Welcome to Day 25 of 31 Days of Fashion – Tips, Tricks & Outfit Ideas
I used to machine wash and dry all of my sweaters and then wonder why they didn’t last. It was when I lived in Europe at the young age of 18/19, and we had a washing machine the size of a small cabinet plus no dryer, that I learned how to really properly take care of my clothes. I had to hand wash my sweaters and line dry them, only to find out – this is how it should be done. I became very domestic in that year and a half in Slovakia and learned that Europeans really know how to care for their things.
What is the best way to care for your sweaters? Here are a few tips:
Don’t take them to the dry cleaner
Although it might be convenient, dry cleaning is best for dress shirts and bedding, not for delicate items like sweaters. The chemicals can do a number on your sweaters.
Sometimes you can machine wash them
Technology has come a long way baby. Some of the newer machines have a wool or hand-wash setting. I’ve never personally used one, so I can vouch for how it works – I just know they exist. I wouldn’t recommend putting sweaters in the machine that have any decor on them, such as embroidery. No matter how fancy the machine is, it could destroy your sweater. Also make sure you’re using a very delicate soap or even baby shampoo for washing.
Hand washing is always best
When in doubt, hand-wash your sweaters. Fill a sink with cool (not hot) water, add in a few drops of your gentle cleanser and wash away! Gently that is. When it’s time to take the sweater out of the water, do not ring it. Lay it between two towels and squeeze the water out by pressing on the towels.
Lay flat to dry
Whether your sweater was washed in the machine or hand-washed, lay it flat to dry. You could use a sweater rack if you have one or lay it on a towel somewhere flat. Don’t hang it over a bar or hanger, as that will cause it to stretch and lose its shape as it dries.
Store sweaters folded
Last but not least, do not store your sweaters on hangers. Fold them neatly and lay on a shelf or in a drawer.
