Winter is definitely here! To properly cover yourself from the cold, it is advisable to adopt the rule of three layers. To do this, simply choose a breathable and warm material for the garment that is in direct contact with the skin. The second layer must be insulating: choose a knitted sweater, cashmere, mohair, etc. The third layer is protective, its role is to protect you against all bad weather. But to take care of winter rooms, you must opt for gentle and delicate maintenance methods. In fact, to clean your coats, it is better to take them to the dry cleaners for dry cleaning every month. Knitted sweaters require hand washing following very specific steps.
Hand wash: what is the perfect temperature for washing wool sweaters?
To take care of your beautiful wool sweaters, it is necessary to wash them by hand. Of course, it requires a little elbow grease, but it’s worth it. By adopting this cleaning method, your wool sweaters will stand the test of time while remaining as new as the first day. There is nothing complicated, you just need a suitable detergent and water. You may be wondering, what is the right water temperature to hand wash your sweaters? In an interview given to Current wifeKahina Kehri, dyer at Seine pressing, explained to us the ideal temperature for washing your sweaters by hand. We will explain everything to you. “Cold tap water, you can’t do better“, answers the textile expert to this question. With a higher temperature, you risk tightening the fibers, which may cause your sweater to shrink.
However, be careful when washing your wool sweaters because some knits cannot withstand washing in water. Refer to the labels on your clothes and if in doubt ask your dry cleaner for advice as some wools require dry cleaning.
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What detergent should I use for wool sweaters?
Taking care of your wool sweaters also involves the products you use for hand washing. Indeed, you should not choose just any detergent at the risk of damaging the fiber of your precious one. “We choose a special wool detergent: it has a neutral pH and contains foaming agents to protect the fiber. Please note that you can also use Marseille soap if necessary, or even a mild shampoo!” can we read on the site The Beautiful Address. Concerning the quantity, you only need to use a tablespoon, this is enough to properly clean a sweater by hand.
So start by placing your sweater in a basin of cold water, add the specific detergent. Let it soak for 5 minutes, then knead it gently to remove dirt. Avoid any friction which could damage it. Squeeze your garment gently in your hands before immersing it in another basin of clear, cold water to rinse it. Repeat this operation as many times as necessary to remove all detergent residue.
How to wring a wool sweater by hand?
Spinning is the moment when you must be delicate, ban at all costs any actions that could deform or damage your knit. So carefully press your sweater between your hands, then “we place it flat on a towel, roll it up in it and press with our hands, in different places, to absorb the water“explain The Beautiful Address. Then put it on a clean and dry towel still flat giving it its original shape. Do not hesitate to turn it regularly so that it dries more quickly. And now, voila !
*Thanks to Kahina Kehri, dyer at Pressing de Seine.
Source: “How to wash a wool sweater”, La Belle Address.