Nothing says holiday season quite like an ugly wool sweater. It’s a holiday tradition that has become a go-to party theme!
But while you’re busy being fun and festive in the tackiest outfit you can find, your beloved holiday sweater is probably in need of a good wash.
First, check for a care label. Your old holiday sweater might not have one, but if it does, always follow the directions. Following care instructions — if they’re still there! — is the best way to wash clothes.
If the care label on your holiday sweater is nowhere to be found, don’t worry. You can wash clothes based on the material they’re made of.
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Wool Sweaters
Ah, the classic wool sweater. Generally speaking, most wool knits can be washed on the “gentle,” “hand wash,” or “wool” cycle, using the cool water setting. To dry your wool sweater, avoid using a machine dryer; instead, lay it out on a flat surface away from direct sunlight.
Acrylic Knits
“Pilling” is what happens when the fibres of a piece of clothing break down and clump together in little balls. It’s especially common with acrylic clothing. To avoid pilling on your acrylic knits, be sure to machine wash them on a gentle cycle (always in cool water) or by hand. For best tumble drying results, choose a low heat setting.
Beading, Sequins, and Feathers
When it comes to holiday sweaters, you’ll often see some quirky materials like sequins and beading. In this case, it’s hard to give a few general tips that will work for every wacky holiday sweater. If your festive pullover is complete with sparkles, feathers, and the like, cleaning it the conventional way will be a challenge — it’s best to get it professionally cleaned.
