time<\/a> of the year, so I’m taking all my winter sweaters from storage. I think I’m going to wash them before wearing them. Can you offer any tips for washing wool (merino or cashmere) sweaters using an efficient machine? There’s no way I’ll wash them by hand (delicate cycle! ). However, I’m not sure which detergent is best for me. I’ve read horror stories concerning Woolite, but I am unsure about the other brands. Do you have any suggestions to assist?<\/span><\/p>\nI’m able to say several things to assist and help you. I’ll be there! One thing I will not tell you: won’t tell you to wash your outfits. I would love to hand wash your sweaters, but you’ve already made it clear that it’s not likely to happen. Therefore I’m not going to force it upon you. We all have the freedom to choose; it’s fine if you say you cannot convince yourself to incorporate hand washing into your laundry routine.<\/span><\/p>\nIf you’re like those of you who don’t, I’d recommend that you take a look at hand washing as it’s the most effective option for your sweaters, and it’s also a much more pleasant task than you believe, but I’ll keep the discussion for when someone inquires about the subject.<\/span><\/p>\nBefore we dive into the details of how to wash your sweater machine, in addition to all the fun to be had discussing washing cycles, the temperature of the water, and laundry detergents as well as thrilling accessories like protective bags, let me discuss for a moment about ways to extend the interval between washing and discuss a small item that caused me to clutch my pearls as I saw the question.<\/span><\/p>\nLet’s get started with the thing that looks like a pearl clutch since it’s not a huge deal, but it’s worth the time to make an effort to remember the proper storage. How our Letter Writer phrased his question made me believe that when he took his clothes away in the spring, he rolled them up and stored them. The issue is that in time, any stain, even the tiniest and barely noticeable ones of the genre–or the accumulations left behind from body oils, skin oils, or deodorants, could cause irreparable and permanent damage to the fabric. This isn’t to say it won’t occur, but it is possible. Since washing your sweaters doesn’t require much effort, I believe it’s worth taking the time to do it before they are stored away to make room for summertime outfits.<\/span><\/p>\nThe fact that stains can cause build-up leads us to the next part of our discussion on caring for your sweater: The length of time between washing. What is interesting about sweaters, regardless of whether they are cotton blends, wool, or fine cashmere, is that they do not like being handled excessively due to their tendency to pill, pull and tear. The most handle-y way to treat our clothes is to wash them. Another handle-y thing we wear is wearing them, so don’t get disoriented by this. (You are welcome to be a bit tangled over that awful sweater joke I created.)<\/span><\/p>\nThere are two aspects to consider regarding prolonging the period between washing, and they both boil down to triage and prevention. Prevention is as simple as wearing a garment underneath, such as an undershirt, to stop that build-up from transferring to the garment. On the triage side, it is possible to treat spots. It’s exactly what it says: treating spots, a.k.a. staining, when they occur instead of washing the whole sweater whenever an odor blemishes your wool.<\/span><\/p>\nAfter we have those basic concepts, let’s discuss how to wash. (I know what you’re thinking. “Good grief, lady, finally. Macaroni and Jesus, it took you a long enough damned time to, ya know, answer the question.” AND THAT IS FAIR. You’ve learned something along the way, and if speed is your goal, there are plenty of experts in cleaning who provide bullet points throughout our vast Internet. I’m not going to hurt you If you look them up.)<\/span><\/p>\n