5 Ways to Protect Your Delicates During Sweater Weather

Ah, sweater weather—the time of year when your favorite knits come out to play. Whether it’s your soft cashmere, cozy wool sweaters, or even a go-to chunky cardigan, taking care of these delicate pieces is key to keeping them looking fresh and feeling snuggly all season long. 

The good news? Protecting your sweaters is easier than you think. Here are five easy ways to keep your delicates in top shape during sweater season.

1. Always Use a Mesh Laundry Bag for Machine Washing

When it comes to machine-washing your delicate sweaters, a mesh laundry bag is your secret weapon. Tossing your sweaters into the washer without protection can lead to snagging, stretching, or worse—pilling. 

A mesh laundry bag helps shield your knits from the rough-and-tumble of the washing machine, reducing friction and preventing damage. It's like giving your sweater a little personal bubble in the spin cycle.

Mesh laundry bags also help maintain the shape of your sweater, keeping it snug and soft, just like the day you bought it. 

If you're feeling unsure about which items to machine wash, this trick will make it much easier to keep your delicates safe!

2. Hand-Wash Wool and Cashmere for a Gentler Clean

Sometimes, the best way to take care of something delicate is to give it the personal touch. Wool and cashmere pieces, in particular, benefit from hand-washing. Machine agitation can be too harsh on the fibers, causing them to wear down faster or even shrink.

To hand-wash, all you need is lukewarm water, a bit of wool-friendly detergent, and a gentle touch. 

Soak your sweater for about 10 minutes, give it a gentle swish, and voilà—clean without the drama of machine damage. 

The key is to avoid rubbing the fabric too much, as this can cause felting (where the fibers clump together).

Not a fan of hand-washing? There’s always a gentle laundry service option for when you need extra care without the extra effort.

3. Air-Dry Sweaters Flat to Maintain Their Shape

Dryers and delicate sweaters do not mix well! Heat can lead to shrinkage, while the tumbling can stretch your sweater out of shape. 

The solution? Air-drying! Lay your sweater flat on a clean towel to let it dry naturally. This prevents stretching that happens when wet sweaters hang, and it helps keep the original shape intact.

Make sure to smooth out any wrinkles while it’s damp so you don’t end up with any unintended creases. 

Air-drying is a simple and effective way to protect the integrity of your sweater’s fibers, and trust us—it’s worth the extra patience.

4. Avoid Harsh Detergents; Use a Wool-Friendly Formula

Regular laundry detergents might be great for everyday items, but for wool and cashmere? Not so much.

Harsh chemicals can weaken delicate fibers, strip natural oils, and fade colors over time. That’s why it’s super important to use a mild detergent specifically designed for wool or other delicates.

These detergents are made to clean gently while preserving the softness and integrity of the fabric. 

You’ll notice your sweaters stay softer and last longer when you switch to wool-safe formulas. Less wear and tear = more years of cozy sweater goodness.

5. Roll Sweaters in a Towel to Remove Excess Water

It’s tempting to wring out a wet sweater after washing, but this can cause stretching and distortion. Instead, lay your sweater flat on a clean towel, roll it up like a burrito, and gently press to squeeze out the excess water. This method is much kinder to the fabric and helps it dry more evenly.

After rolling, lay it flat again to air-dry. This simple trick keeps your sweaters from becoming mishapen and avoids pulling on delicate fibers. It’s quick, easy, and effective—what more could you want?

Taking care of your sweaters doesn’t have to be a hassle. With just a few simple tricks—like using a mesh laundry bag, hand-washing when needed, air-drying, choosing gentle detergents, and towel rolling to remove water—you’ll keep your favorite knits looking good and feeling even better.

And if you’re not ready to tackle sweater care on your own? No problem. We’re LA’s only Green Certified laundry service, ready to handle your delicates with eco-friendly, expert care. 

From residential homes to small businesses and even 3-star hotels, we’ve got all your laundry needs covered. 

Let us keep your sweaters cozy and protected this season, so you can focus on enjoying sweater weather without the laundry stress!