For the most part you’ll get away with machine washing your knitted garments but when it comes to 100% wool hand washing is your best bet. Or you can drop knitted garments into the dry cleaners but that will soon add up.
Avoid putting knitted garments in the dryer. Even if you’re in a rush there’s too much potential to shrink your new knit down to kids size! Unless the care label says it’s ok to tumble dry we would always err on the side of caution and air dry them instead.
Before you air dry your garments remove as much excess moisture as possible and no not by wringing the bajasus out of them but by wrapping them in dry towels. Squeezing the life out of them will break the fibres and cause the garment to lose shape. Instead dry them flat and stretch out the arms of knit jumpers and cardigans.
Irish knitwear label Electronic Sheep are known for their bright colourful designs
Now we hear ya as hand washing isn’t our favourite thing to do either so when it comes to caring for knitted garments, in most instances a little spot cleaning will do the job. However it’s always best to act on any stains promptly as this will give you the highest chance of getting it out.
It won’t be happening for awhile but when spring hits thoroughly wash and clean your knitted items before putting them in storage. This is always on our to-do list and we have the best intentions but somehow it never gets done. Next year!
Storing your knits correctly ie flat or folded will help keep their shape and prolong their lifespan. Whatever you do don’t hang them up as this will cause them to stretch out of shape.
