Caring for your winter woollies

Wearing winter woollies creates a cosy, ‘hygge’ feeling of comfort.

How to handwash knitwear
The sink should have room to easily rinse or swirl garments. To conserve water, wash more than one piece at a time, from light to dark colours.

1. Use warm water and a little mild wool wash. Submerge the garment in the water and let it soak for about 5 minutes.

2. Gently squeeze to work the soapy water through the fibres, but don’t agitate.

3. When you’re done washing, replace soapy water with clean lukewarm water, and carefully rinse.

4. Remove from the rinse water and gently squeeze out the water.

5. Lay it flat on one end of a bath towel and roll it up inside the towel. Gently squeeze or wring the towel.

6. Unwrap and place flat on a dry towel or airing rack away from sunlight.

Tip: The water temperature is right when you can’t feel it. Think of how you’d test a baby bottle.

What to look for in a wool wash
A mild liquid detergent with a neutral pH will rinse away more easily in warm or cold water, without residue. It should also be formulated against AWTA approved Woolmark test methods.

Naturally derived eucalyptus or lavender are excellent fragrance choices, and repel moths. Ecostore Eucalyptus Wool & Delicates is ideal for wool and cashmere, fabrics like lace and silk, black garments and baby clothes.

It’s a good idea to only wash knitwear a couple of times a season. Between washes, give it a good airing and de-pilling, and check for food or other marks. Properly washed and folded, quality knitwear will last for years.

ECOSTORE, 1 Scotland Street, T: 09 360 8477, www.ecostore.co.nz

#ecostore #winterwoolies #knitwear #Eucalyptus