How to care for your knitwear and wool clothing this winter

From luxurious sweaters and cardigans to cosy hoodies and accessories, winter knitwear is a cold-season essential. These soft, comforting pieces offer warmth and style in equal measure – and with the right knitwear care routine, they’ll stay beautiful for years to come. 

But how do you properly care for knitwear? And why do wool and natural fibres need more delicate handling? Here, our expert knitter Danyan Liu shares her advice on how to care for knitwear, wash it well and store it properly through the winter and beyond. 

Why does winter knitwear require special care?  

Natural fibres such as wool, cashmere and alpaca are wonderfully soft and breathable, but they can be more sensitive than synthetic materials. Without thoughtful care, your knitwear may be more prone to stretching, shrinking, heat damage or pilling. 

A gentle, considered routine keeps your winter knitwear looking refined, maintains its shape and preserves the luxurious feel of every stitch. 

Preventing pilling 

Many winter knits are made from protein-based fibres like wool and cashmere, which can pill when exposed to friction or when washed too frequently. Pilling appears as small bobbles on the surface of the fabric, often under the arms, on elbows or along cuffs and collars. 

While some pilling is natural over time, you can reduce it by wearing and washing your knitwear carefully. To remove existing pills, use a fabric shaver or a sweater comb – especially on delicate pieces like cashmere. 

To maintain shape and fit  

To preserve the structure of your knitwear, gentle handling is key. Heat, agitation and incorrect storage can all alter the fit of your favourite winter pieces. In the next sections, we’ll explore how to wash wool, dry it properly and store your knitwear without stretching or misshaping it. 

How to wash wool and knitwear 

One of the most common questions we hear is “How do I wash wool?” or “How often should I wash my knitwear?” The good news is that natural fibres are naturally odour-resistant, meaning they don’t need frequent washing. 

In most cases, simply airing your knitwear outdoors when it is humid between wears is enough. Only wash your pieces when they are visibly dirty or stained. 

Before washing, always check the care label. Some garments may be suitable for hand-washing, a gentle machine cycle or dry cleaning only. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners and abrasive powdered detergents, which can damage delicate fibres. 

Machine wash 

If your knitwear is machine-washable, select the wool or delicates cycle at the lowest temperature (28°C being the most ideal temperature) and spin speed (600 preferably). Turn your garment inside out and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect against snagging. 

Hand wash 

Hand washing is the gentlest approach and ideal for caring for wool clothing. Use cool water (around 28°C) and a mild wool detergent. Gently squeeze the soapy water through the fibres – avoid twisting or wringing, as this can stretch the garment. 

If you spot a stain, treat it immediately using cold water and a gentle stain solution, rather than putting the knitwear straight into the wash. 

It is very important to use consistent water temperature for washing and rinsing, which most people don’t realise. A sudden change in water temperature is usually the cause of unwanted felting. 

How to dry  

Drying your knitwear correctly is essential for maintaining shape. After washing, press out excess water gently - never wring. Lay the garment flat on a clean towel, roll, press, let the towel absorb as much water from the knitwear as possible then reshape and leave it to dry on a flat surface. 

Avoid hanging wet knitwear, as this will cause stretching. Keep your pieces away from direct heat or sunlight, and never use a tumble dryer, which can cause shrinking and fibre damage. 

How to store knitwear 

Proper storage makes a huge difference in keeping your knitwear beautiful all year round. Fold your garments rather than hanging them, as hangers can distort the shoulders over time. Place folded items in a drawer or breathable storage box, using acid-free tissue paper between layers for your most delicate pieces. 

To protect against moths, ensure knitwear is clean before storing and use natural repellents like cedarwood balls or lavender sachets. For long-term or off-season storage, use cotton breathable garment storage bags to keep your garments safe and fresh. 

Do you need help with your winter knitwear care?  

At Knitted Home, we stock a curated range from Clothes Doctor – experts in slow, sustainable garment care. From wool-friendly detergents to protective scent bags, every product is designed to prolong the life of your winter knitwear and elevate your care routine. 

Explore the full range here: Clothes Doctor | Knitted Home