It's almost sweaters season again. Sweaters are always loved for their soft touch and excellent warmth. However, washing sweaters can be a headache for everyone, as a little carelessness may lead to shrinkage, deformation, or color fading.

Today, we will discuss how to wash sweaters by hand so that after washing, they maintain their original softness and color and keep warm as before.

Unless the label says the sweaters are dry clean, you can hand wash almost any sweater. Hand washing is the safest way to wash a sweater compared to machine washing, but it can be a bit labor-intensive.

How do you properly hand wash a sweater? It's simple!

1. Fill a small bathtub or clean sink with cold water
2. Add some mild detergent
3. Turn the sweater over and shake it gently in the water
4. Soak the sweater in the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
5. Rinse the sweater
6. Replace the water in the bathtub with fresh water
7. Gently shake the sweater out of the water
8. Remove the sweater from the tub and fold it on a clean towel. Then, press it with your hands to absorb the excess water.
9. Lay the sweater flat to dry. Do not hang it on a hanger or clothesline, as this will stretch it and make it larger and looser!

Before washing, read the label on your sweater to see if it is machine washable. The good news is that many sweaters, especially acrylic sweaters, are machine washable. When washing sweaters, use the "gentle" program to ensure that the machine does not damage the sweater's structure. To protect your sweater, do not wash it with sharp, heavy items such as denim or studded garments. If possible, place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag to help prevent hooking and reduce pilling.

Don't choose to use the dryer after washing to avoid the sweaters will shrink. The best way is to lay it flat on the balcony and wait to air dry.

A general rule of thumb is to wash sweaters after twice to five times unless they are dirty. The more durable the sweater's fibers are (e.g., wool and synthetics), the less frequently it should be washed.

The cuffs of the sweaters often get stretched out while the rest of the sweater looks intact. To tighten the cuffs:

1. Immerse the stretched area in hot water and dry it slightly.
2. Place the wet cuff on a white towel and dry it with a hair dryer. It will cause the fibers to shrink slightly and tighten the cuff.
3. For a longer-lasting solution, sew some knitted elastic inside the edge of each cuff.

1. Turn sweaters inside or place them in a mesh laundry bag when washing. It will reduce friction on the fibers during the wash.
2. Choose the mild setting for your washing machine. If washing in a machine, select the slowest spin cycle and shortest wash cycle. Use the lightest mode if your washer does not have a "Wool" or "Gentle" setting.
3. Avoid washing heavier or larger items, such as jeans, sweatshirts, or blankets, with your sweater. Only wash with other delicates.
4. Reduce the number of washes. Unless you soil your sweaters or it is particularly dirty that day, you can wear it a few times before washing it.
5. Wash only in cold water, which is less damaging to the fibers.