To wash a wool sweater without shrinking it, use cold water, a gentle or wool cycle (or hand wash), and a mild wool-safe detergent. Don't wring it. Press the water out, reshape it, and let it dry flat away from heat. Heat and rough tumbling are what shrink wool, so skip both.
How to Wash Wool Sweaters Without Shrinking
- Check the care label. Some wool is machine washable. Some is hand wash only.
- Turn it inside out to cut down on friction.
- Go cold and gentle, in a mesh laundry bag.
- Use a little wool-safe detergent, and skip the bleach.
- Roll, don't wring. Roll it up in a towel and press out the water.
Can You Put a Wool Sweater in the Dryer?
Usually, no. Heat plus tumbling is the fastest way to turn your sweater into a kid's size. Only use a dryer if the care label says it's OK, and then on low. Otherwise, lay it flat on a towel or rack and reshape it while it's damp.
It's tempting in a steam-heated Brooklyn apartment, but don't dry sweaters on a radiator. Direct heat can shrink wool and leave it stiff. A rack across the room works fine.
How to Unshrink a Wool Sweater
Soak a shrunken sweater for about 30 minutes in lukewarm water with a spoonful of hair conditioner or baby shampoo. Press the water out, gently stretch it back toward its old shape, and dry it flat. Results vary, but it's worth a shot.
How Do You Get Rid of Pilling on a Sweater?
Pills are the little fuzz balls that show up where fabric rubs, like under the arms. Go over them lightly with a fabric shaver or sweater comb. To slow new ones down, wash sweaters inside out on gentle, away from rough stuff like jeans and towels.
FAQ
Can I machine wash a wool sweater? If the label says machine washable, yes. Use cold water, a wool or gentle cycle, and wool-safe detergent. If it says hand wash, use a basin of cool water.
How often should you wash a wool sweater? Wool naturally resists odors, so airing it out between wears is often enough. Wash it after several wears or when it needs it.
Sweater Season, Sorted
Bring your sweaters to Speedy Fresh at 9702 Church Ave. and run them in our self-service machines on a cold, gentle cycle, then lay them flat at home. Hand the rest of the pile, like towels, sheets, and everyday clothes, to our wash & fold team. Or schedule a pickup and we'll bring it back to your door. Stay cozy, Brooklyn.
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