As soon as the temperature starts to drop, the first thing people do is put on the most comfy and warm sweater. They are long-lasting and functional garments that are suitable for fashion and comfort. They can last many seasons and many wears if they are treated nicely.
Sweaters are incredibly soft and subtle, so you must take good care of them. Sweater manufacturers always put labels on the garment describing the washing process for each type of fabric to help the users. You have to take good care of them if you want to wear them for a long time. We’ll share the best tips that will keep your sweater functional for ages.
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8 Sweater Care Tips for Soft Sweater
Here, we’re sharing 8 tips for sweaters to help you properly take care of all your winter clothes so they last as long as possible.
- Follow the Right Washing Technique and Time
Sometimes washing clothes can be very painful, especially sweaters, as they are delicate. It can ruin the cloth if it is not handled with care. Most sweaters lose their shape and get shrieked because of washing them on a machine. As they are soft and delicate, you should wash them by hand so that the fabric remains in good shape and lasts longer. The best technique is to fill a sink or bucket with cold water, use gentle laundry detergent, soak it for half an hour and rinse it under cool water. Then, gently squeeze water out of the sweater and lay it on a clean towel and roll the towel up to suck up all the excess water. Finally, place it flat on a drying rack to dry.
Wash the cotton and cashmere sweaters after 2-3 wears and wool or polyester after 5 wears. Also, follow the wash directions on the label and refrain from washing frequently unless it has a stain. If the label says dry clean only (as is the case with most wool), then follow the instructions.
- Safe Way to Remove Pills
The most annoying thing about a sweater is when it starts pilling. Unfortunately, it will start to pill at some point eventually. It can occur anywhere on the sweater but mostly around the sleeves, elbows and under the armpits because of friction during wear. You can remove the pills easily with a razor or a battery-operated pill remover. To remove the pill, place the sweater on a flat surface and slice one at a time carefully. Do not pull on them; otherwise, the pills will get worse.
- Remove Hair and Lint Regularly
Sweaters attract dust, lint, dandruff, or hair strands because of their soft fabrics. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush to fix it quickly, or you can use a lint brush to brush off anything on your sweater. However, do not brush too strongly; it can loosen the fabric and create pills. Brush it off every time before you wear it to prevent lint, dandruff, dust or hair from piling up.
- Wear a T-shirt Underneath to Extend the Wash
If you wear a sweater too frequently, wear a t-shirt underneath to prevent the fabric from losing its quality and extend the time of washing. Even hand washing causes harm to clothes over time and wears down the fabric quality and softness. The shirt will serve as a shield between the sweater and the skin, and it will protect the fabric from sweat, body odor, oils on the skin, and deodorant. This way, your sweater will stay intact for a longer period of time.
- Hack for Fixing an Itchy Sweater
Is your sweater feeling itchy? Do not worry; we have a hack that might help you. When washing, add some liquid fabric softener or hair conditioner to the cold water and swirl it around before putting the sweater in the water for extra softness. Just remember to use a standard hydrating conditioner and avoid any shampoo or heavy hair mask. After 1-3 wash, your sweater will be back to its cozy self.
- Flip Visible Snags Inside Out
Snags are the stitches that come out of the sweater. If sweaters start to snag, there is a risk of unraveling if the stitch gets caught in something. It is impossible to undo a snag completely, but we have a hack that will keep your sweater safe from untangling, and it won’t be noticeable from the outside. The method is very simple, just turn the sweater inside out, insert a hook or a safety pin into the stitch and pull it through. That’s it; your snag won’t be visible from the outside, and you don’t have to worry about getting caught on something.
- Store Sweaters Properly
To keep your sweaters long-lasting and in exact shape, never hang them. Hanging stretches out the fabric and creates parks at the shoulders. Rather, fold them or roll them and store them on a shelf or drawer to keep their shape and quality. If you really need to hang them, you can put them on top of another cloth or tissue paper to prevent the peaks.
- Pack Up at the End of Winter
After winter, your sweater deserves care, too. Do not put them in the bin and forget it for the rest of the year. You must wash them properly, fold them, and then store them in a clothing bag or box that is made of cotton or canvas. Add a small pouch filled with lavender; it will prevent bugs and smell fresh. Another tip is never to pack your sweater in a vacuum-sealed bag; it might save space but will cause mildew or yellowing because of the moisture-locking.
Wrapping Up
To ensure they last long, your sweater needs proper care and treatment. So, follow the tips, and it will remain soft and comfortable for many seasons. It will also save your pocket from buying winter clothes every season. Also, make sure you buy a high-quality sweater that has the finest materials without worrying about frequent replacement.
