Sweaters are delicate, and the heat and agitation of a washing machine can cause them to shrink. The most delicate at-home cleaning method is hand washing, which isn't as hard as you might think! Hand washing a sweater is simple:
Fill a small tub or clean sink with cold water
Add some mild detergent
Turn the sweater inside out and gently swirl it in the water
Soak the sweater in the mixture for 10-15 minutes
Rinse the sweater
Replace the water in the tub with clean water
Gently spin dry the sweater with clean water
Resist the urge to wring out the sweater! Gently pat the sweater and hang it flat to dry. Don't hang it up, as this can cause the sweater to stretch.
A common question is how to wash a sweater in the washing machine. Many sweaters have labels that say they are machine washable, but that doesn't mean you can wash them on any setting. To machine wash a sweater, use the "gentle," "hand wash," or "slow" cycle setting, and always wash in cold water. For extra protection for your sweater, use a mesh laundry bag to reduce friction. Avoid washing sweaters with heavy or bulky items like jeans, towels, and sweatshirts. After washing, don't put them in the dryer, even on the lightest setting. Instead, hang them flat to air dry. Taking these precautions when machine washing can help your sweater maintain its shape and last longer.
When in doubt, take your sweater to a dry cleaner. Professional dry cleaners will read the care label of each garment to determine the best way to clean the fabric without damaging it.