How to Care for Your Sweaters and Cardigans?

If you’re a well-organized man, you likely own all the essential pieces of a stylish wardrobe. Have you stocked up on warm and trendy clothing for fall and winter? Keep them in good condition so you can enjoy them for years! They require proper care to ensure your sweaters and cardigans remain beautiful and comfortable over time. These garments need specific attention, whether wool or cotton, to prevent fading or deformation. At Ernest, our team shares the best care tips — from washing to storage — to pamper your sweaters and cardigans. Ready to discover our must-know tips? Follow the guide!

Read the label carefully

Tossing all your clothes into the washer and dryer on the same cycle? A common mistake — but one you can avoid! Specific care is essential to prevent shrinking or premature fading depending on the fabric of your sweater or cardigan.

If you don’t want to part with your favourite sweaters too soon, follow the label instructions religiously. These labels provide detailed information on water temperature, detergent type, cycle settings (normal, delicate, hand-wash, etc.), spin speed, bleach products (e.g., chlorine bleach), and drying methods (dryer temperature, air drying, drying out of direct sunlight, etc.). In other words, the label gives you the manufacturer's recommended instructions to preserve your garment.

What do the care symbols on your clothing mean? You’re not alone! A wide array of often-overlooked pictograms play a key role in maintaining your clothing. Understanding their meaning will help you extend the life of your favourite pieces.

To guide you, we recommend the article from Protégez-vous magazine: “How to Read Clothing Care Labels” — an essential resource for adequately maintaining your wardrobe. Take a few minutes to explore it and adopt the proper habits today!

Source: https://www.lcommelin.com/module/csblog/post/18-1-le-lin-tout-un-symbole.html

The advantages and disadvantages of different materials

Cleaning and storage tips for wool sweaters and cardigans

Do you own beautiful wool sweaters and cardigans? These cozy knits need special care to retain their properties. Since they tend to shrink, they must be kept away from heat. While most wool garments require dry cleaning — which you can entrust to a professional service — some pieces can be washed at home. Here are the key points to remember:

- Place the sweater in a bag to wash delicate items (e.g., fine lingerie) in the machine.

Source : https://www.canadiantire.ca/fr/pdp/sacs-de-lavage-pour-vetements-delicats-type-a-paq-3-1424652p.html

- Use a mild detergent (look for “for delicate fabrics” on the label).

- After washing, lay the sweater flat on a towel and roll the towel to absorb excess water (never use the dryer).

- Once the garment is no longer dripping, lay it flat on a dry towel (avoid placing it in direct sunlight) and reshape it as much as possible to its original form.

When storing your knits, avoid hangers, as they can deform the shoulders and stretch the fibres. After washing them at the end of the cold season, it’s better to fold them neatly and store them in a drawer.

Do Not Wash Your Wool Sweater or Cardigan After Every Use! To refresh it, use a steamer or hang it in the bathroom while you shower.

If your favourite knits are covered in small lint balls, don’t worry — there’s an easy solution. Grab a fabric shaver or razor and gently glide it over the garment's surface. This gentle and effective method restores your pieces' original appearance without damaging the fibres. The result? A flawless sweater that looks like it just came from the store! Embrace this essential care routine and enjoy your favourite pieces for much longer.

Cleaning and storage tips for cotton sweaters

Your cotton sweaters (turtleneck, half-zip, crewneck, etc.) also require your attention! In addition to following the label instructions, keep the following points in mind to ensure the best care:

- Identify stains and gently scrub them with a high-quality stain remover;

- If washing the sweater by hand, turn it inside out, soak it in lukewarm-cool water for 20 minutes, gently agitate, rinse, and remove excess water by rolling it in a towel;

- If machine washing, turn the garment inside out, place it in a mesh laundry bag, select the delicate cycle, then lay it flat to dry or use a drying rack (not a hanger). Alternatively, you can use a dryer on low heat.

- Steam iron the sweater to remove wrinkles.

Important Note: Avoid washing light and dark-coloured sweaters together, which may lead to unwanted dye transfer.

Once your cotton sweaters are clean and dry, you can hang them on thick hangers in your closet or fold them neatly into a drawer. If you plan to store them in another room for several months, place them in a non-airtight container with an antifungal and insect-repellent product (e.g., moth repellents).

How to Remove Grease, Wine, and Coffee Stains

Even if you’re careful with your clothes, accidents happen! Did you accidentally spill greasy food, wine, or coffee on one of your sweaters? Here are some expert tips to make those stubborn stains disappear like a pro!

Grease Stains:

- Start by gently blotting the stain with a paper towel to remove excess grease. Then, generously sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch over the area to absorb the remaining grease. Let it sit for about 15 minutes, then shake off the powder.

- Apply a small amount of liquid dish soap directly onto the stain. This product is designed to cut through grease, making it particularly effective. Gently rub the soap into the fibres using a soft toothbrush or fingers.

- Rinse the treated area with cold water to remove the soap and dissolve grease, then wash your sweater following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Red Wine Stains

- Immediately blot the stain with a clean cloth or paper towel to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing to prevent spreading the stain!

- If you have white wine on hand, pour a small amount over the stain to neutralize the red colour.

- Cover the area with a generous layer of salt or baking soda to absorb any remaining liquid and prevent the stain from setting. Let it sit for a few minutes, then shake off the excess. If these are unavailable, an enzyme-based stain remover is recommended. Rinse the stained area with cold water and wash the garment according to the care instructions.

Coffee Stains

- Rinse the stained area under cold water to remove as much coffee as possible. Then, gently apply liquid soap (dish or laundry) directly to the stain. Let the sweater soak in cold water for 15–30 minutes to allow the soap to penetrate and dissolve the stain.

- Alternatively, soak the area in water and white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse. Finally, wash the garment as per its care instructions.

IMPORTANT: Regardless of the stain, always air-dry your sweater after treating it. Once it’s dry, check to see if the stain is completely gone. This step is crucial because the dryer's heat can permanently set the stain into the fabric. Don't take unnecessary risks for persistent stains or delicate, valuable sweaters—visit a professional cleaner immediately.

Now you have all the secrets to washing, cleaning, rinse, wringing, drying, ironing, and storing your wool or cotton sweaters like a pro!