Sept
30
2012
By
of Valet.
Clean

Dry cleaning may be convenient, but the chemicals can strip the natural oils from a sweater's yarn, making it lose loft and luster, according to Lindsey Wieber Boyd and Gwen Whiting, founders of The Laundress. They suggest turning a sweater inside out (to clean the fabric where sweat and odors buildup on the inside closest to your body), and washing by hand.

$6, at
Amazon

Fuzz

Those little fuzz balls? It's called "pilling," and it usually happens to knits of lesser quality. But they can be easily removed with a sweater stone, which pulls the little guys from the threads, leaving a smooth finish.

Soften

You likely have a sweater that you'd wear more if it weren't so damn scratchy. Some wool is itchier than others, while some take on a stiff texture after repeated wears and cleaning. But relief can be found in your shower—hair conditioner is a proven softener.

 
Storage

Hanging a sweater will stretch it out. Always fold. And whether you're packing them or stacking a few in your closet, a commercial folding board makes quick and uniform stacks.

$5, by Achieve Display

 
Stains

Pretreat any stains along with the collar, cuffs and underarms with an enzyme-based remover.

$4, by Ecover

60-Second Guide

Sweater

Maintenance

 

The workhorses of your cold weather wardrobe, your sweaters will most certainly take a beating over the next few months. Treat them right and take care of them now, and they'll feel a lot better and last a whole lot longer. Herewith, everything you need to know.

Shawl collar sweater,
$130 by Club Monaco

 

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