You naturally want to wear your new knitted jumper for as long as possible. You might therefore wash it with some trepidation, although that really isn't necessary at all. In this blog post, you'll discover seven tips to keep your knitwear in top condition, so you can enjoy it for many years to come.
Follow the washing instructions on the label
A very important first step: always read the label of your knitwear to find out the correct instructions. This way, you'll also immediately discover whether your garment can go in the washing machine or whether you'd be better off opting for a hand wash. Can your knitwear go in the machine? Then use a wash bag to protect it from friction or from contact with zips on any other garments. If you don't have a wash bag to hand, a pillowcase will certainly work too.
Use cold water to wash your knitwear
Your knitted garment absolutely doesn't like warm water. The fibres of your jumper can be damaged by it, which can cause it to shrink. Therefore, always wash your knitwear in cold water to prevent it from becoming misshapen. Cold water not only helps to protect the fibres, but also ensures that the colour is preserved.
Choose a mild detergent
Use a gentle detergent that is suitable for wool or delicate washing. This detergent cleans your knitwear effectively, without damaging the fibres. It's also important to be fairly sparing with your detergent, so that no residue remains in the wool. Preferably also avoid fabric softeners, as these can damage the yarn and cause the colour to fade.
Dry your knitwear flat
Has your knitwear been washed? Then gently squeeze the excess water out of your knitwear and let it dry flat on a towel. Definitely don't hang up your jumper, as this will cause it to stretch and lose its shape. Has your garment unfortunately shrunk a little during washing? Then it can help to first gently stretch out your damp jumper a bit.
Store your knitwear in a dark and dry place
Is your knitwear completely dry? Then store it in a cool and dry place to prevent mould from forming. When storing too, it's important that you don't hang up your jumpers, but rather lay them flat and folded in the wardrobe. Because even though your jumper is now dry and less fragile, in the long term it will still lose its shape this way.
Remove fluff with a roller
Do you notice some fluff here and there on your jumper? Then use a lint roller to remove fluff or pilling from your knitwear. Want to do it properly straight away? Then opt for a special shaver for knitwear, with which you can remove all the fluff in a jiffy. That way your jumper will look as good as new again!
Repair damage
Check your jumper regularly for small bits of damage. Do you notice a small hole in your knitwear or spot another defect? Then repair it as soon as possible. That way, you'll prevent further damage and extend the lifespan of your favourite garment.
