A Complete Guide to Caring for Knitwear

Taking proper care of your woolen knits is essential for preserving their quality and softness over time. Wool is a natural fiber with self-cleaning properties, but it still requires the right care to stay in top condition. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to keep your woolen knitted garments looking their best, covering key aspects like airing, washing, nup/fuzz removal, steaming, and storing.

Airing Your Knits

Airing is the gentlest way to refresh woolen garments. Wool has natural antibacterial properties, which means it can neutralize odors without frequent washing. To air your knits, simply lay them flat or hang them outside in fresh air, preferably in the shade. This process helps remove any trapped moisture and odors.

Key Tip: Avoid direct sunlight, as it can cause wool fibers to fade or become brittle over time. If airing indoors, a well-ventilated room works best.

Washing Woolen Garments

Washing woolen knits requires a gentle touch to prevent felting or stretching. Always check the care label first. Here are two primary methods for washing wool:

1. Hand Washing: Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of wool-friendly detergent. Gently submerge your garment and swirl it around without wringing or scrubbing. Let it soak for about 10-15 minutes, then rinse with cool water until soap is removed.
2. Machine Washing: If the care label allows, use the wool or delicate cycle on your washing machine with cold water. Place the garment in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from agitation.

Key Tip: Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can be too harsh for wool. Choose a detergent specifically designed for wool, which is milder and preserves the natural oils of the fiber.

Removing Nups and Fuzz

Woolen garments often develop nups (pills) or fuzz over time, especially in areas with a lot of friction like underarms or sleeves. These can be gently removed using a sweater stone made of pumice, fabric shaver or a wool comb.

1. Fabric Shaver: A battery-operated shaver safely trims fuzz without damaging the garment. Hold the fabric taut and gently glide the shaver over the pilled areas.
2. Wool Comb: For delicate knits, a wool comb can be used to lift pills and fuzz away. Use light strokes to avoid snagging the fabric.

Key Tip: Be gentle when removing pills. Over-shaving can thin out the fabric and create weak spots in your knit.

Steaming Your Knits

Steaming is a great way to remove wrinkles from wool without ironing, which can flatten the fibers. Steam helps wool regain its natural elasticity and softness:

1. Use a handheld garment steamer or set your iron to a steam setting. Hold it a few centimeters above the fabric and allow the steam to penetrate the fibers.
2. Alternatively, you can place a damp cloth over the garment and use a steam iron on low heat without direct contact with the wool.

Key Tip: Never press the iron directly onto the wool, as this can leave shiny spots and damage the texture.

Storing Woolen Garments

Proper storage is crucial to protect woolen garments from moths and other pests:

1. Store clean garments in a cool, dry place. Wool is susceptible to damage from moths, which are attracted to sweat and food residue.
2. Use cotton garment bags or pillowcases for long-term storage to allow the wool to breathe. Avoid plastic bags, as they trap moisture and can cause mold.
3. Add natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets to your storage space to keep pests away.

Key Tip: Fold woolen garments rather than hanging them, as this prevents them from stretching out of shape, especially around the shoulders.