Knitwear care
Winter is the perfect time to get cosy in soft, luxurious sweaters. Good knitwear can often be a big investment, so here are some tips on how to care for your knitwear, extend the life of your garments and make that investment worthwhile.
To wash
First of all, don’t wash your knitwear after just one wear. One of the advantages of wool is that it is somewhat self-cleaning, meaning it stays fresher longer than other fabrics. Hang your garments outside or by a window to air after each use. Only if the smell has not disappeared after that is it time to wash.
Another tip is to wear a thin shirt underneath that acts as a barrier between your skin and your knitwear. This will keep your clothes fresh for even longer! When washing your knitwear, make sure to use a gentle wash cycle. Most washing machines have a special cycle for wool or knitwear. Use a special wool detergent that is free of enzymes and don’t use too much. Enzymes in detergents will destroy the protein in wool, which can cause small holes in your clothes after just a few washes. If your knitwear contains a percentage of virgin or recycled synthetic fibers, such as polyester, polyamide or elastane, we recommend using a wash bag that stops microplastics from entering the water. Shop the Guppyfriend Wash Bag in our webshop.
Drying
Although some would argue that knitwear can be tumble dried, we advise against it. Turning on a tumble dryer puts more strain on the environment, and the heat it creates on your garments does not improve the fabric in any way. We recommend gently squeezing out the water and then placing it on a towel on a drying rack. Turn it over occasionally.
Maintenance
Whether it’s a fine knit or a vegan knit, pilling is inevitable. Using a fabric shaver every now and then will keep your garments looking as good as new. Place your garment on a flat surface and gently start circling the shaver in the areas where pilling occurs. You may need to empty the container during and after use to ensure it continues to perform optimally. We like using the Pilo Shaver from Steamery Stockholm. Buy this fabric shaver in our webshop.
When you put your garments back in your closet, we recommend folding them instead of hanging them. This way they will keep their shape. Caring for your knitwear is essential for a sustainable wardrobe!
