Wash a Cotton Sweater
Cotton sweaters are great for spring, fall and winter weather. They are durable and come in many thicknesses. Unlike wool, cashmere and other fabrics, cotton sweaters can be washed in the washing machine; however, you need to follow certain guidelines to avoid fading and shrinkage. This article will tell you how to wash a cotton sweater.
Steps
- Wash your sweater as soon as possible, if heavily soiled. If not, it can stay in the laundry until you are ready to wash other clothes.
- Spray the sweater with stain removal spray, if you have sweater stains.
- Turn the sweater inside out unless you have a large stain on the front. Your sweater will be less likely to wear or pill if it is inside out. If you have stains, they are more likely to come out if the sweater is right side out.
- Place fine cotton sweaters in a zippered pillowcase and then place them in the washer.
- Load the washer with your cotton sweater and other items.
- Pour in your regular all-purpose or gentle washing detergent.
- Wash on the gentle cycle.
- Wash bright-colored sweaters with cold water.
- Wash light-colored sweaters in warm water.
- You can also hand wash cotton sweaters if you fear they are too delicate for the laundry. Fill a sink with warm or cool water, pour in laundry detergent, toss in the clothes and allow them to soak for a few minutes. Knead the clothes for 5 minutes and then rinse until the water runs clear.
- Dry your sweater for 5 to 10 minutes to take away any stiffness.
- Remove the sweater from the dryer and lay it flat on a towel or a sweater rack.
- Iron your sweater, if necessary. Cotton is heat resistant so it can withstand repeated use of an iron.
Tips
- If you stain your sweater, try to remove the stain immediately. Consult a stain chart to see the best way to get out a stain. For example, food grease and food juice stains are treated differently. Follow your stain removal process with the above washing method.
- Make sure to wash white sweaters often, to avoid yellowing or stains.
Warnings
- Cotton sweaters can lose their shape with repeated washing and wearing.
- Cotton blend sweaters will be more likely to pill, so leave them out of the dryer.
Things You'll Need
- Stain remover (optional)
- Zippered pillowcase
- Washing machine with a gentle cycle
- All-purpose detergent
- Dryer
- Sweater rack or towel
- Iron (optional)
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