Sweaters are essential items in every man’s wardrobe. They can keep you warm, cozy, and stylish in the chilly seasons. But how do you keep your sweaters looking brand-new after many wears and washes?
In this blog post, we will share some of the best tips and tricks on how to care for your sweaters and make them last longer.
We will also show you some of the best places to buy men sweaters online or offline at great prices.
How to Wash Your Sweaters?
Depending on the material and the care label instructions, you may need to hand-wash or machine-wash your sweaters.
Hand-Washing
Hand-washing is usually the safest and gentlest way to clean your sweaters, especially if they are made of natural fibers like wool, cashmere, or cotton. Hand-washing can prevent shrinking, stretching, or damaging the delicate fibers.
To hand-wash your sweaters, follow these steps:
- Fill a sink or a bucket with cold water and add a mild detergent or a wool wash. Avoid using hot water or bleach, which can damage the fibers.
- Submerge your sweater in the water and gently squeeze it to soak it completely. Do not rub, wring, or scrub your sweater, as this can cause pilling or stretching.
- Let your sweater soak for about 30 minutes. You can also add a capful of hair conditioner to the water to soften the fibers and prevent itching.
- Rinse your sweater under cold running water until the water runs clear. Do not wring out your sweater, as this can distort its shape.
- Gently squeeze out the excess water from your sweater and lay it flat on a clean towel. Roll up the towel and press down gently to absorb more water. Do not twist or squeeze the towel too hard.
- Unroll the towel and lay your sweater flat on a fresh towel or a drying rack. Reshape your sweater as needed and let it air-dry completely. Do not hang your sweater or expose it to direct sunlight or heat sources.
Machine-Washing
Machine washing is an option for some sweaters that are made of synthetic fibers like acrylic, polyester, or nylon. These fibers are more durable and less prone to shrinking or stretching than natural fibers.
However, you should still be careful when machine-washing your sweaters and follow these tips:
- Check the care label of your sweater and make sure it says “machine washable”. If it says “dry clean only” or “hand wash only”, do not machine-wash it.
- Turn your sweater inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag. This can protect your sweater from snagging or rubbing against other clothes in the washer.
- Use a gentle or permanent press cycle with cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid using hot water or bleach, which can damage the fibers.
- Remove your sweater from the washer as soon as possible and lay it flat on a clean towel or a drying rack. Reshape your sweater as needed and let it air-dry completely. Do not put your sweater in the dryer or hang it.
How to Store Your Sweaters?
The second step in caring for your sweaters is knowing how to store them properly. Storing your sweaters correctly can prevent wrinkles, stretching, fading, or moth damage.
Here are some tips on how to store your sweaters:
- Always wash your sweaters before storing them for a long time. Dirt, sweat, or perfume can attract moths or other insects that can eat holes in your sweaters.
- Fold your sweaters neatly and stack them on a shelf or in a drawer. Do not hang your sweaters on hangers, as this can stretch out the shoulders and cause bumps.
- Use cedar blocks, sachets, or lavender bags to repel moths and keep your sweaters smelling fresh. Do not use mothballs, which can leave a strong odor and damage the fibers.
- Store your sweaters in a cool, dry, and dark place. Avoid storing them in damp or humid areas, which can cause mold or mildew. Also, avoid storing them in direct sunlight, which can fade the colors.
How to Repair Your Sweaters?
The third step in caring for your sweaters is knowing how to repair them if they get damaged. Sometimes, your sweaters may develop pills, snags, or holes that can ruin their appearance and quality.
Here are some ways to fix your sweaters:
- To remove pills, use a sweater shaver, a lint roller, or a pair of scissors to gently cut off the fuzzy balls. Do not pull or tug on the pills, as this can make them worse.
- To fix snags, turn your sweater inside out and use a crochet hook or a needle to pull the loose thread back through the fabric. Do not cut the thread, as this can create a hole.
- To mend holes, use a matching yarn and a darning needle to weave in and out of the edges of the hole. Try to follow the pattern of the knit and make the stitches as invisible as possible.