How to keep your knitwear beautiful – a comprehensive guide to caring for knitwear

A quality knitwear is a wardrobe treasure, but maintaining its softness and beautiful appearance requires care. With the right clothing care, your knitwear will stay in good condition for longer. This comprehensive guide provides comprehensive tips for washing, drying and storing knitwear - with these tips you will extend the life of your favorite knitwear!

1. Ventilate more often, wash less often

Knitwear does not require constant washing, but often just airing it out is enough. Air the knitwear outside in the fresh air to naturally clean it and avoid wear and tear caused by unnecessary washing.

How to remove stains from knitwear?

A stain on your knitwear doesn't mean disaster! Act quickly and avoid rubbing to avoid damaging the fibers. Use a wool detergent and water, remove the stain locally and gently.

When should you wash your sweater?

• If it has large, visible stains.

• If there are odors that cannot be removed by airing.

2. How to wash a wool sweater correctly?

Washing knitwear requires care – the wrong washing method can shrink, stretch or harden the knitwear. The most important thing is to avoid water that is too hot, a strong spin cycle and the wrong type of detergent.

Mistakes to avoid:

• Water that is too hot: Shrinks the garment and makes it difficult to restore its shape.

• High-speed spinning: Stretches fibers and wears out knitwear.

• Wrong detergent: Regular laundry detergent can make natural fibers brittle.

Washing instructions for different materials

• Merino wool & cashmere: Hand wash in lukewarm water or use the wool cycle in the washing machine.

• Cotton knitwear: Gentle machine wash at 30°C.

• Alpaca & mohair: Prefer airing, hand wash if necessary.

If you use a washing machine:

• Slip the sweater into a laundry bag.

• Select the wool wash program.

• Use a detergent designed for wool.

Tips for restoring the shape of your knitwear

If the knitwear has stretched or shrunk slightly, you can try to restore its shape:

• Lightly dampen the knit and shape by hand.

• Use the steamer with caution, but avoid excessive heat.

3. Dry the sweater properly

Knitwear does not like to be tumble dried or placed near a hot radiator. The best way to dry a knitwear is to lay it flat on a towel.

The right way to dry a sweater:

• Gently squeeze out excess water – do not twist or stretch!

• Place the sweater horizontally on a towel.

• Gently shape to the correct size and shape.

• Let dry at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.

4. Carefully remove the lint

Natural fibers can get pilled, but that's not a sign of poor quality. Pilling tends to accumulate especially in areas that are subject to friction, such as underarms and elbows.

Here's how to remove lint safely:

• Use a lint catcher or a cashmere and wool comb .

• Clean the sweater with light and gentle strokes.

• You can pluck out the largest lint with your fingers.

5. Store your knitwear correctly

Knitwear should be ironed , not hung on a hanger, where it can stretch and lose its shape.

Tips for storing knitwear:

• Stack the knitwear neatly on the shelf.

• Store in a dry place.

• Avoid direct sunlight.

As the season changes: In the summer, it is a good idea to protect knitwear that is worn less frequently from dust and pests. When autumn comes, air and check your knitwear before wearing it.

Traveling with you – how to pack your knitwear?

It is a good idea to roll your sweaters in your suitcase instead of folding them to prevent them from getting wrinkled. Use a protective bag to keep your sweaters neat.

Maintain your knitwear regularly

Knitwear is like a good friend – if you take good care of it, it will last for years. Those who take care of their knitwear will enjoy its softness and beautiful appearance for a long time!
All Toivee knitwear is made from 100% mulesing-free merino wool. Learn more about merino wool , nature's own super fiber! You can also read more about our factory visit to the Garlita factory in Lithuania , where our knitwear is made.