How to Wash Knit Sweaters Without Ruining Them

There is nothing quite like slipping into a beautifully soft knit sweater — and nothing quite as heartbreaking as pulling a shrunken, misshapen version of it out of the washing machine. If you have ever wondered how to wash knit sweaters the right way, you are not alone. It is one of the most common questions in garment care, and the answer is simpler than you might think.

Whether your sweater is cashmere, merino wool, cotton knit or a synthetic blend, proper washing technique is the single most important thing you can do to extend its life. Here is everything you need to know.

Why Knit Sweaters Need Special Care

Unlike woven fabrics, knitted textiles are made of interlocking loops of yarn. This structure gives them their signature stretch and softness — but it also makes them vulnerable to agitation, heat and friction. Toss a knit sweater into a regular wash cycle and you risk felting (irreversible matting of wool fibres), shrinkage, stretching and pilling.

The good news? With a few simple habits, you can keep your favourite knits looking brand new for years.

Step 1: Check the Care Label

Always start here. The care label tells you the fibre content and the manufacturer's recommended washing method. Most luxury knits — including the sweaters in our collection — will recommend hand washing or a gentle machine cycle. If the label says dry clean only, it is safest to follow that advice, especially for structured or embellished pieces.

Step 2: Hand Wash for Best Results

Hand washing is the gold standard for knit sweaters. Here is how to do it properly:

1. Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water — never hot. Water above 30°C can cause wool and cashmere to shrink.
2. Add a gentle detergent. Use a wool-safe or pH-neutral liquid detergent. Avoid anything with bleach, enzymes or harsh surfactants.
3. Submerge the sweater and gently press it through the water. Do not wring, twist or scrub. Let it soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Rinse thoroughly in clean cool water until all soap is removed. You may need two or three rinses.
5. Press out excess water by gently squeezing — never wringing. Then lay the sweater flat on a clean towel and roll the towel up to absorb more moisture.

Step 3: Machine Washing (When Allowed)

If the care label permits machine washing, follow these rules:

• Use a mesh laundry bag to protect the sweater from snagging and friction.
• Select the delicate or wool cycle with cold water.
• Use a gentle, wool-safe detergent in a small amount.
• Wash the sweater inside out to minimise surface pilling.
• Never use the spin cycle at high speed — it can stretch the knit out of shape.

Step 4: Drying Your Knit Sweater

This is where most people go wrong. Never hang a wet knit sweater. The weight of the water will stretch it permanently, especially around the shoulders and hem.

Instead:

• Lay it flat on a drying rack or clean dry towel, reshaping it gently to its original dimensions.
• Keep it away from direct sunlight and heat sources like radiators, which can cause shrinkage and colour fading.
• Flip it over halfway through to ensure even drying.
• Allow 24 to 48 hours for full air drying depending on the thickness of the knit.

How Often Should You Wash Knit Sweaters?

Less than you think. Knitwear does not need to be washed after every wear — in fact, over-washing is one of the fastest ways to wear out a sweater. Unless there is a visible stain or odour, you can typically wear a knit sweater three to five times between washes.

Between wears, air your sweater out by laying it flat or draping it over a chair overnight. This lets any moisture evaporate and keeps the fibres fresh.

Quick Tips for Common Problems

• Stain? Spot-treat immediately with a dab of gentle detergent and cool water. Blot — never rub.
• Odour? Hang the sweater in a steamy bathroom for 20 minutes, or lightly mist with a fabric freshener.
• Wrinkled? Use a garment steamer on a low setting. Avoid pressing a hot iron directly onto knit fabric.

Invest in Pieces Worth Caring For

The better the quality of your knitwear, the better it responds to proper care. Premium yarns like merino wool and cashmere blends are naturally resilient and become softer with each careful wash. Browse our sweater collection and cardigans to find pieces designed to last — and worth the extra minute of care.