Tod’s Cashmere Blend Sweater (Similar) | Tod’s Wool and Cashmere Skirt (Similar) | Tod’s Shoulder Bag | Tod’s Leather Platform Loafers | Chain Necklace Similar
By far, the best thing about fall and winter is the excuse to wear a sweater with every outfit. Over the years, I have built up an expansive knitwear collection, with no signs of slowing down. After all, sweaters will always be a cherished staple in my wardrobe, providing warmth, comfort, and style during the colder months. Whether they are hand-knit heirlooms, luxe cashmere, or trendy acrylic knits, I discovered that the key to enjoying these wardrobe treasures for years to come lies in proper care. Unlike more durable pieces in your wardrobe, sweaters are far more delicate and require some extra TLC to ensure they last for multiple seasons. As we embrace sweater weather season, I wanted to share my best kept sweater care tips.…
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Always Fold, Rather Than Hang
One of the best things you can do for your sweaters is to keep them off of hangers. No matter what type of knit or weave, hanging can cause these garments to stretch and lose their shape over time. Carefully folding and storing on a shelf or in a drawer will be your best bet for longevity. If hanging is necessary, opt for a padded or velvet hanger. Ensure to drape your sweaters across the center of the hanger instead of the traditional hanging method.
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Use a Sweater Stone
No matter how well you treat your knits, all sweaters can pill over time. Pills are those pesky little fabric balls that can gather. Rather than pulling them off one-by-one, save time and effort by investing in a sweater stone to gently remove the pills without causing any damage. Alternatively, you can also use a fabric shaver.
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Hacks for Repelling Moths
When storing your knits in a drawer, place a lavender satchel inside. This is a natural solution to help keep any unwanted bugs or moths away from clothing. Plus, the aromatic flower does an amazing job of keeping your sweaters smelling amazing! This is especially important when you store your sweaters away after the winter season.
Cedar balls also serve as a dual-purpose lifesaver for your sweaters. Besides giving off a pleasant fragrance, they naturally repel moths and other pests that can damage your knits. Place a few cedar balls or chips in your drawers or storage containers to protect your knits from any unwanted visitors during the off-season.
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Use a Laundry Bag
While hand washing is often recommended for knits, there may be instances where machine washing is necessary. Protect your garments from harsh friction and potential snags by carefully placing them in a delicate laundry bag during machine washes.
Another laundering hack – white vinegar. It’s a secret weapon in preserving the softness of your sweaters. When washing, add half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle. This not only helps to remove detergent residue but also works as a natural softener. Your sweaters will emerge cozier minus the potential damage that commercial fabric softeners might cause.
To make your sweaters less itchy, try a hair conditioner hack. Fill a basin with lukewarm water, add a small amount of hair conditioner, and mix it well. Submerge your sweater in this solution for about 30 minutes, ensuring it’s completely soaked. Then gently rinse it, squeeze out excess water, and lay it flat to dry. The hair conditioner helps soften the fibers, reducing the itchiness.
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Air Dry with Precision
After washing, resist the urge to hang your sweaters for drying as the weight can distort the shape of the fibers. Instead, carefully lay them flat on a clean, dry towel to air dry. To speed up the process, gently roll the towel with the sweater inside to eliminate excess moisture. Once removed, reshape the sweater by hand and lay it flat to dry completely. Avoid direct sunlight as it can cause fading; aim for a well-ventilated area for a perfect, natural dry.
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Freeze Out Odors and Bacteria
Freezing can serve as an efficient way to eliminate odors and bacteria from your sweaters. Place your clean, dry sweaters in a plastic bag and let them chill in the freezer overnight. The cold temperature helps kill off any odor-causing bacteria without causing damage to the fabric. After defrosting for a few hours, your sweaters will emerge fresh and ready to wear.
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Be Mindful of Jewelry
While we all love accessorizing with jewelry, it’s important to be mindful of the pieces you choose, especially when it comes to more delicate weaves. Sharp necklaces or bracelets can easily snag your precious knits. To prevent this, opt for smooth, non-abrasive accessories.
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Combat Wrinkles with Steam
We all steam delicate fabrics, like satin and linen, but did you know you can steam your sweaters too? Say goodbye to stubborn wrinkles without ironing! Steam your sweaters gently by using a hand steamer or by hanging them in the bathroom while you take a hot shower. This allows the steam to relax the fibers, effectively reducing wrinkles and bringing back a pristine, fresh look to your knits. For more delicate fabrics, use a pressing cloth between the garment and the steamer to prevent any potential damage.
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Do you have any other sweater care tips that I missed?
