How do you keep sweaters soft when washing them?

In order to keep sweaters soft when washing them, use very little detergent, use a low water temperature, never wring out or stretch the garment and wash one sweater at a time. The timing varies depending on whether you machine or hand-wash the item.

1. Pretreat stains

   Pretreat stains before washing the sweater. This helps to remove the stain without scrubbing or over-washing the sweater, which can misshape or roughen the fabric.

2. Use cool water

   Whether you are hand- or machine-washing the sweater, use the lowest temperature possible.

3. Use very little detergent

   Add detergent to the water. Use a very small amount, and make sure that the detergent is gentle. The more detergent you use, the harder it is to get out of the sweater. Soap that is not rinsed completely from the garment can cause that garment to feel stiff.

4. Gently wash the sweater

   Either put the washing machine into a gentle cycle or agitate the soapy water by hand. Never scrub or wring the sweater, as this can stretch it out. Only wash one sweater at a time.

5. Rinse the sweater

   Place the sweater in clean water to rinse it.

6. Dry the sweater

   Place the sweater on a towel. Roll the sweater in the towel to remove excess water. Lay the sweater flat to air dry.