Quick answer: Hand wash knitwear in cold water with a gentle detergent and dry it flat in the shade. Steam velvet instead of ironing it, and store it hanging. Spot clean suede and faux suede with a soft brush or a damp cloth rather than soaking them. Always follow the care label on the garment first.
How do you wash knitwear without it stretching or shrinking?
- Turn the sweater inside out.
- Fill a basin with cold or lukewarm water and a small amount of wool or gentle detergent.
- Press the garment into the water and soak it for about 10 minutes. Do not rub or wring it.
- Rinse in cold water the same way.
- Roll it in a dry towel to press out the water.
- Lay it flat on a fresh towel, reshape it, and dry it away from direct sun.
Never hang a wet sweater: the weight of the water stretches the shoulders and length.
How do you stop pilling on sweaters?
Pilling is caused by friction. Wash knits inside out, wash them separately from rough fabrics like denim, and remove pills with a fabric shaver or sweater comb. Fuzzy and brushed knits pill most in the first few wears; that settles down over time.
How do you care for velvet?
- Do not iron it directly. The pile flattens and shines. Steam it from the inside instead, or hang it in a steamy bathroom.
- Hang, do not fold. Folding leaves crease lines in the pile. Use a padded hanger.
- Dry clean or hand wash cold, depending on the label. Do not wring.
- Brush gently in the direction of the pile with a soft brush to lift it after wearing.
How do you clean suede and faux suede?
- Brush off dust after each wear with a soft brush.
- Spot clean marks with a barely damp cloth, dabbing rather than rubbing.
- For faux suede, check the label: some can be hand washed cold, others are spot clean only.
- Let it air dry, then brush it to restore the texture.
- Keep genuine suede away from heavy rain.
How should you store winter clothes?
| Fabric | Store | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Knitwear | Folded, in a drawer or on a shelf | Hangers (they stretch the shoulders) |
| Velvet | Hanging on a padded hanger | Folding and crowded wardrobes |
| Suede | Hanging, in a breathable cotton cover | Plastic bags (they trap moisture) |
| Corduroy | Folded or hanging | Hot ironing on the face |
At the end of winter, wash or clean everything before storing it, and add neem leaves or cedar blocks to keep moths away.
Frequently asked questions
Can I machine wash sweaters?
Only if the care label says so. If it does, use a wool or delicate cycle, cold water, a mesh laundry bag and the lowest spin. Hand washing is safer for fuzzy, embellished and loose knits.
How do I get creases out of velvet?
Steam it from the inside, holding the steamer a few centimetres away, or hang it in the bathroom while you shower. Never press an iron directly onto velvet.
What do I do if my sweater shrinks?
Soak it for 20 minutes in lukewarm water with a little hair conditioner, gently stretch it back to shape, and dry it flat. This works best on natural fibres.
Find knits, velvet and suede made for Indian winters in tops and sweaters and dresses.
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