How to wash knitwear without shrinking or pilling: a simple care guide
To wash knitwear without shrinking it, use cool water, a mild detergent and as little rubbing as possible, then press the water out in a towel and dry the piece flat, away from direct sun and heat. Fold knits rather than hanging them. Always check the care label first: it tells you whether your piece can go in the machine at all.
Why do sweaters shrink and pill?
Most shrinking comes from heat and agitation together: hot water, a long spin or a hot dryer. Pilling, those little fluff balls, comes from friction, under bag straps, at the elbows and in the wash with rough fabrics like denim. Both are easy to reduce.
How to hand wash a knit, step by step
- Read the label. If it says dry clean only, follow it.
- Turn it inside out and fill a basin with cool water and a little gentle or wool detergent.
- Press, don't rub. Push the knit under the water and gently squeeze for a minute or two. Soak for up to 10 minutes.
- Rinse in cool water until the water runs clear.
- Don't wring. Roll it in a clean towel and press to remove water.
- Dry flat on a towel or a flat rack, shaped back to size.
Can I use the washing machine?
Only if the label allows it. Use the wool or delicates cycle, cold water, a low spin and a mesh laundry bag, and wash with similar soft items, never with jeans or towels.
How should I dry knitwear?
Flat, in the shade. The Woolmark Company advises drying knits flat on a towel, because hanging can stretch them, and keeping them away from direct sun and direct heat (Woolmark). In Malaysia, indoors under a fan works well and is faster than you'd think.
How do I remove pilling?
Lay the knit flat and use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb in light strokes. Don't pull pills off by hand, which loosens the yarn. Washing inside out and avoiding rough bag straps helps prevent new ones.
How do I store knits in a humid climate?
- Fold, don't hang, so shoulders keep their shape.
- Make sure they're completely dry before you put them away.
- Add a silica gel pack or cedar block to the drawer, and air the drawer now and then.
These steps suit everyday knits like the Parisa High Neck Knitted Top, the Luna Knitted Top and the Gentle Soft Knitted Cardigan. Check each label for its own instructions.
FAQ
Can I fix a shrunken sweater?
Sometimes a little: soak it in cool water with hair conditioner for 15 minutes, press out the water and gently stretch it back while it dries flat. It rarely returns fully to size.
How often should I wash a sweater?
Less than you think. If you wear a tee underneath, airing it out between wears is often enough; wash every few wears or when it looks or smells like it needs it.
Can I iron knitwear?
Use steam instead: hold a steamer or steam iron just above the surface, without pressing.