Kids’ jumpers and cardigans are essential wardrobe items, keeping little ones warm and cosy throughout the year. Taking proper care of these knitwear pieces ensures they stay soft, maintain their shape, and last longer. Gentle hand washing in cold water with a wool-friendly detergent is the best way to clean kids’ jumpers and cardigans.
If you’re pressed for time, you can use a washing machine on a cold wool setting without a spin cycle. Remember to turn the garment inside out before washing. After cleaning, it’s crucial to dry the knitwear flat to preserve its shape. Avoid hanging wet jumpers or cardigans, as this can stretch them out of shape.
Between washes, you can freshen up kids’ knitwear by airing it outdoors or near an open window for a couple of hours. This simple step can reduce the need for frequent washing, helping to maintain the garment’s quality. For storage, fold jumpers and cardigans neatly and keep them in breathable fabric bags or cotton pillowcases to protect them from dust.
On This Page
Key Takeaways
- Wash kids’ knitwear gently in cold water with wool-friendly detergent
- Dry jumpers and cardigans flat to maintain their shape
- Store knitwear folded in breathable containers to protect from dust
Understanding Kids’ Knitwear
Kids’ knitwear is a cosy and versatile part of any child’s wardrobe. It comes in many forms and needs proper care to stay in good shape.
Varieties of Knitwear
Jumpers, cardigans, and sweatshirts are popular types of kids’ knitwear. Jumpers are pullover sweaters that keep children warm and snug. Cardigans have buttons or zips down the front, making them easy to put on and take off.
Sweatshirts are a more casual option, often made from cotton or fleece. Some knitwear is made from wool, while others use synthetic fibres or blends. Each material has its own care needs.
I’ve found that knitwear can be plain or have fun patterns and designs. It’s a great way to add colour and style to a child’s outfit while keeping them comfortable.
Importance of Proper Care
Taking good care of kids’ knitwear helps it last longer and stay looking nice. I always check the care label first, as different materials need different treatment. Most knitwear does best with gentle washing in cool water.
I turn items inside out before washing to protect the outer surface. For wool items, I use a special wool detergent. After washing, I reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry.
Ironing can be tricky with knitwear. I use a low heat setting and a damp cloth over the garment to avoid damage. Proper storage is key too. I fold knitwear instead of hanging it to keep its shape.
Reading and Interpreting Care Labels
Care labels give vital info on how to clean and maintain kids’ jumpers and cardigans. They use symbols and text to explain proper washing, drying, and ironing methods.
Symbols and Instructions
I always check the care label before washing my child’s knitwear. The label shows small icons for washing, drying, and ironing. A washtub symbol means it’s machine-washable. Numbers inside tell me the top temp to use.
A square with a circle means I can tumble dry it. Dots show the heat setting – more dots, more heat. An iron symbol lets me know if I can press it. Lines or dots tell me how hot to set the iron.
Some labels say “hand wash only” or “dry clean”. I follow these rules to keep the garment in good shape. If I’m not sure, I pick the gentler option to be safe.
Fabric Specific Guidelines
Different fabrics need different care. For wool jumpers, I use cool water and mild soap. I never wring or twist them. I lay them flat to dry to keep their shape.
Cotton cardigans are easier. I can usually machine wash them in warm water. But I check the label first, as some may shrink.
For delicate items or mixed fabrics, I’m extra careful. I might hand wash them or use the delicate cycle. I always use cool water and a gentle detergent.
If the label says “dry clean only”, I take it to the pros. It’s worth it to keep special items looking good.
Washing Techniques for Durability
Proper washing techniques are key to keeping kids’ jumpers and cardigans looking great. I’ll cover the best methods for cleaning these items and protecting them during the wash cycle.
Hand Wash Versus Machine Wash
Hand washing is often the gentlest option for kids’ knitwear. I fill a basin with lukewarm water (under 30°C) and add a mild wool detergent. Then I gently swish the garment, avoiding rubbing or wringing.
For machine washing, I use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water. It’s crucial to use a wool-safe liquid detergent, as powders can damage fibres. I turn items inside out before washing to reduce wear.
Pure wool and cashmere need extra care. I always hand wash these or use a specialist dry cleaner to prevent shrinkage and maintain their softness.
Using Mesh Laundry Bags
Mesh laundry bags are brilliant for protecting knitwear in the washing machine. I place each jumper or cardigan in its own bag before washing. This reduces friction and stops items getting tangled or stretched.
The bags are especially useful for pure wool and cashmere pieces. They create a barrier between delicate fibres and other clothes or the machine drum.
I make sure to use bags with fine mesh to catch any loose fibres. After washing, I gently reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry. This helps maintain its original shape and size.
Maintenance and Pilling Management
Keeping kids’ jumpers and cardigans looking nice takes some work. Pilling is a common issue, but there are ways to reduce it and tools to remove those pesky fuzz balls.
Reducing Pilling
I’ve found that washing jumpers inside out in cold water helps reduce pilling. I use a gentle cycle and a wool-safe detergent. After washing, I lay the garment flat to dry. This stops it from stretching out of shape.
I also avoid wearing backpacks or rough fabrics over wool jumpers. These can rub and cause pills to form faster. For extra protection, I store jumpers folded in drawers rather than hanging them up.
Regular brushing with a soft clothes brush can help too. It removes loose fibres before they can turn into pills.
Tools for Removing Pills
When pills do appear, I use a fabric shaver or cashmere comb to get rid of them. These tools are gentle on the fabric but effective at removing fuzz.
Fabric shavers have a small motor that cuts off pills. They’re quick and easy to use, even on large areas. I make sure to go slowly and not press too hard to avoid damaging the fabric.
For more delicate items, I prefer a cashmere comb. It’s a manual tool with fine teeth that pull off pills without cutting the fabric. It takes more time but gives me more control.
I always test these tools on a small, hidden area first to make sure they won’t harm the garment.
Drying and Storing Kids’ Knitwear
Proper drying and storing of children’s jumpers and cardigans is key to keeping them in good shape. Let’s look at the best ways to dry and store these items to make them last.
Effective Drying Techniques
I always dry kids’ knitwear flat to keep its shape. I lay the item on a clean towel away from direct sunlight. This stops fading and stretching.
For jumpers, I gently reshape them while damp. I pay special attention to the sleeves and neckline. This helps them dry in the right form.
I never use a tumble dryer for wool or delicate knits. The heat can shrink or damage the fibres. Air drying is best for these materials.
For quick-drying items like cotton blends, I might use a low heat setting on the dryer. But I always check the care label first.
Storing for Longevity
When it’s time to store knitwear, I always fold rather than hang. Hanging can stretch the shoulders of jumpers and cardigans.
I use drawer dividers or shelf organisers to keep items neat. This stops them from getting tangled or stretched out of shape.
For long-term storage, I use breathable cotton bags. These protect against dust and moths while letting air circulate.
I add cedar blocks or lavender sachets to storage areas. These natural moth repellents keep knitwear safe without harsh chemicals.
Before storing, I make sure all items are clean and completely dry. This prevents mould and musty smells when I take them out next season.