Fabric Care

How to Properly Hand Wash Your Sweaters for Storage

One of the most tedious parts about Spring is transitioning my closet from bulky woolen knits to lighter-weight pieces. Thankfully, wool and cashmere do not need to be washed too frequently. However, I like to give these pieces a nice end-of-season refresh. Residual dirt or stains can attract moths, so keeping them clean is really important. A question I have received a lot on Instagram is how I clean mine. So I thought it would be helpful to finally put together a visual tutorial on how to properly hand wash sweaters. Also see my related post: How to Store Sweaters in the Springtime.

Disclosure: This post makes use of affiliate links, which may result in a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

How to Properly Hand Wash Sweaters: Step By Step

Step 1: Fill a basin with Cold Water.

Heat and movement will cause wool to shrink since the fibers are made with microscopic scales that lock with neighboring fibers under friction. That is the scientific explanation for why we shouldn’t put our precious woolens in the dryer, and if we use the washing machine, to use the ‘delicate’ program. Hand-washing with cold water is the best way to control for these variables.

Step 2: Add delicate detergent and give it a light swish.

A delicate detergent differs from regular detergent based on its gentler formulation. Usually it means that the detergent is made without enzymes, which can break down protein fibers like wool and silk. I reviewed my favorite detergent from Dirty Labs in this previous blog post. You can use code ‘SBS10‘ for 10% off your purchase. This Delicate Wash is good for eczema and sensitive skin. I use it to wash everything from woolens and silks, to underwear and swimsuits.

Use code ‘SBS10‘ for 10% off Dirt y Labs Delicate Hand-Wash Detergent – Sensitive Skin and Eczema Approved!

Step 3: Add sweater and gently agitate the water.

Vigorous motions can cause the sweater to shrink. Remember you don’t need to go crazy in this step, but gently agitating the water should be enough to release any soil or dirt.

Step 4: Let sweater sit in the water for 20-mins. Then pour out the dirty water.

Step 5: Rinse the sweater until it is no longer soapy.

This step can take a few rounds, so be patient!

Step 6: Press excess water out without wringing.

Usually, I just press the fabric against the edge of the basin to get additional water out. Luckily, wool is a hygroscopic fiber (captures moisture at the core). So even when wet, it may not feel that way on the surface.

Step 7: Roll sweater up in a towel to get rid of extra moisture.

I use this trick for drying swimsuits too, and it is the best way to absorb extra moisture without wringing (and thus, warping) the fabric.

Step 8: Lay flat to air dry on a drying rack.

I have had my drying rack for three years, and love this one for many pieces you can hang on it. It also has a mesh rack at the bottom for laying items flat. Super apartment-friendly and collapsible!

Step 9: After dried, steam the sweater as a final refresh step.

Remember that ironing can crush wool fibers, which create warmth based on how plush they are. The best way to give your sweaters a final refresh is by using a steamer. I love this handheld portable one. Steaming also disinfects the fabric, so it’s a nice final step to ensure the sweater is cleaned!