How to Wash Every Type of Sweater & Hoodie
(Complete Fiber-Safe Guide)
Master the best washing methods for every type of sweater and hoodie to maintain quality.
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Sweaters and hoodies are some of the most cherished pieces of our wardrobe, especially when made from luxurious fibers like cashmere, merino wool, or alpaca.
Knowing the correct washing methods for different fibers ensures that your clothes last longer and maintain their softness, shape, and quality.
This guide provides expert advice on how to wash every type of sweater and hoodie — from hand-washing delicate cashmere to machine-washing streetwear hoodies like BAPE and Essentials.
Washing Methods by Fiber Type
Cashmere
Cashmere is known for its softness and luxurious feel, but it requires extra care. Here’s how to wash it properly:
Hand Washing: Always hand wash cashmere in lukewarm water (around 30°C / 86°F) to avoid shrinking. Use a mild, wool-specific detergent.
Water Temperature: Cold or lukewarm water is best. Hot water can cause the fibers to shrink.
Drying: After washing, gently press the sweater between two towels to remove excess water, then lay it flat to dry. Avoid wringing or hanging, which can stretch the fabric.
Common Mistakes: Never use fabric softeners or bleach. Avoid machine washing unless specified as safe.
Wool & Lambswool
Wool can be tricky to wash because it’s prone to felting. Here’s the best way to wash wool and lambswool garments:
Hand Washing: Use cold water and a detergent designed for wool.
Machine Washing: If using a washing machine, opt for the wool cycle with cold water.
Drying: Lay the wool garment flat to dry to preserve its shape.
Common Mistakes: Don’t wring out the fabric. Always avoid using hot water or aggressive agitation, which can cause felting.
Merino Wool
Merino wool is softer than regular wool, and it doesn’t retain odors as much, but it still needs special care.
Hand Wash: Use cold water and a wool-specific detergent.
Drying: Reshape and lay flat to dry. Merino wool can shrink easily, so avoid stretching.
Machine Wash: Use the gentle or wool cycle with cold water.
Alpaca Wool
Alpaca wool is known for its warmth, softness, and natural sheen. Here’s how to care for it:
Hand Wash: Use cool water and a mild detergent.
Drying: Lay flat on a towel and roll it up gently to remove excess water.
Common Mistakes: Never wring or twist alpaca fibers as this can stretch or damage the garment.
Mohair
Mohair is delicate but highly durable when cared for properly.
Hand Wash: Cool water, wool detergent, and gentle handling are key.
Drying: Lay it flat to dry, reshaping it to its original form. Avoid wringing or hanging.
Common Mistakes: Excessive friction can cause pilling, so handle mohair sweaters carefully.
Acrylic
Acrylic sweaters are durable and easier to care for than natural fibers.
Machine Wash: Acrylic sweaters can be safely machine washed in cold water. Use a gentle cycle.
Drying: Tumble dry on low or air dry by laying flat.
Common Mistakes: Don’t use high heat as this can damage the fabric or cause it to pill.
Fiber-Specific Related Blog
How to Wash a Cashmere Sweater (Without Shrinking or Pilling)
How to Wash a Wool Sweater the Right Way (Machine & Hand Wash)
How to Wash a Merino Wool Sweater Without Damaging the Fibers
How to Wash an Alpaca Sweater (Gentle Fiber Technique)
How to Wash a Mohair Sweater (Anti-Felting Method)
How to Wash a Lambswool Sweater
How to Wash a 100% Wool Sweater
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Washing Methods by Knitwear Type
Knit Sweaters
Knit sweaters, whether made of cashmere, wool, or synthetic fibers, require careful washing to maintain their shape.
Hand Wash or Machine Wash: Always wash knit sweaters on the gentle cycle (cold water) or by hand to prevent stretching.
Drying: Lay flat to dry. Use a towel to blot out excess moisture and prevent sagging.
Cable Knit Sweaters
Cable-knit sweaters need extra care to preserve the intricate stitch pattern.
Hand Wash: Use cold water and wool detergent to maintain the texture and structure.
Drying: Lay flat on a towel to dry, reshaping the sweater to prevent stretching.
Cardigan Sweaters
Cardigans are a wardrobe staple, but they can lose their shape if not cared for properly.
Hand Wash: Cold water and gentle detergent.
Drying: Always dry flat to preserve the shape of the garment.
Hoodies
Hoodies are a casual wardrobe essential that come in various fabrics, each requiring specific care to maintain their fit and style.
Hand Wash: Use cold water and a gentle detergent to preserve the fabric’s softness and integrity.
Drying: Always air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinking or damage to any prints or embellishments.
Common Mistakes: Avoid using high heat, which can lead to shrinkage or cause graphic prints to crack.
Dresses
Dresses, whether knitted or made from delicate fabrics, require special attention to maintain their shape and flow.
Hand Wash: Use cool or lukewarm water and a mild detergent to preserve the fabric and prevent any damage.
Drying: Lay flat to dry or hang in a shaded area to retain the shape and prevent fabric distortion.
Common Mistakes: Do not wring or twist the dress, as this can cause the fabric to lose its shape.
Tops & Others
Tops like T-shirts, blouses, and casual shirts can vary widely in fabric, but all need care to maintain their fit and feel.
Hand Wash: Wash in cold water with a gentle detergent, especially for delicate fabrics like silk or merino wool.
Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low heat to avoid shrinking or stretching, especially for knit tops.
Common Mistakes: Avoid high heat when drying, as this can cause shrinkage, particularly in cotton or wool blends.
Knitwear Types Related Blog
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Washing Streetwear and Branded Hoodies
Essentials Hoodies
Essentials hoodies often feature graphic prints that require special care.
Cold Water Wash: Machine wash in cold water with similar colors.
Drying: Air-dry or tumble dry on low heat to preserve the print.
BAPE Hoodies
BAPE hoodies are an investment piece, and you’ll want to keep them looking sharp.
Cold Water Wash: Turn the hoodie inside out before washing to protect the print.
Drying: Avoid heat, as it can affect the print. Lay flat to dry.
Sp5der Hoodies
For streetwear hoodies with designs like Sp5der, it’s essential to protect the fabric from wear and tear.
Cold Wash: Use a gentle cycle in cold water.
Drying: Air dry to avoid shrinkage or damage to the print.
Nike Hoodies
Nike hoodies are often made with a cotton-poly blend.
Machine Wash: Use cold water and a gentle cycle.
Drying: Air dry or tumble dry on low to prevent shrinkage.
Heated Hoodies (Milwaukee)
Heated hoodies require extra care due to the electrical components.
Battery Removal: Always remove the battery before washing.
Cold Water Wash: Machine wash on a delicate cycle.
Drying: Air dry; do not place in a dryer.
Zip-Up Hoodies
Zip-up hoodies need special care to ensure the zipper doesn’t catch or warp.
Cold Water Wash: Zip up the hoodie before washing.
Drying: Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low.
Brands Care Tips Related Blog
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Hand or Machine Washing Methods
Hand Wash Essentials
Hand washing sweaters and hoodies requires a gentle touch.
Water Temperature: Lukewarm or cold water.
Detergent: Use a mild detergent.
Method: Soak for 10-15 minutes, gently agitate, and rinse thoroughly.
Machine Wash Essentials
Use a Mesh Bag: Protect delicate fibers by placing the garment in a mesh bag.
Cycle Settings: Use the gentle or wool cycle with cold water.
Spin Speed: Use low spin to minimize fiber damage.
Hand/Machine Washing Blog
FAQs & Washing Knitwear
Washing a sweater with lights requires special care to avoid damaging the electrical components. Always remove the batteries or any detachable parts before washing. Hand wash in cold water using a gentle detergent and avoid wringing. For machine washing, use a mesh bag to protect the lights and set the machine on a delicate cycle. Air dry or lay flat to dry to prevent any potential short circuits or damage to the lights.
Similar to washing sweaters with lights, first remove the batteries and any detachable components like the battery pack. Hand wash the sweater in cold water with a mild detergent, and avoid hot water to protect the lights. Use a mesh bag if machine washing. Air dry or lay the sweater flat to dry to ensure the lights remain intact.
To remove sweat stains from a sweater, pre-treat the stains by applying a mild detergent or stain remover directly to the affected areas. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before washing. Hand wash in cold water or use the gentle cycle on the washing machine. For stubborn stains, repeat the process or use a gentle scrub to lift the stain. Always air dry to avoid setting the stain.
If you need to remove sweat odor without washing the sweater, spray it lightly with a fabric freshener or mix baking soda and water to create a mild deodorizing solution. Hang the sweater outside to air out, or place it in a well-ventilated area. For more thorough odor removal, try steam cleaning to kill bacteria that cause the smell.
To wash sweat stains from a hat, check the care label first. Most hats, especially baseball caps, should be hand washed with warm water and a mild detergent. For stubborn stains, gently scrub the inside with a toothbrush. Avoid soaking the entire hat to keep its shape intact. After washing, let the hat air dry or reshape it while it dries.
To keep your sweater soft, always hand wash it in cold water with a mild detergent designed for delicate fabrics. Use a fabric softener if desired, but only on wool-free garments. Avoid wringing the sweater, and always lay it flat to dry on a clean, dry towel to preserve softness and shape.
Shrinking a sweater without washing it can be tricky, but it’s possible to use heat from a blow dryer. Dampen the sweater with water and use a blow dryer on a high heat setting to apply heat to the fabric, then gently stretch and mold the sweater as needed. This method is best for wool and cotton sweaters, but results can vary based on the fiber type.
If your wool sweater was accidentally washed in hot water or dried incorrectly, there are ways to fix it. Re-blocking can help reshape the sweater. Soak the sweater in lukewarm water with a wool conditioner for 30 minutes. Gently reshape it while damp, then lay flat to dry. For severe shrinkage, you may need to gently stretch the fabric by hand while it’s still wet.
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Fill a basin with lukewarm or cold water.
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Add a mild detergent designed for wool or delicate fabrics.
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Submerge the sweater and gently agitate the water.
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Let it soak for 10-15 minutes.
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Rinse with cool water until all detergent is removed.
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Lay flat to dry on a towel, reshaping the sweater as needed.
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Cashmere requires special care to preserve its softness.
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Fill a basin with cool water.
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Add a cashmere-specific detergent.
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Gently agitate the water, avoiding wringing.
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Let it soak for 10 minutes.
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Rinse with cool water and press out excess water gently.
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Lay flat to dry on a towel, reshaping it.
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- Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
- Add a wool detergent and gently mix.
- Submerge the wool garment, gently pressing it down.
- Let it soak for 5-10 minutes.
- Rinse with cool water until detergent is removed.
- Dry flat on a clean towel.
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Turn the sweater inside out to protect the fabric.
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Use a mesh laundry bag to prevent tangling.
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Set your washing machine to a delicate cycle with cold water.
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Use a gentle detergent.
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Air dry the sweater by laying it flat on a towel.
Hoodies should be washed when they become visibly dirty or start to smell. Generally, wash your hoodie every 5-7 wears, depending on how frequently it’s used and how much sweat or dirt it accumulates. To maintain the fabric’s longevity, avoid over-washing and try to air out the hoodie between wears.

















