If you’re anything like us, you probably have a favourite woolly jumper or two you reach for as soon as the temperature drops.
But how often do you wash your knitwear? If your answer is ‘every few wears’ or even ‘every week’, you might be doing your beloved jumpers a disservice—wasting precious time and energy.
According to Rebecca Van Amber, a senior lecturer at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology’s School of Fashion and Textiles, most people wash their knitwear too often.
She said there’s only one time a year when giving your woollies a proper wash is essential: before you pack them away for the season.
Why so infrequently? Wool is a wonder fibre—naturally odour-resistant, breathable, and able to repel dirt better than most synthetic fabrics.
Unless you’ve had a major spill or a particularly sweaty day, your wool jumper can be worn many times before it needs a wash.
‘If you’re like me and you put your wool jumpers away for the winter, you want to wash them before you store them,’ said Van Amber.
‘If they have any sort of dirt or food on them, that will make them more attractive to moths and insects that might damage your wool.’
So, what about those acrylic knits or blends? While synthetic fibres absorb odours more readily than wool, Van Amber recommends avoiding frequent washes.
Over-washing can lead to pilling, fading, and a general loss of that lovely, soft texture we all love in our knits.
How to keep your knitwear fresh between washes
If you’re worried about your jumpers getting a bit whiffy, there are a few simple tricks to keep them fresh:
- Layer up: Wear a shirt or singlet underneath your knitwear to create a barrier between your skin and the jumper. This helps absorb sweat and body oils, keeping your knit cleaner for longer.
- Air it out: After wearing, hang your jumper in a shady, breezy spot (indoors or out) to let it breathe. This can work wonders for removing any lingering odours.
- Spot clean: If you spill something, don’t panic! Dab the stain gently with a damp cloth and a little wool-friendly detergent, rather than tossing the whole garment in the wash.
The $3 secret to longer-lasting knits
When it does come time to wash your knitwear, Van Amber swears by a humble laundry essential: the mesh washing bag. Available for just a few dollars at supermarkets and discount stores, these bags protect delicate fibres from snagging, stretching, and pilling in the wash.
Simply pop your jumper in the bag, select your machine’s delicate or wool cycle, and use a detergent specifically designed for wool or delicates (these are also available for under $3 at most supermarkets).
‘I’m a huge fan of using those mesh bags for delicate items,’ said Van Amber. ‘They’re so inexpensive, and putting any delicate item in that bag really helps it last much longer.’
Her other golden rule is always to use a wool wash or a detergent formulated for delicates. Regular laundry powders can be too harsh, stripping natural oils from the fibres and causing them to become brittle or lose shape.
Once your jumper is clean, resist the urge to toss it in the dryer. The heat and tumbling action can shrink or distort the fibres.
Instead, Van Amber recommends gently squeezing out excess water (try rolling the garment in a towel), then laying it flat to dry. This method helps prevent stretching and keeps the shape intact for heavier knits.
When it’s time to put your jumpers away for the season, fold them neatly rather than hanging them.
Hanging can cause the shoulders to stretch out and leave unsightly bumps. For long-term storage, ensure your knits are completely dry, then pack them in sealed containers or vacuum bags to keep out moths and moisture.
If you’re worried about moths, pop a few cedar balls or lavender sachets with your knits. They’re a natural deterrent and will keep your clothes smelling lovely.
How often do you wash your jumpers? Do you have any tried-and-true tips for keeping your knitwear looking its best? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
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