Sweater Care Basics

Sweater weather is right around the corner, so it’s time to pull out your sweaters and be sure they’re ready to wear. It may also be a good time to brush up on your sweater care practices.

Sweater Care 101

First, sort through your sweaters.

Wash cotton, silk, and cashmere sweaters every other time you wear them. Wool and synthetic fabrics or blends like acrylic and polyester can go for about five wearings. The exception is a spill or stain. Clean these immediately and follow the label instructions carefully.

Dry clean all wool or wool blends. Machine washing wool will damage the fabric and probably ruin your sweater. Either wash with hands or consult Durango Laundry service providers for cleaning of sweaters made from other fabrics. Never wring sweaters. Gently squeeze the water out and lay them flat on a towel. Roll them up to remove excess moisture. Then lay them flat to dry on a clean towel.

Remove jewelry before putting on or taking off a sweater to avoid snags. If you get a snag, use a crochet hook to fix it. Turn the sweater inside out, insert the hook into the same stitch as the snag, and gently pull the snag through. To keep the stitch in place, tie it in a knot a few times. Turn the sweater right side out.

If your sweater has shrunk or stretched, your best bet is to bring it to professionals. Trying to reshape it at home can damage fibers, cause undue wear, or even result in color loss.

Take Care To Avoid Moths

Follow these steps to prevent moths.

• Every few weeks, remove all your clothes from shelves, rails, and drawers and shake them out.
  

• Keep your closet clean by regularly dusting, wiping down surfaces, and vacuuming.
  

• Stay on top of dry cleaning and hand washing, and never put away or store knitwear that is dirty.
  

• Vacuum your carpets thoroughly at least once a week.
  

• Extreme changes in temperature can kill moths, so wrap affected sweaters in plastic bags, then place them in the freezer for a couple of days. Remove and aerate them in a warm room, then refreeze for a couple more days.
  

• Place lavender sachets, cedar balls, and even horse chestnuts with your clothes to repel moths.
  

• Store seasonal clothing in sealed airtight plastic bags when not in use.
  

• Streamline your closet by donating clothes you rarely wear.

If you have a serious infestation, call a professional.