With the arrival of winter, the use of heavy clothing increases. Woolen jackets and sweaters not only provide warmth but are also a part of winter fashion. However, the biggest challenge with these garments is cleaning them. Sweaters and jackets are quite heavy, and scrubbing them by hand can be physically demanding. This fear leads many people to send them to dry cleaning instead of washing them at home; fearing that washing them in a washing machine will damage the wool or ruin the fabric's fit. However, if certain precautions are followed, woolen clothing can be cleaned safely in a washing machine.

It is necessary to turn the clothes inside out

Before putting sweaters in the washing machine, turning them inside out is the most basic and important step. When clothes are washed inside out, the fibers are less likely to rub against each other. This prevents lint from forming on the outer surface of the clothes and maintains their shine for a longer period of time. Additionally, if the sweater has buttons or a zipper, they should be closed. Open buttons or zips can get caught on other clothes during the machine's rotation, causing the risk of threads being pulled. Also, white and dark colored clothes should be washed separately to avoid color bleeding.

Correct water temperature

People often think that hot water cleans clothes better, but this belief can prove to be wrong when it comes to woolen garments. Wool is a very sensitive fiber that can shrink or expand completely under excessive heat. Woolen garments lose their original shape and become loose when exposed to hot water. Therefore, always choose cold water in the washing machine. Cold water maintains the strength of the fibers and prevents the garment from losing its shape.

Use of mild detergent

Avoid using regular washing powder to wash sweaters. The harsh chemicals in regular powders destroy the softness of wool, leaving the fabric stiff and rough. It's always wise to use liquid detergent or a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool. Liquid detergent dissolves easily in water and doesn't build up between the fibers, preserving both the color and softness of the garment.

Selecting the correct machine mode

Modern washing machines have different modes depending on the type of clothing. Never use the "normal" or "heavy" mode when washing sweaters. Instead, choose the "woolen" or "gentle" setting. These modes spin the clothing very gently and at low speeds, preventing stress on the wool. Woolen clothes clean faster than other fabrics, so they don't need to be left in the machine for long. Using these settings keeps sweaters looking as good as new and they don't wear out for years.

By taking care of these small but important things, not only can effort be saved, but expensive woolen clothes can also be kept safe for a long time.