Hand-wash a favorite sweater
Gently remove dirt and odor from a delicate sweater after several wears while preserving its shape and fibers. Use when the care label warns against machine washing or you want to avoid shrinkage.
What's inside
Gently remove dirt and odor from a delicate sweater after several wears while preserving its shape and fibers. Use when the care label warns against machine washing or you want to avoid shrinkage.
A favorite sweater has light collar grime, faint body odor, and feels slightly stretched at the sleeves after several wears.
The sweater's wool/knit fibers are prone to shrinking and stretching if agitated or exposed to warm water, and excess soap can leave residue that stiffens the yarn.
The sweater is clean with no detergent residue, retains its original shape and measurements, and is laid flat damp and ready to finish drying.
- • Mild liquid detergent — 1 tsp
- • Basin or sink — 1
- • Clean bath towel — 1
- • Measuring spoon — 1
- • Flat drying surface or rack — 1
- 01Check label and prepare sweaterRead the care label, empty pockets, fasten buttons or zippers, and turn the sweater inside out so stains face out during washing.⏱ 5 min
- 02Fill basin and dissolve detergentFill the basin with cool water (about 25°C–30°C) and stir in 1 tsp mild liquid detergent until evenly mixed.⏱ 5 min
- 03Soak and gently agitateFully submerge the sweater, let it soak for 10 minutes, then gently lift and press the garment 10 times to move soapy water through the fibers without twisting.⏱ 10 min
- 04Rinse until no suds remainDrain the basin, refill with cool clear water, press the sweater to rinse; repeat up to 3 rinses until no suds appear, pressing out water without wringing.⏱ 5 min
- 05Remove excess water and reshapeLay the sweater flat on a clean towel, roll towel and sweater to press out excess water, unroll, reshape to original measurements, and place flat on a drying surface away from direct sun.⏱ 5 min