How TO
HANDWASH WOOLENS
Show your wool, cashmere, and other natural-fiber sweaters some TLC for fresh-scented, shrink-free, shape-preserving results. The best way to wash them? By hand, which is not only economical (no more dry-cleaning bills) but also eco-friendly.
Pre-Wash prep
Do these simple steps before soaking, to help woolens keep their shape:
- Button cardigans before washing; if there are snaps, hook closures, or zippers, fasten those properly, too.
- Measure a sweater from shoulder to shoulder, across the bottom, and outside of each arm before washing so you can block the sweater (see step 4) back to those measurements before laying out to dry.
- Remove pills with a fine-tooth comb or special pill remover (and never a razor).
1. Soak
Add a few drops of handwash detergent (preferably one specially designed for wool, such as Woolite) or a mild dishwashing liquid to running water to fill a sink or bucket. Use cool water to avoid shrinkage. Soak for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on how soiled the sweater is, gently swishing it to distribute suds and to avoid stretching.
2. Rinse
Gently ball up the sweater and squeeze out soapy water, then empty the basin and refill with fresh, cool water a few times, soaking the sweater until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze the sweater again to remove excess water, being careful not to wring or twist it.
3. Roll
Lay the sweater on a clean white towel resting on a flat surface. Gently roll the towel and sweater together to remove moisture, pressing as you go. Unroll and repeat with a second white towel, if necessary.
4. dry
Placing it on a dry towel, block the sweater by coaxing it back into shape: Square the shoulders, placing the sleeves parallel to the body, and square the hem. Dry flat.