Is it possible to wash knitted items in a machine?

You can wash knitted items in a machine, but with some reservations. These clothes require special care. There is usually a tag on the items with washing and drying instructions. If the tag is missing, it is important to know which types of knitwear can only be washed by hand, and which ones will not get damaged in the washing machine.

In what mode are knitted items washed?

Modern washing machines have a manual or delicate wash mode. In such modes, clothes made of wool and silk are washed.

Most delicate items require careful handling, but there are exceptions. If the product is woven from dense threads with the inclusion of synthetics, then a special mode is not required.

If you decide not to hand wash, then you should know how to properly wash a sweater in a washing machine. The knitted product is placed in a special laundry bag designed specifically for such clothes. The protective bag prevents the appearance of creases, stretching or tightening on the product.

After the manual or delicate wash mode, it is not recommended to select the additional spin function. In this mode, the item is more likely to lose its shape and size. The exception is thick threads with the inclusion of synthetic fiber, which are often found in blankets. It is permissible to spin them in a washing machine, but with a minimum number of revolutions per minute.

At what temperature are knitted clothes washed?

Correct temperature conditions will protect the knitted item from damage and changes in size.

• For items made of pure wool, the temperature should not exceed 30 degrees Celsius.
• Knitted clothes with the addition of synthetics are more resistant to elevated temperatures, so the upper limit in this case is 40 degrees.

Basically, the cooler the water, the better. As you know, heavy stains are difficult to wash off at low temperatures, so knitted items should be protected.

The choice of washing powder is important. Knitted items are washed with gels or powders for “capricious” items. For the rinsing mode, select an air conditioner from the same series. A good quality rinse aid additionally cleans items after washing with powder and makes them softer.

How to wash things by hand?

There is an algorithm for washing knitted items by hand. An item washed incorrectly by hand can also easily become damaged. Therefore, you should adhere to the following rules:

• Delicate items knitted from cotton, linen or blended yarn are washed primarily by hand. This reduces the risk of permanently damaging your favorite hat or dress.
• Wash clothes in slightly warm water using detergents for delicate fabrics. It is recommended to choose powders and rinses with the addition of plant extracts that support the fiber structure.
• When washing heavy stains, it is not recommended to rub the product vigorously so as not to spoil its structure. To do this, use a brush with natural bristles.
• You need to rinse carefully, in cold water and without squeezing movements. It is recommended to add a little vinegar, this will prevent the clothes from stretching.
• Knitted items made from mohair, angora or down are never machine washed.They are only suitable for hand washing.

If you follow these recommendations, knitted clothes will last a long time.

How to dry washed clothes?

After the water has drained, the product is wrapped in a terry towel and pressed lightly. This will allow the towel to absorb most of the moisture. Next, the clothes are hung on the back of a chair or bed and neatly straightened out. It is recommended to lay woolen items on a flat surface, slightly stretching along the edges.

Delicate clothes should not be dried on clotheslines. With this drying method, shrinkage and deformation are inevitable. The second unpleasant thing is that rope marks remain on sweaters, and most hand-knitted items cannot be ironed.

The same applies to drying on radiators - delicate items will lose their appearance.

If you carefully follow the recommendations for washing and drying, even the most delicate items will not deteriorate and will last a long time.