stains!
How to wash sweaters at home?
Here, In this blog, we will explain washing of sweaters on different bases and needs, so that you can have detailed information.
1. On the basis of color
Washing woolens is a crucial task as a single carelessness can ruin the softness and shine of your sweater. Washing can be different for light colored clothes and dark colored clothes due to color bleeding problems.
For Light Colored Sweaters
If you want to wash a light colored sweater, then first you should separate it from dark coloured clothes and other fabric. Light coloured sweaters can be washed either with hands or a machine.
Step 1: Always check the care label for specific instructions, including the recommended water temperature and washing cycle.
Step 2: Use a gentle detergent like Ezee made for delicate fabrics and light colors. Harsh detergents can damage the fabric and cause colors to fade.
Step 3: Always use cold water which is usually best for washing light-colored clothing as hot water can cause colors to bleed or fade.
Step 4: If you are washing with a machine, Use the delicate, handwash, or slow cycle on your washing machine. You can also put the sweater in a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction.
Step 5: Give the clothes enough space to agitate and rinse properly. So, Do not overload the machine.
Step 6: Do not use too much detergent as it can leave residue that dulls colors.
Step 7: For delicate fibers like cashmere, pashmina, always opt for a dry wash. Check the best drycleaning near you.
For Dark Colored Sweaters
Step 1: Before washing dark colored clothes, always check the garment care label that shows the fabric type and washing instructions. If it is made up of 100% wool or has heavy work on it, then you must go for a professional dry wash.
Step 2: As we all know that a dark color cloth can bleed into lighter shades while washing. So, Always wash dark colored clothes separately.
Step 3: To protect your sweaters from damage and fading, turn them inside out, especially during machine wash.
Step 4: Use cold water for dark colored clothes as it keeps intact your fabric and hot water is likely to fade away the color.
Step 5: If you are opting for machine wash, then you must select the shortest cycle as short spins prevent color fading.
Step 6: For a safe washing, always try to use a mild detergent as harsh chemicals can cause color fading and ruining the softness of your sweater.
Step 7: Right amount of detergent can retain the shape and shine of your sweater. So, Always see the recommended usage and then pour it in the washer.
Step 8: Use a fabric softener so that it can retain the softness of your sweater.
Step 9: For dark colored sweaters, it is always recommended to air flat dry. If you are drying it in the dryer, then you must use the dryer without heat.
Want a professional woolen dry cleaning?
2. On the basis of fabric
Here, we will see the different types of fabric which are used to make sweaters and their washing process that will help to look at their best.
For Woolen Sweaters
For pure wool like cashmere, pashmina, it is recommended to opt for professional dry wash. For other sweaters which are made up of mixed wool material, you can choose a machine wash for them.
Step 1: Sort your sweaters from other clothes so that they are not mixed with other types of fabrics that can ruin the softness by agitation.
Step 2: Turn the sweater inside out to prevent damage.
Step 3: Use a mild detergent for woolens so that it could not damage the softness and shine.
Step 4: Put your sweater into a net bag
Step 5: Set the temperature low and keep the spin speed at medium and set the spin for around 25 minutes.
Step 6: To dry sweaters, you can use a machine dryer at a medium speed.
For Acrylic Sweaters
For acrylic mixed sweaters, you must follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before washing, always check the care label for specific washing instructions.
Step 2: Turn Inside Out
Turn the sweater inside out to protect the outer fabric from pilling or snagging. Try to use a net bag while washing which avoids much agitation.
Step 3: Use Cold Water
Wash the sweater in cold water (below 30°C) using a mild detergent specifically designed for washing synthetic fibers. Set the machine on low temperature and low spin and set the machine for approx. 25 minutes while selecting the delicate mode.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the sweater thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residue.
Step 6: Remove Excess Water
Gently remove excess water from the sweater without wringing or twisting.
Step 7: Avoid Machine Drying
Do not machine dry acrylic sweaters, as high heat can cause them to shrink or lose their shape.
Set 8: Choose Flat Air Dry
Either you can flat air dry or use a machine dryer but with low spin.
For Polyester Sweaters
For polyester sweaters, you need to follow these steps-
Step 1: Check the garment label to know if any specific instructions are there for washing.
Step 2: Turn the sweater inside out to prevent the damage and shrink.
Step 3: Always try to use a net bag so that it can save much agitating and shrinkage.
Step 4: Always use mild detergent in the required amount to maintain the shine and lustre.
Step 5: Set temperature at low with high spin mode.
Step 6: Set the time limit for 25 minutes
Step 7: Dry it with a dryer at medium setting
For Fleece Sweaters
To wash fleece sweaters, you need to follow these steps-
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before washing, always check the care label for specific washing instructions.
Step 2: Turn Inside Out
Turn the sweater inside out to protect the outer fabric from pilling or snagging.
Step 3: Wash in Cold Water
Wash the sweater in cold water (below 30°C) using a mild detergent specifically designed for washing synthetic fibers.
Step 4: Avoid Using Fabric Softener
Do not use fabric softener, as it can leave a residue on the fleece that reduces its breathability and insulating properties.
Step 5: Avoid Agitation
Gently swish the sweater around in the water, avoiding any agitation or wringing that can cause pilling or distortion.
Step 6: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the sweater thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residue.
Step 7: Remove Excess Water
Gently remove excess water from the sweater without wringing or twisting.
Step 8: Reshape and Lay Flat to Dry
Reshape the sweater to its original dimensions and lay it flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Step 9: Avoid Machine Drying
Do not machine dry fleece sweaters, as high heat can cause them to shrink, lose their shape, or become misshapen.
For Cotton Sweaters
To wash sweaters mixed with cotton, please follow the given steps:
Step 1: Check the garment label before washing for any specific instructions to be followed.
Step 2: Turn the sweater inside out and do not mix it with different types of sweaters. Try to wash the same type of fabric on one go.
Step 3: Use a mild detergent as harsh detergents can harm the softness of your sweater.
Step 4: If the sweater is of dark color, set the washing machine at low temperature with high spin for around 25 minutes but if your sweater is of light colored/white then set the high temperature with high spin for around 45 minutes.
Step 5: For drying, you can use a dryer with medium spin.
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3. On the basis of weight
For lightweight Sweaters
For lightweight sweaters, follow these gentle washing steps:
Step 1: Check the care label for specific washing instructions.
Step 2: Turn the sweater inside out to protect the outer fabric.
Step 3: Hand wash the sweater in cold water (below 30°C) using a mild detergent.
Step 4: Gently swish the sweater around in the water, avoiding agitation or wringing.
Step 5: Rinse the sweater thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residue.
Step 6: Gently remove excess water without wringing or twisting.
Step 7: Choose flat air dry but keep away from direct sunlight and heat.
For Heavy Sweaters
To wash heavy sweaters, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the Care Label
Before washing, always check the care label for specific washing instructions.
Step 2: Brush Off Loose Dirt
Use a soft-bristled brush to gently remove any loose dirt or debris from the sweater.
Step 3: Hand Wash in Cold Water
Hand wash the sweater in cold water (below 30°C) using a mild detergent specifically designed for washing heavy or bulky items.
Step 4: Soak the Sweater
Gently submerge the sweater in the water and let it soak for about 15-20 minutes to allow the detergent to penetrate the fabric.
Step 5: Rinse Thoroughly
Rinse the sweater thoroughly with cold water to remove all soap residue.
Step 6: Remove Excess Water
Gently remove excess water from the sweater without wringing or twisting.
Step 7: Reshape and Lay Flat to Dry
Do not hang heavy sweaters, lay them flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight exposure.
Step 8: Brush to Restore Texture
Once the sweater is dry, use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the fabric and restore its natural texture.
4. On the basis of embroidery work
Washing sweaters with heavy embroidery requires delicate care to preserve their intricate designs and prevent damage. Always try to opt for professional dry cleaning to preserve their new look. Still, If you want to wash at home,here are the steps to be followed carefully:
Step 1: Gently turn the sweater inside out and check the care label for specific washing instructions.
Step 2: Next, hand wash the sweater in cold water using a mild detergent, working from the bottom up to prevent dirt and debris from accumulating on the embroidery.
Step 3: Avoid agitating or wringing the sweater, instead gently swishing it around in the water.
Step 4: Rinse the sweater thoroughly with cold water, then carefully remove excess water without wringing or twisting.
Step 5: Reshape the sweater to its original dimensions and lay it flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.
Conclusion
Washing sweaters at home can be a delicate process, but with the right techniques and precautions, you can keep your sweaters looking their best. The key is to check the care label and follow specific washing instructions for the type of fabric your sweater is made of. Generally, hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is a safe bet. Avoid using fabric softener, bleach, or machine drying, as these can damage or shrink your sweater. Gently remove excess water, reshape, and lay flat to air dry. By following these steps, you can wash your sweaters at home with confidence and keep them looking great for years to come.
Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author. They do not necessarily purport to reflect the values or views of Tumbledry.
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