How to Care For Your Sweaters So They Last for Generations

Without the right care, your soft cashmere sweaters, cozy wool scarves, and timeless cardigans can lose their shape, start pilling, or wear out faster than they should.

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A few simple habits can make all the difference. Wash them right, store them smart, and tackle small repairs early. This will keep your favorite knits looking fresh and feeling luxurious for years to come.

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Washing Your Knitwear

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How you wash your knitwear determines whether it stays soft, holds its shape, and lasts for years. Always read the care label before washing.

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• Hand wash: Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and add a small amount of wool-friendly detergent or mild baby shampoo. Gently swish your garment and avoid rubbing or wringing.
• Machine wash: Use a mesh laundry bag for protection. Set to delicate or wool cycle with cold water only.
• Rinse carefully: Rinse with cold water until all soap is removed. Never twist or wring out excess water.

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Choose the Right Detergent

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Harsh detergents strip natural oils from wool and cashmere, causing dryness and stiffness. Always use mild detergents designed for delicate fabrics:

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• Look for detergents labeled for wool or cashmere care.
• Baby shampoo works great as a gentle alternative.
• Avoid anything with bleach, enzymes, or brighteners.

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Use about a teaspoon per wash, mix with cold water, and soak for 5-10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly.

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Here are some of our guides on laundry detergents:

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• Powder Laundry Detergents from 4 Sustainable Brands
• 4 Most Sustainable Laundry Detergent Brands
• The Ultimate Guide to Homemade Laundry Detergent

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Stick to Cold Water

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Hot water is knitwear's worst enemy. It causes fibers to shrink, lose shape, and weaken. Always wash in cold or lukewarm water to:

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• Prevent shrinkage and heat damage
• Maintain original size and softness
• Preserve natural oils in the fibers

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Also, avoid extreme temperature changes as they can shock the fibers and lead to damage.

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If you want to use fabric softeners, try and stay away from the commercial ones that often contain harsh chemicals that coat and deteriorate natural fibers, leading to dullness and stiffness over time.

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Check out these 7 Natural, Homemade Alternatives to Fabric Softener

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Drying and Storing Your Knitwear

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Once your knitwear is washed, how you dry and store it makes all the difference in keeping it looking great for years. Hanging wet knitwear is a recipe for disaster. The water adds weight, causing the fabric to sag and stretch permanently. Instead:

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• Gently press out water: Lay your garment flat on a towel, roll it up, and press gently to absorb moisture. Never wring or twist.
• Lay flat to dry: Unroll and place your knitwear on a dry towel or drying rack. Smooth out wrinkles and reshape sleeves, neckline, and hems.
• Avoid heat: Keep away from radiators and direct sunlight, which can weaken fibers and cause shrinkage.

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Store smart to protect your knits

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Proper storage protects your knitwear from stretching, moths, and dust:

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• Always fold, never hang: Hanging causes fabric to sag and lose shape. Fold along natural lines and esams to avoid sharp creases.
• Use breathable bags: Cotton storage bags allow airflow and prevent mildew. Avoid plastic, which traps moisture.
• Add moth protection: Natural repellents like lavender sachets, cedar blocks, or rosemary keep moths away and leave clothes smelling fresh.
• Don't overcrowd: Give your knitwear breathing room to prevent friction, pilling, and wear.
• Clean before seasonal storage: Dirt and oils attract moths. Wash pieces before storing long-term in a cool, dry place.

Rotating and Repairing Your Knitwear

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Give your knits a break

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Wearing the same sweater day after day puts stress on the fabric, causing it to stretch, lose shape, and pill faster. Rotate your pieces to let the fibers recover between wears:

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• Alternate between different knitwear pieces, and try to avoid wearing the same one two days in a row.
• Let pieces fully dry and rest after washing before wearing again.
• Avoid wearing heavy bags over the same sweater daily, as this causes wear on the shoulders.

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This simple habit prevents over-stretching and keeps your favorite pieces looking great longer.

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Fix small holes right away

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Small snags or holes can happen, but fixing them quickly prevents bigger problems down the road. Here's how:

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• Darning for small holes: Use a needle and matching yarn to stitch over the hole in a crisscross pattern, weaving into the fabric on both sides to secure it. Check out 3 Ways To Fix A Hole In A Sweater
• Invisible mending for snags: Pull loose threads back into the fabric using a crochet hook or darning needle. Don't cut the thread — this makes the hole larger. Here are 6 Types of Visible Mending
• Patching for larger holes: Secure a patch of matching or contrasting fabric over the hole, or use decorative stitches to make it a design feature.
• Get professional help: A skilled tailor can make almost invisible repairs if you're unsure about doing it yourself.

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Acting fast on small repairs preserves your knitwear's structure and keeps it wearable for years.