KNITWEAR is a must-have for the colder months – yet very few of us know how to take care of it properly, leaving jumpers either shrunk or with loose threads.
Made of delicate wool, jumpers, cosy cardigans and soft hats can be a nightmare to wash, especially when you don't know what setting to use or how much detergent to pour in.
Fortunately, offering a helping hand, the self-proclaimed Queen of Clean, Lynsey Crombie, shared a few tips and tricks that will keep your favourite knitted garments as good as new.
Avoid over-washing
When it comes to washing, the expert said that one of the biggest mistakes people make is doing it either too little, or too frequently, The Express reported.
"First things first, it’s important to know that it is best to wash your knitted clothing items every two to three wears.
“However, washing them every three to four wears may be risky as the garments may have picked up numerous germs and bacterias, particularly if you’ve been wearing them outside of the house.”
read more cleaning stories
Mum shares £4 buy which has saved her £500 on washing & urges everyone to switch
Mrs Hinch fans rave about 3p item that dissolves ‘stubborn’ toilet limescale
Read the labels
According to the pro, who regularly appears on our TV screens, taking note of the labels is essential to keep he garments in the best condition.
She said: "If it is machine washable, it’s wise to use a knitwear specific laundry detergent and make sure you use the delicate or knitwear setting on your machine.”
Once you've organised your knitted items into appropriate piles, it is best to isolate the cycle and only wash similar items together.
She also added that one of the most common causes of damage to delicate knitwear is zips and clasps being chucked together in the same load.
Most read in Fabulous
Inside plans for King's cut-back coronation with rituals axed & fewer guests
I’m 57 & people tell me to ‘dress my age’ – my trolls are just jealous
I’m a fashion fan and found the perfect leather leggings from New Look
We live in a lorry trailer we bought for £5K – we converted it into a lodge
Soak stretched knitwear
If you've found your favourite jumper damaged or stretched out, don't rush to get rod of it or donate it – there are a few quick fixes to revive it.
“If you happen to have a knitwear disaster then this handy hack might help revive your items.
FABULOUS BINGO: Get a £20 bonus & 30 free spins when you spend £10 today
"You will simply need to soak your knitwear in cold water with a measure of fabric conditioner mixed in with the water.
"Leave overnight and in the morning, wring out and try and stretch it back into shape. Your knitwear should then be salvaged!"
Use salt to maintain colours
Nothing's as frustrating as finding a jumper looking nowhere near as vibrant as it did when you first bought it, especially if it was on the more expensive side.
However, there is a solution – and it will cost you next to nothing.
To prevent dark colours from fading, the guru recommended swapping a capful of fabric conditioner for sea salt.
Combine this cheap trick with a cooler wash cycle and your knitwear is guaranteed to look brighter for longer.
Lynsey added: "Always ensure you wash your items inside out and opt for a colour catcher – you can pick them up cheap on Amazon or even at the supermarket.”
Avoid hangers
Just as important, she noted, is knowing how to store it properly.
Though it may come as a surprise to many, Lynsey advised against using hangers to store knitted sweaters and jumpers.
"When it comes to storing your knitwear, always ensure you fold it so your items maintain shape,'' she said.
Read More on The Sun
I’m trolled as my 3-year-old still uses her Silver Cross pram, she still fits
I tried the viral flake trend in my Air Fryer & it didn’t go to plan
"Never, ever hang knitwear on a hanger as it will lose its shape extremely quickly.
''There’s nothing worse than your favourite jumper’s neck becoming all baggy!"
Cleaning hacks and tips
Here are some tips to help you clean your home like a pro:
- How to clean your washing machine in a few easy steps
- Keep on top of cleaning your oven regularly
- Clean your shower to ensure it's always sparkling
- How to clean your microwave using cheap household items
- Here's how to get rid of that nasty limescale in your kettle
- You're cleaning your carpet all wrong – here's how to get it spotless again in no time
- Unblock a toilet without a plunger
- Clean your fabric or leather sofa in a few easy steps
- If you haven't cleaned your mattress in ages, here's how
- Steps to cleaning your dishwasher to leave it looking brand new
- This is how to clean mirrors and windows without streaking
- Keep your toilet clean in four easy steps
- Give your TV screen a once-over
- Did you know your Venetian, Roman, vertical, or roller blinds also need cleaning?
- Deep-clean your fridge in five simple steps
Source: Read Full Article
