Wool sweaters have long become a staple in everyone’s wardrobe, especially Irish sweaters. If back in the day they were only considered male garments, now they make one of the most frequently worn top in women’s fashion as well. In case you’ve recently purchased an Irish sweater and aren’t sure how to take care of it correctly, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide that will help you prevent any damage caused to your garment.
How to Wash
Correctly washing your Irish sweater is exactly what will keep your garment looking brand new for as long as possible. The easiest way to ensure that you’re taking care of it accordingly is to read the labels beforehand. This small detail is also a sign of a trustworthy seller that cares about its product, for example the authentic women’s Irish clothing from the ShamrockGift online store always comes with a warning about how you need to wash your Irish sweater and what detergents are better to avoid. Hand washing is the safest cleaning method, so fill a sink of lukewarm water mixed with a mild detergent and gently soak the fabric for 10 to 15 minutes. After that, rinse off the soap with fresh cold water and your garment is as good as new.
How to Remove Stains
No matter how well you hand wash your Irish sweater, there are some stains that simply cannot be cleaned with regular detergent. Since the merino wool that the sweater is made of is a particularly delicate fabric, you need to pay extra attention when removing the stains. If you’ve noticed a stain on your garment, try to clean it ASAP for the best chance of removal and remember to blot it gently with a paper towel and not rub it all across the sweater. Then, learn to identify where the stains came from and how exactly they can be cleaned, as they all need different methods to be removed. Oil stains, for example, require dish soap, while rubbing alcohol and white vinegar works best for when you accidentally spill red wine on yourself.
How to Dry
Learning how to dry your Irish sweater is crucial if you want to avoid any unwanted shrinkage and keep the original size and fit of your garment for as long as possible. After you’ve carefully washed your knitwear, you need to gently pat the sweater dry with a towel to remove any excess water. However, remember to never twist or wring the fabric so that you prevent causing any damage. After that, roll a towel on a flat surface, place the sweater on top, and let it air dry in a ventilated area. Avoid placing the wool piece under direct sunlight and once the sweater is dry you’ll have a cozy garment that is ready to be worn again.
How to Store
Once you’ve cleaned and dried your Irish sweater, it is important to make sure it is stored correctly in order to ensure its longevity and prevent it from losing its original form. The golden rule that you need to stick to is to fold your sweaters, to hang them, as it can cause stretching and misshaping of the garment over time.Plus, it is also important to keep your sweater away from moths or other insects that can try and feast on the fabric, so apart from your garment in a zipped bag or an airtight container, use cedar block to protect the knitwear against these pests.
