en
KNITWEAR CARE
Winter is the perfect time to get all cozy in soft, luxurious sweaters. Good knitwear can often be a bit of an investment, so here are some tips on how to care for your knitwear, extend the lifespan of your garments and make that investment worthwhile.
WASH
To start off: don’t wash your knitwear after just one wear. One of the perks of wool is that it’s a little self-cleaning, meaning that it stays fresh for longer than other fabrics. After each wear, hang your garments outside or near a window to air. Only if the smell hasn’t disappeared after that, it’s time to wash.
Another tip is to wear a thin shirt underneath that works as a barrier between your skin and your knits. This will keep your clothing fresh for even longer!
When washing your knitwear, make sure you use a gentle cycle. Most washing machines have a cycle specifically for wool or knitwear. Use a special detergent for wool that is free of enzymes, and don’t use too much of it. Enzymes in detergents will destroy the protein in wool which can cause little holes in your garments after only a couple of washes.
If your knitwear contains a % of virgin or recycled synthetics, like polyester, polyamide, or elastane, we recommend using a washing bag that prevents microplastics from getting into your water. Shop the Guppyfriend Wash Bag on our webshop.
DRY
Although some might argue that knitwear can be put in a tumble dryer, we recommend avoiding this. Turning on a tumble dryer puts more strain on the environment, and the heat it creates on your garments does not improve the fabrics in any way. We recommend squeezing out the water with care, then placing it on top of a towel on a drying rack. Flip every now and then.
CARE
Pilling on knitwear is inevitable, whether it’s a fine knit, or vegan knit. Using a fabric shaver every now and then will keep your garments looking brand new. Place your garment on a flat surface and start to gently circle with the shaver on the areas where pilling occurs. You may need to empty the container during and after usage to keep it working optimally. We like to use the Pilo Shaver from Steamery Stockholm. Shop this fabric shaver on our webshop.
When putting your garments back into your wardrobe, we recommend folding them rather than hanging them up. This way, they will keep their shape.
Taking care of your knitwear is essential for a sustainable wardrobe!
