Sweater Season Is Here!

Are You Caring for Your Knitwear the Right Way?

Sweater season has officially arrived—and we couldn’t be happier. Cozy knits, chunky cardigans, and your favorite holiday sweaters are back in rotation. But before you toss them in the wash and hope for the best (we’ve all been there), let’s talk about how to properly care for your knitwear so it stays soft, strong, and looking great year after year.

Here are our go-to tips to help your sweaters survive—and thrive—this season.

1. Read the Label (Yes, Really)

We know, care tags aren’t exciting—but they are important. Wool, cashmere, cotton, and synthetic blends all need different care. When in doubt, gentle is always better than aggressive.

Pro tip: If the tag says “dry clean only,” it’s there for a reason. That’s where we come in. 

2. Wash Less, Love More

Sweaters don’t need to be washed after every wear. Overwashing breaks down fibers and leads to stretching and pilling.

• Spot clean when possible

• Air out sweaters between wears

• Wash only when truly needed

Your sweaters will thank you.

3. Cold Water + Gentle Cycle = Sweater Safety

If your sweater is machine washable:

• Use cold water

• Choose the gentle or delicate cycle

• Turn sweaters inside out

• Wash with similar colors

And always use a mild detergent—harsh soaps can strip natural fibers.

4. Never Hang Wet Sweaters (Gravity Is Not Your Friend)

Wet sweaters are heavy, and hanging them can stretch them out permanently.

Instead:

• Lay flat on a towel

• Gently reshape

• Air dry away from heat

Yes, it takes longer—but it’s worth it.

5. Skip the Dryer (Seriously)

Heat is one of the biggest enemies of knitwear. Shrinking, warping, and fiber damage are all dryer-related horror stories.

If you’re short on time or dealing with delicate knits, professional cleaning is the safest route.

6. Tackle Pilling the Right Way

Those little fuzz balls happen—it’s normal. But how you remove them matters.

✔️ Use a sweater shaver or fabric comb
❌ Don’t pull pills off by hand (this weakens fibers)

A little maintenance goes a long way.

7. Store Smart When the Season Ends

When sweater weather winds down:

• Wash or clean sweaters before storing

• Fold (never hang)

• Store in breathable bins or cotton bags

• Add cedar or lavender to keep moths away

Clean sweaters = no surprise damage next fall.

Let Saugerties Laundry Handle the Delicates 

Some sweaters deserve extra care—especially wool, cashmere, vintage, or sentimental favorites. At Saugerties Laundry, we offer professional, in-house dry cleaning to keep your knitwear looking its best without the stress.

Because sweater season should feel cozy… not risky.

Need help with your winter wardrobe? Stop in or schedule pickup and delivery—we’ve got you covered, sweater weather and beyond.