Your knitwear shouldn’t be precious, it should just last.
Here’s how to keep it looking good for years (without treating it like a museum piece - no one has time for that).
🧺 Wash rarely, air often
Wool is naturally antimicrobial, it basically cleans itself.
I wash my knits maybe once a year, if that. Most of the time, I just air them out near a window and they’re good to go.
Keep in mind I wash everything I sell anyway, so you’re starting fresh.
💧 When you do wash
If you really mean business, hand wash in the sink with gentle detergent and reshape while damp.
But honestly I usually just pop mine in the machine on a wool cycle, which is 30°C with a 900 spin. If you’ve got a decent machine, 99% of the time it’ll be fine, but if you don’t want to risk it then stick with plan A!
🌬 Dry flat, store folded
Hangers are a knitwear’s worst enemy, they stretch the shoulders and quickly ruin the shape. Always dry flat and store folded instead, your jumpers will thank you later.
🪞 Say goodbye to pilling
Pilling is completely normal, especially with softer wools. A quick once over with a lint shaver or comb brings your knit straight back to life. It’s a 30 second fix (okay maybe a 5 minute fix) and will make your knits look brand new.
🐛 Moths?
Catch them early! They look like tiny white specks and love feasting on natural fibres.
If you spot any, seal the affected pieces in a zip bag and freeze them for at least a week (I’ve gone a full month before, just to be sure).
🧴 Wool smells weird?
Also normal.
That damp wool smell is just the natural lanolin reacting with water, it’ll disappear once the knit is completely dry! Resist the urge to rewash, just give it time.
✨ Final thought
Good knitwear doesn’t need pampering, just a little common sense. Air it out, store it well, and treat it gently. These pieces are made to last for years, not seasons.
