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5 Tips That Will Save Your Favorite Sweaters
Keep your cozy sweaters looking fresh for years to come with these tricks to un-shrink, de-fuzz and more.
©iStockphoto.com/susandaniels
The days are getting shorter and the air a bit colder, which can only mean one thing — it's officially sweater season.
The cozy garment is synonymous with fall and winter, but it's also known for something else. From shrinking in the washing machine to unsightly hanger bumps, sweaters are notorious for being difficult to care for and maintain.
There may be hope though.
Below, I've highlighted the most common issues people encounter with sweaters and offer tips to either avoid or fix the problem.
Hanger Bumps
These protrusions from the shoulder stem from hanging a sweater on a wire hanger for an extended period of time. It doesn't damage the sweater, per se, but it's quite unsightly.
The good news? There's an easy way to avoid looking like you're wearing lumpy shoulder pads. Either fold your sweaters (see the next tip) or use a felt hanger and wrap the garment around instead of hanging like you typically would a T-shirt. Not only does this keep the bumps from forming on your garment, but you won't stretch out the neck either.
Folding Chunky Sweaters
Folding your sweaters is a great way to avoid hanger bumps, but it can be a challenge to keep a stack from toppling over. The most efficient way to fold your sweater comes from lifestyle expert Elizabeth Mayhew. She recommends laying the sweater flat, then folding the arms into the center. From there, fold the sweater in half horizontally. The end result will be a little wider than you're typically used to, but it reduces bulk and you'll be able to stack more sweaters on top of one another.
Pilling Problems
No matter if you're wearing cashmere or cotton, if you own a sweater you'll have to deal with pilling (or "fuzz"). Pilling is the result of the garment's fibers becoming damaged through repeated wear and/or improper care. The best way to avoid pills is to follow the wash instructions and use a lint or garment brush regularly.
©iStockphoto.com/russaquarius
If your sweater becomes overrun with fuzz, you can purchase a dedicated pill remover, or you can simply use a disposable razor and carefully shave off the fuzzballs one-by-one. A pumice stone and even the textured side of a sponge will work, too.
How to Wash
Washing by hand is the best way to clean your sweaters. Chemicals used in the dry-cleaning process can damage your garments and it's expensive to have your clothes professionally cleaned.
To wash by hand, fill a sink or bucket with cold water and add sweaters of similar color along with a gentle detergent. Handle the garments delicately and after 15-20 minutes, rinse with cold water and lay them flat on a towel. Use another towel to press the sweater until it's damp and not dripping wet. Always let your sweaters air-dry flat (not draped over anything) and shape it so it looks like how it would if you were wearing it.
You can put your sweaters in the washing machine, but again, always use cold water and select the shortest, gentlest cycle available. It should go without saying, but your sweaters should never see the inside of a dryer.
Decorate With Old Sweaters
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Honey, I Shrunk the Sweater
It happens to everyone. Somehow, a really expensive sweater gets accidently thrown into the washer and dryer and it comes out six sizes too small. Most people assume that all is lost and either donate it or toss it. Next time this happens to you or someone you know, try this tip from Howcast before parting ways with your favorite sweater.
First, fill a sink with warm water and add about 1/3 cup of hair conditioner. (The conditioner loosens the fibers of the garment so that it can be stretched back to its normal size.) Place the shrunken sweater in the water and let it soak for about 10 minutes. Let the water drain while leaving the sweater in the sink. At this point, don't rinse the sweater with water, but instead, press on it to remove the excess water. Next, lay the sweater flat on a towel and use another towel to press on it to absorb as much water as possible. Finally, stretch the fabric in sections until you're happy with the size, then lay the sweater on a rack to air dry. Hopefully, after the sweater has completely dried it will be restored to its original size.
