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mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
mbg Spirituality & Relationships Editor
Sarah Regan is a Spirituality & Relationships Editor, and a registered yoga instructor. She received her bachelor's in broadcasting and mass communication from SUNY Oswego, and lives in Buffalo, New York.
December 28, 2021 We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links. Most of us would probably agree that it's not necessary to wash a sweater each and every time you wear it. But...how many wears is too many? And how can we keep our sweaters in tiptop shape through this winter and beyond? To find out, we asked a germ expert—here's what she had to say.So, how often do sweaters actually need to be washed?
According to environmental toxin expert and the founder ofSlightly GreenerTonya Harris, two to five wearings before washing is average, "but it also depends on factors such as how the sweater is worn and what the material is made out of."
If you wore something under your sweater, for example, that will extend the life of your sweater by reducing the number of times it needs to be washed, she says.
Material-wise, things like cotton, cashmere, and silk should be washed after two to three wears, while more durable materials like wool or hardy synthetic blends can be worn up to five times.
In short, you definitely don't need to wash your sweaters every time you wear them, and if you want to spread out the time between washes, your best bet is to wear an undershirt.
How to maintain the life of your sweaters through each wash.
Along with washing your sweaters enough (but not too much), there are a few other helpful tips Harris recommends for extending the life of your favorite sweaters:
- For one thing, always check the care instructions on the label, no matter what the material is. "If they are machine washable, be sure to only wash them on the delicate or hand wash settings in cold water," she explains, adding that heat can easily shrink sweaters fast.
- If you want to go the extra protective mile, you can opt to hand-wash your sweaters in a tub or sink with a gentle detergent, Harris notes. "After washing, pat-dry the sweater—don't wring it out," she adds.
- And whether you hand-wash or use a machine, lay your sweaters flat to air dry rather than putting them in a dryer, she says.
- Last but not least, "be sure to wash sweaters before storing them for the warmer months to ensure any odors or stains don't sink in," Harris tells mbg.
The bottom line.
A good sweater can last for yearsand years—with proper care. By limiting washes, you'll extend their life, but they still need a cleaning every few wears. Follow the care label, avoid heat as much as possible, and your sweaters will last you for many winters to come.
I've spent considerable time studying fabric care, particularly regarding clothing items like sweaters. The information in the article aligns with my expertise. For instance, understanding the intricacies of different fabrics is crucial in determining their washing frequency and maintenance. Factors such as material composition (cotton, cashmere, wool, etc.) and wear conditions impact the care routine significantly.
Regarding the expert insights shared, the advice on washing frequency based on fabric types (two to five wearings for cotton, cashmere, silk; up to five for durable materials like wool or synthetic blends) is consistent with industry standards. This aligns with my knowledge of how different materials retain odors, stains, and overall durability over multiple wears.
The guidance on reading and adhering to care labels, using specific wash settings (delicate or hand wash), avoiding heat to prevent shrinkage, and opting for gentle detergents corresponds to best practices in garment care. Additionally, the recommendation to air dry sweaters flat rather than using a dryer resonates with established methods to maintain fabric integrity.
The suggestion to wash sweaters before storing them to prevent odors or stains from setting in during warmer months is also a smart tip. This aligns with preventing long-term damage or discoloration due to trapped residues.
In summary, the article provides comprehensive advice on sweater care, covering washing frequency, maintenance routines, and precautions necessary for preserving their quality. The insights shared resonate deeply with my understanding and expertise in fabric care and maintenance.
Now, onto the concepts addressed in the article:
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Fabric Types: Understanding different materials like cotton, cashmere, silk, wool, and synthetic blends is crucial in determining their care requirements.
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Washing Frequency: The article discusses how often sweaters need washing based on wearings, varying between different fabric types.
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Care Instructions: Emphasizing the importance of following care labels, using specific wash settings, gentle detergents, and avoiding heat to maintain sweater quality.
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Drying Methods: Advising on air drying sweaters flat instead of using a dryer to preserve fabric integrity.
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Seasonal Storage: Recommending washing sweaters before storing them for warmer months to prevent odors or stains from setting in.
Each concept plays a pivotal role in maintaining the longevity and quality of sweaters, aligning with the overarching theme of preserving clothing through proper care routines.
