Fall is upon us, which calls for a change in the staples you’ve been wearing all summer long. Retire your tank tops and t-shirts for the cozy crochet and cable knit sweaters that have been sitting in your closet since last December. 

Keeping knitwear clean and pristine without damaging delicate fabrics or threading can seem like an impossible task meant only for dry cleaners to complete. No need to look any further! Featured below are some of the best tips and tricks to keep your fall sweaters in shape for the chilly season to come. 

Always Read the Care Label

Before making any sudden moves, make sure to check the care label on the side of your sweater to ensure it is being washed properly. Whether it is hand-wash only, dry-clean only or machine-washable only; one wrong wash could change the life of your sweater forever. 

In the Washer

If you are throwing your comfy fall sweater in the washing machine, be sure to rinse your sweater with a cold water wash to begin. Pair it with a delicate detergent to avoid any damage caused from the washer. Always wash sweaters on the lowest setting and with your delicates to ensure the quality of your cozy fall staple! 

In the Dryer

Time to dry. Drying delicate pieces can be risky if the right care is not taken. When drying your sweaters in a drying machine, be sure to select your drying cycle on low heat. If you still feel nervous about throwing it in the dryer, double check the care label. Air drying crochet and knit wear is also always an option but this tends to take much longer for the piece to fully dry.

Sweater Aftercare 

Sweater aftercare and cleanliness goes farther than just washing and drying. It’s all about how you treat your sweater when it is not being worn or washed. The floor, back of the closest, or even on a hanger; are definitely not the spaces your sweater should call home.  

Many make the mistake of hanging sweaters on a hanger in a closet. If you are happy with the shape and fit of your sweater, never hang it on a hanger, doing so could leave your sweater out of shape and stretched out. Instead, store sweaters in areas that are cool, clean and well ventilated, in order to give your sweater its longest life. Placing sweaters in enclosures that can trap moisture is always a no; plastic bins and bags are an example of this. 

Folding and storing your sweaters in a drawer or closet is the best way to ensure your sweater’s safety and longevity throughout the fall season without tearing fabric or losing thread.