How To Care for Sweaters To Maintain Their Softness

Sweaters are a winter wardrobe essential, known for their cozy comfort and stylish versatility. However, maintaining their softness and durability requires a bit of extra care. Whether you’ve invested in a luxurious cashmere sweater or a sturdy wool knit, following the right care routine can ensure your favorite sweaters remain in top condition for years to come. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to care for your sweaters properly.

1. Read the Label

Before doing anything, always check the care label on your sweater. Different fibers—wool, cotton, cashmere, or synthetic blends—require specific care methods. Some may recommend hand washing, while others are safe for machine washing or even dry cleaning. Following these instructions is the first step to preserving your sweater’s softness and structure.

2. Hand Wash for Delicate Fabrics

For natural fibers like wool, cashmere, or alpaca, hand washing is often the best way to clean your sweater while maintaining its softness. Use cold or lukewarm water and a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics or wool.

Hand Washing Steps:

1. Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and mix in a small amount of detergent.
2. Submerge the sweater and gently swish it around. Avoid wringing or scrubbing, as this can damage the fibers.
3. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until the soap is gone.
5. Gently press out excess water without twisting the fabric.

3. Machine Wash with Caution

If the label permits machine washing, be sure to take extra precautions:

• Use a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging.
• Select the delicate cycle and wash in cold water.
• Use a wool or cashmere detergent to maintain fiber integrity.

Turning your sweater inside out can help reduce friction during the wash cycle, preserving its surface from pilling or wear.

4. Dry Flat to Prevent Stretching

One of the most important rules when drying sweaters is never hang them to dry. Wet sweaters are heavy, and hanging them can cause the fabric to stretch out of shape. Instead, lay your sweater flat on a clean towel. Roll the towel up with the sweater inside to press out excess water gently.

Then, lay the sweater flat on another dry towel in its natural shape. Allow it to air dry completely in a well-ventilated area, flipping it halfway through to ensure even drying.

5. Store Properly

How you store your sweaters when they’re not in use plays a big role in preserving their softness and shape.

• Fold sweaters instead of hanging them. Hanging can cause the shoulders to stretch out or the knit to become misshapen.
• Store them in a cool, dry place. For long-term storage, keep them in breathable fabric bags or containers to protect them from dust and pests. Avoid plastic storage bags, as they trap moisture, leading to mildew.

6. De-Pill Regularly

Pilling occurs when fibers on the surface of your sweater rub together, forming small balls or “pills.” It’s a common issue, especially with wool or cashmere, but it doesn’t mean your sweater is ruined. Use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb to gently remove pills without damaging the knit.

Make sure to use the de-pilling tool in gentle, sweeping motions to avoid snagging the fabric.

7. Avoid Over-Washing

Sweaters don’t need to be washed after every wear unless they are visibly soiled or have absorbed odors. Over-washing can wear down the fibers and cause them to lose their softness over time. Instead, spot clean small stains or air out your sweater between wears to keep it fresh.

8. Refresh with Steaming

Steaming your sweater is a great way to remove wrinkles and refresh the fabric without washing. A garment steamer can help release wrinkles and restore the natural fibers’ shape while avoiding the harsh effects of ironing.

If you don’t have a steamer, hanging your sweater in the bathroom while you take a hot shower can help relax the fibers.

9. Use Fabric Conditioner Sparingly

While fabric conditioners can soften fabrics, they can also coat the fibers in your sweater, making them less breathable and less effective at insulating. If you choose to use a conditioner, make sure it’s designed for wool or cashmere, and use it sparingly to avoid buildup.

10. Rotate Your Sweaters

Wearing the same sweater multiple times in a row can stress the fabric and cause it to wear out faster. To maintain the longevity of your sweaters, rotate them with others in your collection. This gives the fibers time to recover between wears, helping maintain their softness and shape.

Conclusion: Take a Little Extra Care

Sweaters can be an investment, and with the proper care, they can last for many winters to come. Whether hand-washing, de-pilling, or simply storing them the right way, these simple steps will help you preserve the softness, structure, and durability of your favorite sweaters. At Dejumper, we believe that taking care of your clothing is part of enjoying it to the fullest—and with this guide, your sweaters will stay as cozy and stylish as the day you bought them.