What if your knit could stay perfect forever?

You’ve just finished your knit. You feel proud, maybe even a little in love with it. You want it to look and feel this good every time you wear it.
So the question appears: how do you care for something made with so much heart?

I’m here to share a few of my own tips, along with some wisdom from more experienced knitters.

If you’re new to washing your knits, I’ve already written a full Esenote about the first wet-blocking process. You can read it here: Think wet-blocking is optional?

I also show the process step by step in almost every video tutorial, but the most detailed one is in the Mellow Mood Cardigan tutorial.

Now, let’s talk about what happens after that first wash.
How often should you clean your knits, and what’s the best way to keep them soft, fresh, and in shape?
The answer depends on the fiber you used.

Let’s start with wool. 
Thanks to lanolin*, wool has a natural ability to refresh itself, so you don’t need to wash it often.
* Lanolin is a natural, protective “sheep grease” that coats wool fibers, giving them water-repellent and antibacterial properties that resist odors and dirt.

I usually wash my sweaters after about ten wears (though I never really count). I just love the soft scent of Eucalan — the no-rinse detergent I use — and how it makes the fibers feel new again.

There are two kinds of wool: superwash and non-superwash (untreated).
Even if superwash yarns are labeled machine-washable, I still prefer to hand wash all my knits. Because I treat every piece like a delicate garment — the same way I’d care for a silk blouse.
You’ve spent days creating it; it deserves gentle handling.

 

How to hand wash your knitwear next time

The process is almost the same as the first wash, with one small difference — you don’t need to soak it for twenty minutes. The stitches already know their shape.

Wash it gently for a few minutes in lukewarm water with wool wash, rinse lightly, press out the water with a towel, and lay it flat to dry. Never hang it — gravity can stretch the fabric in ways we don’t want.

Choose kind products that are pH-neutral and made for wool or silk. Avoid bleach, fabric softeners, and harsh enzymes. A no-rinse wash like Eucalan works perfectly, and a mild baby shampoo is a good alternative.

Different fibers need slightly different care:
• Regular wool, alpaca, and cashmere prefer hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent (no sudden temperature changes.)
• Superwash wool can handle a delicate machine cycle, but treat it like it’s precious anyway.
• Cotton and linen are stronger but can stretch when wet, so reshape them while they dry. I wash my cotton-linen knits on a gentle program in the washing machine because I love how they become a little more fitted.
• Acrylic is the easiest to care for but tends to pill, (wash it inside out.)
• For blends, when unsure, always choose the gentlest way.

Now, about pilling.
Wool, alpaca, and even some cotton yarns tend to form small pills in areas with the most friction: under the arms, along the sleeves, or at the sides.
You can gently pick off a few with your fingertips, but doing this over a larger area can stretch and weaken the fabric, often leading to even more pilling later.

It’s better to use a fabric shaver (also called a de-pilling machine). You can find one easily online or in most electronics stores.

When I was in school, my dad showed me a rather risky trick — removing pills with a double-edge blade 😅. I tried it years later and, well... ended up with a hole right through my sweater.

Then I experimented again, this time with an old shaving razor. It worked, but a bit too well. My cashmere sweater turned completely bald, with all the fluff gone 😬.

Since then, I only use a proper de-pilling machine.
If you decide to get one, check reviews carefully. I bought a no-name model from a yarn shop, and it takes me almost 30 minutes to clean just one sweater. Next time, I’ll go for a trusted electronics brand like Philips or Xiaomi instead.

More tips from experienced knitters

Air it first: Animal fibres often just need a bit of fresh air. Lay your garment flat overnight, either near an open window or outside in the shade, and it will naturally refresh itself.

Lanolin helps: Choose a gentle wool wash that protects or restores this natural oil and keeps your knits soft, smooth, and lightly water-resistant.

Store smart: Always fold your knitwear instead of hanging it to avoid stretching. Wash and dry it completely before storing it for a longer time, for example over summer. Use natural moth repellents such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets. Keep your knitwear with a little space between them so air can circulate and the fabric can breathe.

Learn more from Tayler of Wool Needles Hands in her video "How to care for your hand-knits: TRUTH and MYTH."

❤️ I hope this Esenote was useful and inspiring.


Warm regards,

Julia Piro

Knitwear Designer & Esenotes Curator

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