Washing a cardigan in a washing machine

Practical, comfortable, and versatile—the cardigan. Thanks to its variety of styles and materials, it's a staple in most fashionistas' wardrobes. To ensure your favorite item stays in perfect condition for a long time, it needs proper care. How do you machine wash a cardigan so it retains its shape, stays soft and comfortable, and leaves a pleasant, fresh scent?

Use the automatic machine correctly

Depending on the cardigan's material, care instructions may vary. The care label will help you determine the garment's material and whether hand or machine washing is recommended. It will also indicate the temperature range, spin-drying, and ironing options.

Cardigans are made from a variety of yarns and fabrics. Knitted items can be made from wool or other knits, as well as from natural and synthetic fabrics. Machine washable items containing 20% ​​wool are permitted. Hand wash only is recommended for all-wool items. To ensure your knitted item retains its appearance and stays soft and comfortable, follow these simple guidelines.

1. Don't soak. Wool items shouldn't be left in water for long periods of time, as this can cause them to lose their shape.
2. Remove stains. Treat the stained area with laundry soap, rub gently, and rinse under cool water. On white items, use lemon juice.
3. Use gentle laundry detergents. Liquid detergent, special wool detergents, and shampoo are all good options. If that's not enough, try fabric softeners.
4. Load the garment correctly. Turn the item inside out. You can use laundry bags. To remove lint, pet hair, and hair, place special balls with small loops on the surface in the drum.
5. Wash in warm water.

The optimal temperature is 30 degrees Celsius. Hotter water can cause the garment to shrink to an incredibly small size.

6. Use a delicate wash cycle. Depending on your washing machine model, select either the delicate cycle or the wool cycle.
7. Do not spin in the drum. 100% wool items cannot be machine-spun. After the cycle is complete, hang them up to drain. For other knitwear, a gentle spin is acceptable.
8. Do not tumble dry. Machine drying will damage the garment. Lay the garment flat on a towel to ensure adequate air circulation. Drying outside is fine, but avoid direct sunlight, as the fabric will fade in the heat.

Avoid washing woolen items frequently. This will cause the threads to wear out faster. If an item appears clean but has a stale odor, try hanging it out in the fresh air.

Traditional cleaning method

Hand-washing knitwear is preferable. It's harder to ruin a knitted item by hand than by machine washing. To wash a cardigan at home, follow these simple guidelines:

• pour water at a temperature of about 30 degrees into the container;
• add liquid laundry detergent and stir;
• pre-wash stains;
• place the item in the prepared liquid and wash;
• rinse several times in warm water;
• use conditioner if necessary;
• squeeze it out a little, pressing it against the bottom of the bath, then hang it up to let the water drain;
• Dry flat to avoid stretching.

When drying, periodically change the cloth (towel) underneath and turn the item over to prevent unpleasant odors. This method will speed up the drying process. Make sure the material you use doesn't stain the garment!

Can I iron it?

Knitted items rarely require ironing. After the item has dried slightly and any excess moisture has evaporated, smooth the surface with your hands, gently pulling it horizontally and vertically. Dry the garment can be hung on a hanger and placed in a humid room—this could be a bathroom or a kitchen with a pot of boiling water on the stove.

You can steam the garment with an iron or a steamer from a distance. When using an iron, place a damp cloth on top.

Keeping your clothes in perfect condition is much easier if you follow simple recommendations. It's even better if the item is made from high-quality materials. Machine wash your cardigan or hand wash it at home properly, and your favorite item will last for many seasons to come.

   

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