Sweater care 101: Solutions to sweater problems
Fading
Always follow the care instructions on your clothing labels. Sweaters should be washed with as little agitation as possible and a gentle detergent. The dryer is the key culprit in the case of fading. If a sweater can be dried in the dryer, leave it in for only 10 to 15 minutes to get rid of the creases from the washer and excess water, then take it out and lay it flat to dry.
Always follow the care instructions on your clothing labels. Sweaters should be washed with as little agitation as possible and a gentle detergent. The dryer is the key culprit in the case of fading. If a sweater can be dried in the dryer, leave it in for only 10 to 15 minutes to get rid of the creases from the washer and excess water, then take it out and lay it flat to dry.
Losing shape
When storing, always fold your sweaters. If you hang a sweater, its own weight may cause the sweater to stretch out and become longer and misshapen.
Eaten by moths
Do not use mothballs. They have a strong, unpleasant odour and are toxic. Ensure that all sweaters are clean and dry before storing, and that the area they are being stored in is dusted out and vacuumed at the end of each season. Moth damage is caused by larvae, so if a moth lays eggs in a sweater before storage, it can contaminate the entire storage area. If the storage drawer isn't made of cedar, add sachets or cedar drawer liners to keep new moths away from stored clean sweaters.
5 dos and don'ts for properly caring for your sweaters
Smith suggests five tips and tricks to help your sweaters enjoy greater longevity!
1. Don't over-wash sweaters. If they are not dirty, air them out instead of washing them every time they are worn. This will extend the life of the sweater.
2. Do repair sweaters quickly. If you notice a small hole, repair it the moment that you discover it. If you don't, the hole could get larger and get more difficult to repair.
3. Do treat cashmere and other delicates carefully. Because of the softness of cashmere, it is prone to pilling and is much more difficult to care for. Do not wring cashmere sweaters out but instead, roll them in a large towel to remove the excess moisture and then lay flat to dry.
4. Don't ever put your sweaters away when they are still damp. Always ensure that they are completely dry before storing. Damp sweaters may grow mildew or mold.
5. Do wash sweaters on their own or with other delicates. Never wash sweaters with heavy items like towels.
Follow these simple tips to make your sweaters last longer and ensure that you get your money's worth!
And if you happened to slop on your favourite sweater, don't worry. Our stain removal basics will help you get that darned spot out of your top before you put it away.
Page 2 of 2
Natalie Bahadur is a regular contributor to Homemakers.com and is the editor of StyleAtHome.com.
When storing, always fold your sweaters. If you hang a sweater, its own weight may cause the sweater to stretch out and become longer and misshapen.
Eaten by moths
Do not use mothballs. They have a strong, unpleasant odour and are toxic. Ensure that all sweaters are clean and dry before storing, and that the area they are being stored in is dusted out and vacuumed at the end of each season. Moth damage is caused by larvae, so if a moth lays eggs in a sweater before storage, it can contaminate the entire storage area. If the storage drawer isn't made of cedar, add sachets or cedar drawer liners to keep new moths away from stored clean sweaters.
5 dos and don'ts for properly caring for your sweaters
Smith suggests five tips and tricks to help your sweaters enjoy greater longevity!
1. Don't over-wash sweaters. If they are not dirty, air them out instead of washing them every time they are worn. This will extend the life of the sweater.
2. Do repair sweaters quickly. If you notice a small hole, repair it the moment that you discover it. If you don't, the hole could get larger and get more difficult to repair.
3. Do treat cashmere and other delicates carefully. Because of the softness of cashmere, it is prone to pilling and is much more difficult to care for. Do not wring cashmere sweaters out but instead, roll them in a large towel to remove the excess moisture and then lay flat to dry.
4. Don't ever put your sweaters away when they are still damp. Always ensure that they are completely dry before storing. Damp sweaters may grow mildew or mold.
5. Do wash sweaters on their own or with other delicates. Never wash sweaters with heavy items like towels.
Follow these simple tips to make your sweaters last longer and ensure that you get your money's worth!
And if you happened to slop on your favourite sweater, don't worry. Our stain removal basics will help you get that darned spot out of your top before you put it away.
Page 2 of 2
Natalie Bahadur is a regular contributor to Homemakers.com and is the editor of StyleAtHome.com.
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