How to Take Care of Your Knitwear | Love Your Clothes

Rebecca Wilson, passionate about recycling across South Yorkshire
Rebecca Wilson
13 Feb 2025

Extending the life of the clothes we already own is not only great for our wallets but also for the planet. Taking proper care of your wool garments helps them stay fresh, soft, and beautiful for years to come. Here are some essential tips for looking after your knitwear:

Three colour wool knit jumpers and Waste Less South Yorkshire logo

Washing Your Wool

Wool is a natural fibre with antibacterial properties, which means it doesn’t need frequent washing. Most of the time, simply airing out your woollen clothes will do the trick. Gently shake them out and lay them flat on a chair overnight to freshen them up.

When it is time to wash, always look at the wash label and wash accordingly. In general, it is best to handwash in cool water and lay the garment flat to dry. Never tumble dry wool as it can cause shrinkage.

It is recommended to wash them at the end of the cold seasons before they are stored away for the spring and summer.

 

Store Correctly

Woollen knitwear is best stored away folded.

You should not hang wool clothes on hangers as it can cause the garment to stretch over time.

If you can’t avoid hanging it up, never pull the hanger through the neckline. Always remove from underneath to avoid stretching.

 

Keep Moths Away

Moths that make their way into your wardrobes can eat away at your wool items, as they are drawn to the natural fibres. Moths are sensitive to odours, so protect your knitwear by storing them with a bag of strongly scented herbs such as mint, rosemary, and lavender.

 

Love Your Clothes

We are on a mission to reduce the amount of clothes we throw away. In the UK over £140 million is sent to landfill every year! Let’s help reduce this by shopping smart, caring for the clothes we own and passing them on when we no longer need them.

Read more tips here

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