How to Machine Wash Sweaters

Santa was good this year and brought you a bunch of new, fuzzy, warm sweaters. By now, they've been worn a few times and need a date with the washing machine. But you hold back, not wanting to lose that new look and feel.

A caveat: just because dry cleaning is expensive does not mean that it's the best care for all sweaters. The dry cleaning chemicals can build up on some fibers and leave them stiff. Probably not the look you're going for. Not to worry - you can machine wash sweaters safely. These guidelines can help.

Start by Reading the Care Label 

Before you machine wash sweaters, always read the care label first. Then follow the instructions, very carefully. If ithe label says, "Dry Clean Only," dry clean it. However, if the label says "Dry Clean," however, you may be able to wash it.

Sweaters are a little harder to care for than most garments. Which is why many of us are reluctant to even try to machine wash sweaters. After all, they can shrink, they can stretch, they can even pill. And the softer the sweater, the more delicate. 

Fear no more. The key to sweater washing success is knowing how to machine wash sweaters by fabric type. These fabric guidelines can help ensure wash-day success.

Machine Wash Sweaters by Fabric Type

• Acrylic:  Acrylics are manmade fibers that can stretch when subjected to heat. Wash as directed on the label (usually in warm water). After you machine wash sweaters, acrylics should be either air dried on a flat surface, or tumbled dry on low heat. The care label will detail which is preferable. If you have to iron a sweater, iron it inside out ,on low heat, and be careful not to stretch it as you press out any wrinkling.

• Angora:  Angora sweaters are a blend of rabbit hair and synthetic fibers. It's very prone to shrinking, so this is one you should consider dry cleaning. If the label says it can be washed, don't put it in the machine. Instead, hand wash in a delicate fabric wash such as Woolite and lay flat to dry.
  

• Cashmere: Cashmere is usually goat hair blended with wool or synthetic fibers. Again, go by the label instructions. Usually, you can wash cashmere on the delicate cycle in cold water. Roll it in a towel to squeeze out excess water after washing, reshape and flat dry away from sunlight or direct heat. 

• Chenille: If you want chenille sweaters to stay soft, don't put them in the washing machine - even if the label says it's OK. The rubbing caused by the machine agitation can damage the fibers and make them snag or feel rough. Instead, wash inside out by hand and lay flat to dry. 

• Cotton: Usually, you can hand or machine wash cotton sweaters in cold water. Lay flat to dry. It may need ironing. If so, iron while damp.

• Silk: Some silk sweaters can be washed in the delicate cycle in cold water and flat dried. But it may need ironing afterward. If so, use a cool iron setting.

• Wool: Some wool sweaters can be washed; others cannot. Check the label. If you do put it in the washing machine, use the gentlest cycle and wash in cold water. Don't twist. Lay flat to dry. Also, not all wools are alike. Shetland and Merino wools often can be washed in cold water on the most delicate cycle. Agitation can cause them to shrink. 

Washing and Drying Sweaters

Prevent Sweater Pilling

Sweater pills are the result of small fibers shed in the wash process that ball up and cling to the sweater's surface.

You can remove these pills with an electric sweater lint shaver or by carefully trimming away with scissors.

To prevent pilling, wash sweaters inside out to limit abrasion on the "good" side of the sweater fabric. If hand-washing, remove excess moisture by rolling the sweater in a towel.