We all love knitwear, and most of us have a few favorites that we have hung onto for years. Unfortunately, over time, knitwear can wear out and start to look aged or even rugged. With autumn just around the corner, now is the time to refresh your knitwear or replace some of those staple pieces.
As you mourn the loss of favorite pieces or add new exciting ones, you may be wondering how you can avoid them getting worn out. We’re here to help!
How to Keep Your Knitwear Looking Like New
If you are wondering how to keep your ladies knitwear looking like new for years to come, read on! We have some tips that can help you maximize the life of your knitwear so you never (okay, maybe not never) have to worry about replacing your favorite sweaters, cardigans, or loungewear.
Proper Washing
Proper washing is one of the most important parts of keeping your knitwear looking great for a long time. If your knitwear is made from wool or cashmere, you must follow the washing instructions on the label. For most knitwear, we recommend avoiding the washing machine altogether. The washing machine can cause pulls and tears, and can shrink your clothing beyond use.
To properly wash your knitwear, use a mild detergent and water that is warm, but not hot. You should then let your knitwear air dry in as close to the original shape as possible. We recommend selecting a detergent that is specifically safe for wool if that is what you are washing.
Avoid Hanging
We all know the horror of pulling out our favorite sweater only to find that the shoulders are stretched or have misshapen seams from the hanger. Avoid this by avoiding hangers altogether. Fold your knitwear (even those chunky sweaters) and keep them in a drawer. Line wood drawers to prevent pulls or damage.
Give it a Shave
You love the way your legs feel after a clean shave, but did you know that shaving your knitwear can also keep it fresh and smooth? When knitwear is worn over and over, it can get little balls, or bobbles, in areas where the sweater rubs against itself. This is common under the arms and on the sides. Avoid this by investing in a specialized shaver that is made for knitwear.
Keep Moths Away
You likely remember seeing (or more likely smelling) mothballs at your mom or grandma’s house. While most of us recall these smells as something related to the older generations, those little mothballs have a very helpful purpose – keeping moths away from knitwear!
That’s right! Moths can wreak havoc on your knitwear, even if you think it is safely tucked away inside your closet or dresser. Moths fly in and find dark, damp, or dusty areas of your home to live. Closets are one of their preferred environments. Mothballs keep them away because they don’t like the smell. Lavender will also help with this.
Putting it All Together
Knitwear is a fashion trend that’s not likely to go out of style any time soon. As such, you want to keep your favorite knitwear pieces clean and looking sharp for as long as possible. The tips we discuss above can certainly help. While using these tips may involve a little more work than your usual laundry load, it is worth it when you pull out your favorite sweater and find it looking clean and ready to wear.
