How to wash sweaters: The complete guide

In this guide, you will find Kosha’s expert tips on how to wash sweaters this winter season.

Maintenance of a wool sweater is equally significant to beautify each time you wear it. To our surprise, washing woolen wear is simpler and easier than expected. All you need to know are simple hacks to enjoy the woollies in a great way.

Once you discover how this natural and sustainable fiber is going to make your life easy and they are easy to wash and need low maintenance, you’ll start enjoying going out even in winter!

Stay Clean, Stay Warm, Stay Adventurous! A question that is on everybody’s mind: How to wash sweaters?! No one likes to wear dirty clothes, but no one wants to spend all day worrying about how to wash their winter wear! What if there is an easy way to wash your sweaters? Kosha’s tips and tricks will help save the day!

How to wash sweaters?

Washing sweaters is easier than expected!  Here are some helpful hints to pack and store your sweaters.

1) Avoid hard rinsing of sweaters at the time of washing, this will stretch the wool.

2) Try not to tumble dry the sweaters to keep away from shrinkage.

3) In the wake of washing and drying the sweaters, store them in ziplock suitcases.

4) Enclose them with corrosive-free tissue paper, and place them in a sack or box in your luggage bag.

5) Add a couple of drops of eucalyptus medicinal ointment or peppermint oil to your bag before locking your bags to fend the bugs off!

When to wash sweaters?

Due to the miraculous anti-odor and antimicrobial properties of wool, it doesn’t need many washes. It’s better to simply air-dry the sweater after every wear. Limit the washes as much as possible. 

Quickly, remove the stains with a soft damp cloth whenever necessary. If there is a need for washing, never dry clean it instead hand wash or machine wash it.

Sweaters should be washed for the first time after being purchased. However, sweaters should be washed twice a season. That is all that anyone could need! Over-washing sweaters will harm their selective properties. You would rather not over-wash your sweaters, nor do you need your sweaters to be filthy!

After a long time of wearing sweaters, it is normal to want to wash them. However, the unique texture mix of Merino Wool and Bamboo in Kosha sweaters is that by just hanging them up short-term and airing them out, your sweaters will be all around great!

To utilize the right washing strategy, it is vital to know what your sweaters are manufactured from. Fortunately, with Kosha’s Merino Wool Bamboo Blend sweaters, your experience simply improves and is simpler.

Sweater Washing Techniques

Hand washing

Hand washing is the safest method for washing wool sweaters. Take a tub with clean water at room temperature and add a mild detergent or mild shampoo to it. 

Turn the sweater inside out submerge it in water and agitate the sweater with your hands to remove stains. Then, let the sweater soak in cold water for 10 minutes to half an hour. Gently rinse the sweater by running cold water until there is no soapy water left. 

1) Do hand wash in a basin with warm water and cleanser however don’t permit it to soak for a long time to abstain from shrinkage.

2) Do utilize a delicate material to deal with any stained regions and cautiously touch the impacted region, don’t rub! If the stain is difficult to clean, use chlorine-free bleach if important. Be careful not to stretch the wool.

3) Do dry on a flat surface, ideally on a towel. Merino sweaters can be heavy when wet so drying on a line or holder can stretch the sweaters and cause them to lose their shape.

4) Do reshape while still soggy.

5) Try not to wring out the sweaters as this will recoil the wool.

Machine washing

Machine Wash the sweater if the garment care suggests. The machine washing isn’t untouchable. For best outcomes, place your sweater in a mesh laundry bag. Add the mild detergent depending on the load and size of the machine. 

Select the delicate or wool-sensitive cycle on the machine, and ensure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low. You can shrink or feel a thing by overly agitating it. Once the cycle is finished, expeditiously remove the sweaters to avoid wrinkling and crease.

How to dry woollies

Flat-dry the woollies and allow them to dry in the air. Avoid hanging the sweaters for drying, it eventually leads to stretching of wool by length. Never squeeze the sweaters instead place a towel underneath the sweater and roll the towel along with the sweater to remove excess water. 

After placing the sweater on a dry rack, shape the sweater with your hands to avoid wrinkles. Drying the sweater in sunlight may cause color shade, prefer to air dry.

Tips:

1) Use a sweater comb or lint remover and run it on the surface of the fabric in one direction for lint-prone sweaters.

2) Air-dry the sweaters often to avoid bad smells in between wears.

3) Place the woollies in zip-lock cotton bags and store them in a cool dark place.

How to get rid of stains on your favorite sweaters

Is that ketchup, chocolate, or wine on your sweater? Try not to go nuts and act insane that will just make it worse. Kosha suggests working a stain remover into the area before the next wash. In any case, chill out with the application. 

On the off chance that you’re cleaning it with your fingers or a scrub brush, you will have a visual outcome. You’re either going to disturb the weave or prompt it to be fluffy. Tenderly rubbing it in will get the job done.

What makes Kosha’s sweaters and pullovers extra special?

Kosha: We are the best makers of winter wear in India, with a legacy of over 25 years. Every garment is thoughtfully designed, tested, and graded for warmth. We help buyers decide on the layers they need based on the temperature and weather of the place. 

Bestsellers: Base layers | Travel sweatshirt | Beanies | Touch enabled gloves | Wool socks

Kosha is a family’s ultimate go-to winter & travel wear solution. Designed and manufactured in India, Kosha’s collection of online winter wear caters to men, women, kids, and toddlers. The designs are available in sizes XS to 3XL and we also provide plus-size winter wear – because travelers come in all shapes and sizes. Kosha ships internationally and within India. 

UNIQUE TRAVEL WEAR WITH FEATURE RICH KOSHA DESIGNS: 

Our collection is technical – designed without compromise on quality, with features that enhance comfort and performance during travel. 

Jackets for Skiing with an in-built ski pass pocket on the sleeve and powder skirt to keep the snow out. Ski pants with in-built gaiters. Advanced socks that have a cushion on the pressure points of the feet and arch support are ideal for walking tours and treks. 

Garments that have an optimum weight-to-warmth ratio. Clothing that is multi-functional like winter coats with underarm vent zips. Puffer Jackets get packed in a pouch, hence they are out of your check-in bag, giving you more room to pack other essentials. Stylish Trench Coats for Business Travel. 

Classic Pullovers in cotton and wool. Rain pants and Rain Jackets with seam sealing. Shell Layers or winter coats are made with technical fabrics that have a waterproof as well as breathability rating. 

Our line of sweatshirts and bamboo fiber pullovers are loved in places of light winter wear like Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, and Gujarat. Kosha is a preferred choice for Indians traveling overseas as we have vibrant colors and sleek designs. Avoid your fingers from freezing with screen-friendly gloves. 

From accessories like stoles, beanies, and mufflers suitable for special occasions to sweatshirts to wear at the airport and Hoodies for the AC in the office; we have something for everyone. 

SHOP ONLINE KOSHA TRAVEL WEAR THAT IS REAL-LIFE TESTED: 

Tested in over 60 countries and counting. Waterproof warm pants have kept travelers warm on the cruise to Antarctica. 

Breathable jackets are worn by the Indian Air Force on their summit to Mt.Vinson in Antarctica. Specially designed smart clothing and technical gear by Kosha for temperatures ranging between -20°C to 20°C. 

LEARN HOW TO LAYER RIGHT WITH KOSHA: 

Kosha designs and collections keep the winter layering system and the traveler’s comfort at the heart of their products. Kit yourself from head to toe in one place and travel hassle-free. Usually, all layers purchased from any other travel wear company would amount to INR 50,000+. 

Kosha offers a bundle of all layers for INR 15,000. This also makes Kosha the right choice for those planning to immigrate to Canada, Finland, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Australia or shift base to colder regions. 

Options include men’s sweaters, women’s winter accessories, bamboo sweaters, thermals, technical socks, snow proof pants, waterproof jackets, touch-enabled gloves, beanies, mufflers, and much more. Learn more about special layering needs for Mount Everest, Chadar Trek, Switzerland, and more. Shop your layering needs online at oc.kosha.co

TRAVEL THE WORLD WITH KOSHA: 

Kosha’s layers for winter, insulated jackets have given travelers a beautiful experience watching the Northern Lights without a worry about the cold. Parkas for Finland, Sweaters for Poland, Trench Coats for Germany, Waterproof Jacket for London, Thermals & Kosha Base Layers for Canada, and Merino Wool Socks for Switzerland. 

Students going to study in New York, Chicago, London, and Australia, and pursue medicine in Russia. Outdoor enthusiasts and adventure lovers go for the Chadar Trek, Kedarkantha Trek, Roopkund Trek, Everest Base Camp, Valley of Flowers Trek, Great Lakes Trek, Alps, and Himalayas. 

Explorers traveling for holiday or newlyweds going for their honeymoon to Gulmarg, Jungfrau, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Scotland, and Aurora Borealis. 

Things to keep in mind for non-wool sweaters:

For cotton sweaters like Kosha Supima pullovers for him and her, you can follow the wash care instructions as advised.

Supima Cotton is a premium fibre, built to last longer than normal cotton. Machine washable with similar colored garments. Avoid over-washing. Can be hand washed. Flat dry to retain the shape of the garment and reduce creases. This ensures it looks fresh. Do not tumble air dry. Avoid direct sun drying for long hours to keep color vibrance. Avoid harsh soaps and strong chemical detergents.

For acrylic, wool blend, and synthetic sweaters, it is better to dry clean them as machine wash or hand wash can lead to micro-plastic fibers being released. These can cause water pollution and are bad for ocean life. Thus it is important to read wash care instructions for your sweaters carefully.

Quick do’s and don’ts for you

✨Do read the label and specifics of your clothing.

✨Do a first wash in the first 3 years even if it doesn’t smell yet. It will prevent pilling.

✨Avoid mixing dark and light colors.

✨Do turn clothes inside out.

✨Wash below 40 degrees.

✨Don’t use fabric softener.

✨Don’t wring your clothes and/or don’t leave them long in the washing machine after the program ends as it leaves your garment misshapen.

✨Lay flat sweaters to dry and avoid the heat of a radiator or direct sun.

FAQs

Certainly! Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) on how to wash sweaters:

Can I machine wash my sweaters?

It depends on the sweater’s care label. Many sweaters, especially those made of delicate or natural fibers like wool, cashmere, or angora, should be hand-washed or dry cleaned to avoid damage. Always check the care instructions first.

How do I hand wash sweaters?

Fill a basin or sink with cold water and add a mild detergent suitable for delicate fabrics. Gently agitate the water to create suds. Submerge the sweater and lightly swish it around, avoiding any vigorous rubbing. Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed.

Can I use warm water for washing sweaters?

It’s best to stick to cold water, especially for wool or other delicate fibers, as warm water can cause shrinking or felting.

Should I use a special sweater shampoo?

Using a detergent designed for delicate fabrics or wool is a good choice. Avoid harsh detergents that can damage the fibers.

How do I dry sweaters after washing?

Gently squeeze excess water out of the sweater without wringing it. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and reshape it to its original dimensions. Roll up the towel with the sweater inside to remove additional moisture. Then, lay the sweater flat on a drying rack or another clean, dry towel and allow it to air dry.

Conclusion

In conclusion, properly washing your sweaters is essential to maintain their quality and longevity. Begin by carefully examining the care labels on your sweaters to understand their specific washing requirements. For most delicate fabrics like wool, cashmere, or angora, hand washing in cold water with a mild detergent is the safest choice.

Avoid wringing out the sweater and instead gently squeeze excess water. When drying, lay the sweater flat on a clean towel, reshape it to its original form, and allow it to air dry. To prevent pilling, wash inside out and use a fabric shaver when needed. Keep in mind that sweaters generally don’t require frequent washing; often, airing them out and spot cleaning will suffice.

By following these steps and paying heed to care instructions, you can ensure your sweaters remain cozy, stylish, and in excellent condition for seasons to come.

If you have any stories or queries for us, then shoot us an email at konnect@kosha.co Also, say hello to us on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter, and keep the travel bug going.

Till next time!

This article was written by Team Kosha member: Aamina Tasmia and updated by Neeti Kapoor.