Care instructions for knitwear

Knitwear provides comfort, warmth and style for many different occasions. High-quality knitwear lasts a long time, but keeping it beautiful requires the right care. Since different materials, such as wool, cotton, kid mohair and cashmere, have different properties, their care needs also vary.

Proper care will significantly extend the life of your knitwear, and your knitwear will retain its original texture, color, and softness. This guide offers tips on how to care for and store your knitwear so that it stays as good as new and retains its best features year after year. Below you will find care instructions for different types of wool knitwear, and learn more about the specific characteristics of each material. This way, you can make your knitwear even more durable, beautiful, and easy to maintain – clothes that you will enjoy wearing again and again.

General instructions for caring for knitwear

The main rule when caring for knitwear is to air it out and avoid washing it, as most natural fibers repel dirt and clean themselves. When airing, especially in humid weather, the fibers of the knitwear swell, which loosens the dirt and effectively freshens the knitwear. This way, your knitwear will retain its best properties and last a long time without unnecessary washing.

1. Ventilate often, wash rarely

Many natural fibers, such as wool, mohair, and alpaca, are self-cleaning, so you don't need to wash your knitwear often. Air your knitwear outside, preferably in humid air, which will help freshen and remove odors without washing.

2. Remove stains locally

If a stain does appear on your sweater, treat it as soon as possible. Use a mild soap or other stain remover and avoid rubbing. Spot-treating the stain instead of washing the entire sweater will help preserve its structure and shape.

3. Wash by hand or on a gentle cycle

If the knitwear needs to be washed, hand wash or a gentle wool wash cycle at 30 degrees is recommended. Use a detergent suitable for natural fibers and avoid wringing, soaking and vigorous squeezing. Rinse in several rinses and gently remove excess water with a towel.

4. Flat dry – avoid hanging dry

Dry the sweater flat on a towel to prevent it from stretching. Hanging or hanging to dry can change the shape of the sweater, especially with heavier sweaters. Also avoid direct sunlight and heat sources such as radiators.

5. Store in an airy place

Store knitwear folded horizontally on a shelf to prevent it from stretching on the hanger. Close zippers and buttons before folding. To prevent pests such as moths from damaging your knitwear, you can use, for example, pieces of cedar wood or store your knitwear tightly closed when not in use for a long time.

Special instructions for different materials

Woolen sweaters
Wool has excellent thermal properties and a natural ability to repel dirt, which means that wool knitwear stays fresh with minimal care. Wool fibers absorb moisture from the surrounding area and clean themselves, so airing your knitwear is often enough to keep it fresh and in good condition.

Wool knitwear care instructions

• Air your wool sweater regularly, especially in humid weather.
• Avoid unnecessary washing, but if washing is necessary, hand wash in cool water or use a machine wash on a wool cycle. Use only liquid detergent intended for wool and avoid vigorous scrubbing.
• Shape the sweater while it is damp and dry it horizontally on a towel.

Mohair knitwear
Mohair is a lightweight, soft and durable fiber, also known for its refined luster. Mohair has an excellent ability to trap heat in a lightweight way, making it ideal for cooler weather. Mohair fibers repel dirt and dust, which reduces the need for washing.

Mohair knitwear care instructions

• Air your mohair knitwear regularly, preferably in humid weather, so that the fibers swell and thus become clean and fresh.
• Avoid washing and spot clean stains. If washing is necessary, hand wash in 30 degrees water using a liquid and gentle wool detergent. Avoid twisting or rubbing during washing.
• Dry horizontally on a towel and avoid direct sunlight.

Read more about mohair care instructions here.

Cotton knitwear

Cotton is a breathable and soft fiber that feels comfortable on the skin. It absorbs moisture well, but is not as warm as wool fibers. When caring for cotton, it is important to remember that it shrinks easily, so you should be careful when washing your knitwear.

Cotton knitwear care instructions

• Wash cotton knitwear preferably at 30 degrees and use a gentle detergent.
• Avoid vigorous spinning, as cotton shrinks easily.
• Flat drying is recommended to prevent the knitwear from stretching.

Cashmere sweaters

Cashmere is one of the world's softest and most luxurious natural fibres, renowned for its lightness and warm feel against the skin. Cashmere fibre is extremely fine and delicate, so knitwear made with cashmere requires special care. Cashmere is naturally breathable and regulates body temperature, but because it is sensitive to stretching and wear, proper care is important to ensure that knitwear retains its softness and shape.

Cashmere knitwear care instructions

• Wash cashmere sweaters by hand in cold water or use the wool wash program in the washing machine at a low temperature (maximum 30°C).
• Use a mild wool detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fibers.
• Never wring cashmere during washing as it can be easily damaged. Gently squeeze out excess water and dry on a flat surface.
• Dry cashmere sweaters horizontally, never hang them on a hanger, as they can stretch.
• Air out cashmere sweaters often in the fresh air, as they repel dirt and gain a new freshness without washing.
• Brush cashmere rugs with a soft comb to maintain their soft surface and prevent pilling.

Knitwear care in summary

Knitwear brings softness and warmth to your clothes, and proper care will significantly extend their lifespan. Always choose a washing method based on the material, favor ventilation, and avoid tumble drying and vigorous twisting. This way, your knitwear will stay beautiful and comfortable for a long time.