Washing a knitted cardigan in a washing machine

A knitted cardigan is a staple in every woman's wardrobe, helping her look stylish and stay warm in the cold. The key is to wash it regularly, following all the rules and recommendations. Otherwise, the long cardigan will either become dirty and unattractive, or simply won't survive the wash. The question remains: can you machine-wash a knitted cardigan or is it better to hand-clean it the old-fashioned way? We'll provide all the answers, nuances, and steps below.

We act according to the instructions

There's no single set of instructions for all wool cardigans—it all depends on the color and composition of the material. While items knitted from synthetic or mixed fibers can be machine washed, natural items won't withstand the same treatment. For example, jumpers containing up to 20% wool can easily withstand both tumble tumble and high temperatures. Clothes labeled "100%" will either stretch or shrink in water, not by one or two sizes, but by as much as a doll's or giant's size.

Before washing a cardigan, check the label - it should not contain any symbols prohibiting wet cleaning.

To avoid risks, you should not act at random, but strictly follow the instructions on the product label. The manufacturer must indicate the optimal cleaning conditions on the label: type of wash, water heating temperature, maximum spin, and other parameters. If there are no prohibiting symbols on the label, then there are no special restrictions.

But beyond the manufacturer's restrictions, it's worth remembering the standard "don'ts" for all woolen items. The first is to wash the item as infrequently as possible. For example, if the item smells unpleasant but has no external stains, there's no need to use detergent; simply hang the cardigan outside and air it out. The second point concerns soaking, which is contraindicated for knitted garments. The third is that the most favorable temperature for knitting is 30-35 degrees Celsius, with sudden temperature fluctuations being undesirable.

When cleaning a wool cardigan, there are also a few more important points to consider:

• only gel detergents are used, developed specifically for wool and delicate fabrics (dry mixtures dissolve worse in cold water and get stuck in the fibers);
• It is permissible to use regular shampoo;
• it is advisable to add conditioner or rinse aid;
• To combat pilling, special balls are placed in the drum;
• select the “Wool”, “Delicate wash” or “Hand wash” mode;
• automatic drying is switched off;
• spinning is reduced to a minimum, ideally to zero;
• Before loading the cardigan into the drum, it is turned inside out and placed in a special protective bag.

If there are stains on your cardigan, remove them before loading it into the washing machine. Typically, treating the affected area with laundry soap and rubbing with a sponge is sufficient. If light-colored wool has yellowed, you can use lemon juice.

Wringing knitted items is not recommended. The best option is to gently press the material to remove moisture from the fibers. Afterward, hang the cardigan on a hanger to allow water to drain freely, then lay it out on a flat surface covered with a dry terry towel. Choose a ventilated room or balcony for drying. Avoid direct sunlight, as ultraviolet rays can discolor and damage the fibers.

If the machine is not suitable

Machine washing a cardigan is easier and faster, but hand washing is still preferable and safer. Keep in mind that excessive spinning or temperature fluctuations can damage the garment, causing it to shrink or stretch. By hand-washing, you have complete control over the process. Hand-washing a knitted jumper is extremely easy.

1. Fill the basin with warm water.
2. Dissolve the detergent in water and lather it.
3. We wash out stains first.
4. Place the cardigan in water and wash it using light pressing and kneading.

Rinsing is carried out in several stages, the water is changed until it becomes clear, and finally, rinse aid is added. Dry the jumper in an upright position in a ventilated area without exposure to direct ultraviolet light.

Should I use an iron?

Ironing and a wool cardigan are incompatible. It's best to avoid damaging the fibers and, if creases occur, hang the jumper near a pot of boiling water or in the bathtub while showering. The increased humidity and hot steam will quickly and safely smooth out the fabric.

Sometimes the manufacturer allows ironing, as indicated by the symbol on the label. However, it's important to remember to heat the iron to the minimum temperature and keep it 2-3 cm away from the garment. Direct contact between the fabric and the soleplate will result in deformation and damage to the fibers.

   

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