Keeping girls’ sweaters in good condition can be challenging, but there are ways to make it easier. Keep your sweaters clean and dry. If they get greasy, hand wash them in cold water with liquid fabric softener (never bleach). Or run them through the washing machine on a gentle cycle.
Keep It Clean
When it comes to Janie and Jack’s selection of cozy sweaters, it’s essential to keep them clean. The best way to do this is to follow the care instructions on the tag. Cotton and cashmere typically need to be washed after two or three years, while the wool can go up to five times before being laundered. It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any odors or stains. In addition to washing, it’s also essential to dry your sweater correctly. Wringing out a wet sweater can cause the fibers to stretch and ruin the fabric, so be sure to use an absorbent towel when drying it. To wash your sweater, pre-soak it in lukewarm water and a dime-sized amount of soap (not too much soap!). Soak it for five to ten minutes and then gently rinse it. Then, please place it in the washer and run it through a gentle cycle with a mild detergent.
Store It Properly
March comes in like a lion (snow, slush, general grossness) and out like a lamb (calm temps, flowers blooming). When the warm weather goes away, it’s time to stash the sweaters you wore in winter to make room for next year’s goodies. The best way to keep your favorite knits looking good is by folding them correctly. This is particularly important for wool, winter-weight cashmere, and stretch fabric. Lay the garment front-down on a flat surface and fold each arm from the sleeve seam diagonally across the back. Or, roll it up from the bottom hem to the collar to save space and keep it from slipping down your hanger. Consider storing sweaters in acrylic cubbies or open shelves for a truly organized look. Stack them in the order of material and color. You can even use shelf dividers to keep your stacks from imploding! Also, try vacuum-sealing your sweaters to save space in the winter.
Don’t Wash It Too Much
The best way to keep your sweaters in good condition is to wash them only a little. While it can be tempting to wear a shirt more than you should and then put it in the washer, washing too often can reduce its lifespan and softness. To properly hand-wash a sweater, start with a clean sink or tub and fill it with cool water, adding mild detergent. Gently swirl the shirt around in the water until all stains or smells are gone, then rinse it thoroughly. After hand-washing the sweater, it’s time to lay it flat to dry. Do not wring it out, as that will stretch and damage the material. Alternatively, if you’re washing your sweaters in the machine, choose a delicate cycle and use cold water to avoid shrinking or fraying. You can also lay your sweaters flat to air dry, which will help to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Keep It Dry
Delicate fabrics like cashmere and wool can stretch and pill if not correctly cared for. The good news is there are ways to protect your sweaters from damage, so they last longer and stay in good condition. When you have to wash a sweater, the best way to clean it is by hand washing it in cool water with a dime-size amount of mild detergent (don’t use laundry soap or anything that can strip off the natural oils). Fill your sink and swish the garment around before rinsing it out. Keeping a sweater dry is also essential for preventing stretches and peaks that occur when hanging damp sweaters. Fold the sweater front-down on a flat surface and fold each arm (from the sleeve seam diagonally across the back), or roll it horizontally in half before hanging. If a sweater is incredibly itchy or is stretching out due to frequent washing, misting it with a spray-on conditioner can help return the fabric’s shape. Alternatively, you can add liquid fabric softener to the cold water while hand-washing it.
Photo by Sylvester Sabo on Unsplash
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