Ultimate Guide to Sweater Care: How to Keep Your Favorite Knits Looking New

At Clever Alice, we offer a wide variety of sweaters in diverse materials, styles, and colors. We want your sweaters to stay beautiful and last for years to come, so here are some essential tips for sweater care. Sweaters are a wardrobe essential, perfect for chilly days and cozy nights. Whether you’ve invested in luxurious cashmere, chunky wool, or a trendy synthetic blend, proper care ensures your favorite knits stay soft, vibrant, and free of damage. Here’s how to care for your sweaters to extend their lifespan and keep them looking fresh season after season. 

Read the Care Label

Before doing anything, check the care label. Different materials like wool, cashmere, cotton, and synthetic blends have unique washing and drying requirements. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is the first step to ensuring your sweater stays in pristine condition.

Every sweater is unique, and so are its care instructions. Pay attention to recommended washing methods, water temperatures, and whether it’s safe to tumble-dry.

• Hand Washing: Most delicate sweaters, especially wool or cashmere, benefit from hand washing. Use cool water and a gentle detergent specifically designed for delicates.

   (Best for Delicate Sweaters)

  • Fill a basin with lukewarm water and a small amount of gentle detergent.

  • Submerge the sweater, gently swishing it around for a few minutes.

  • Rinse thoroughly with clean water until no soap remains.

  • Avoid wringing or twisting; instead, press out excess water gently.

• Machine Washing: If the label permits, use the gentle cycle with cold water. Place your sweater in a mesh laundry bag to prevent snagging or stretching.

  • Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the sweater.

  • Set your machine to a delicate or wool cycle with cold water.

  • Use a detergent designed for delicates.

  • Avoid washing sweaters with heavy garments like jeans, which can cause friction and pilling.

Never wring out your sweaters, as this can distort their shape. Instead, gently press out excess water and lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel to absorb moisture, then reshape the sweater and lay it flat on a drying rack away from direct sunlight or heat.

Never hang wet sweaters to dry—this can stretch them out of shape. 

• Fold, Don’t Hang: Hanging sweaters can lead to stretched-out shoulders and misshapen garments. Instead, fold them neatly and store them in a drawer or on a shelf.

• Seasonal Storage: When storing sweaters for the offseason, clean them first to avoid attracting moths. Use breathable storage bags and include cedar blocks or lavender sachets to deter pests.

  Proper storage prevents stretching, moth damage, and fading:

  • Fold sweaters instead of hanging them to avoid stretched shoulders.

  • Store in a cool, dry place.

  • Use cedar blocks or sachets to deter moths.

  • For off-season storage, place sweaters in breathable cotton bags to protect them from dust and moisture.

Pilling is a natural occurrence with wear, but it doesn’t have to ruin your sweater. Use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb to gently remove pills and keep your sweater looking fresh.

Pilling occurs when fibers rub together and form tiny balls:

• Prevent pilling by washing sweaters inside out.

• Remove pills using a fabric shaver or sweater comb

Spot-treat stains as soon as possible with a mild detergent or stain remover. Dab, don’t rub to avoid spreading the stain.

Act quickly to remove stains:

• Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth; avoid rubbing.

• Apply a small amount of mild detergent or stain remover directly to the stain.

• Hand wash the sweater as usual.

Wearing the same sweater repeatedly without giving it a break can lead to faster wear and tear. Rotating your sweaters allows them to rest and recover between wears.

Sweaters don’t need to be washed after every wear unless they’re soiled. Overwashing can wear down fibers and reduce their lifespan. Airing out your sweaters between wears can keep them fresh longer.

To reduce frequent washing:

• Let sweaters air out between wears.

• Use a fabric spray or steamer to freshen up.

• Spot clean minor spills or dirt.

• Detergents: Use a gentle, sweater-friendly detergent to preserve fibers.

• Fabric Shavers: These can quickly and safely remove pills.

• Storage Solutions: Invest in breathable bags or boxes for off-season storage.

Delicate or heavily embellished sweaters may require professional dry cleaning. Choose a reputable cleaner experienced with knits to avoid damage.

Don’t let small holes or loose threads ruin your sweater:

• Mend holes with a needle and thread matching the sweater’s color.

• Use a crochet hook to pull loose threads back into place.