How to Wash a Cardigan?

This publication is also available in: Français Deutsch Italiano Español English (US)

Need tips and a guide on how to wash a cardigan properly? You’re in the right place. Washing a garment made of natural fibers such as wool or cashmere requires certain precautions to avoid unpleasant surprises. And it’s always better be well-informed to properly care for delicate garments like cardigans, wool sweaters, cashmere sweaters, or even fine-knit hats and scarves.

When it comes to maintenance, we immediately think of washing, drying, and spinning. It’s obvious, you say! However, it is important to proceed in the most appropriate manner to preserve your garment. Washing is good, but you especially need to avoid ending up with a shrunken, misshapen, or pilled garment afterward.

How to wash a cardigan in the machine?

Before seeing how to wash a cardigan in a washing machine, it is essential to note that garments made of natural fibers, especially wool knits, and notably merino wool, should be washed very rarely. Once per season is more than enough, as they say!

Very sensitive to friction, ideally wash a cardigan or other delicate garment in a mesh bag. It’s also better to turn it inside out before washing. An extra precaution to avoid ending up with a deformed cardigan or sweater.

So, to proceed with machine washing, here are a few rules to keep in mind:

Rule #1: Use the appropriate program

Of course, to wash a cardigan or wool sweater in the machine, make sure to use a “delicate laundry” or “wool cycle” program. Choose a short wash cycle, between 30 to 60 minutes.

Also, make sure to use a detergent specially designed for wool or cashmere garments.

Rule #2: Ensure the right temperature

The washing temperature for a knit garment, whether wool or cashmere, should never exceed 30°C. Exceeding this temperature, the wool or cashmere sweater will surely shrink, or worse, become deformed.

Rule #3: Set the spin intensity to minimum

To preserve your cardigan from pilling, the spin intensity should be set to minimum during machine washing. Ideally, it should be set to 400 revolutions per minute.

How to wash a cardigan by hand?

Hand washing a cardigan is possible under one condition: that you have plenty of experience in the matter. Otherwise, it’s better to avoid hand washing.

For hand washing experts, here’s a little guide on how to properly wash your cardigan:

• Step #1: Soak your cardigan in cold or lukewarm water for about 20 minutes. The water temperature should not exceed 30°.

• Step #2: Target the stains to remove and gently rub evenly with wool detergent or Marseille soap. Be careful with the amount of detergent! A small amount is more than enough. And be gentle! Otherwise, pilling may occur.

• Step #3: Rinse with cold water until there is no more soap or detergent. Make sure never to wring the cardigan to avoid damaging the knit.

Spinning and drying your cardigan

Spinning and drying sweaters and cardigans require special attention. Made of natural fiber knit, this delicate garment can be damaged quickly.

Tips for properly spinning a cardigan

To spin a cardigan, lay it flat. Never put it in the dryer, and avoid wringing it. To properly spin it, simply place it on the bottom of the bathtub or shower. Then, gently press on the sweater until the water drains out.

This precaution is even more essential for garments made of merino wool, cashmere, Shetland, or angora knit.

Another way to properly spin a cardigan is to roll it in a terry towel. Indeed, the terry towel will help absorb the excess water in the knits.

The best way to dry a cardigan

First, know that you should never dry a wool or cashmere garment on a hanger. Similarly, avoid hanging it on a clothesline.

To properly dry a cardigan, simply lay it flat on a terry towel and let it air dry. Also, make sure not to place it directly in the sun or near a heat source. Heat causes wool or cashmere to shrink.

To learn more, check out our cardigan care guide!

Discover how to wear the men’s cardigan properly!