① Before washing, pat the sweater to remove dust. Soak it in cold water for 10-20 minutes, then wring out the excess water. Gently rub the sweater in a detergent solution or soap flake solution, then rinse thoroughly with clean water. To preserve the color of the yarn, you can add 2% acetic acid (table vinegar is also acceptable) to the water to neutralize any remaining soap. After washing, squeeze out the excess water, loosen the fibers, place it in a mesh bag, and hang it in a well-ventilated area to dry. Do not wring or expose the sweater to direct sunlight.
② Washing sweaters (and yarn) with tea water not only removes dust but also prevents the yarn from fading and extends its lifespan. The method for washing sweaters is as follows: Prepare a basin of boiling water, add an appropriate amount of tea leaves, and let the tea steep until fully infused. After the water cools, strain out the tea leaves. Soak the sweater (or yarn) in the tea water for 15 minutes. Then, gently rub the sweater several times, rinse thoroughly with clean water, squeeze out the excess water, and shake to loosen the fibers. The yarn can be hung to dry directly in a cool, shaded place. To prevent deformation, the sweater should be placed in a mesh bag before hanging to dry in a cool, shaded area.
③ If the sweater is not alkali-resistant, use a neutral, enzyme-free detergent for hand washing, preferably a wool-specific detergent. If using a washing machine, a front-loading machine is recommended, and a gentle cycle should be selected. For hand washing, gently rub the sweater; do not use a washboard. Do not use chlorine bleach on sweaters; oxygen bleach can be used instead. Use a squeezing and pressing motion to wash, avoiding wringing. Squeeze out excess water, lay flat to dry in the shade, or hang to dry folded in half. Shape while damp or semi-dry to remove wrinkles. Do not expose to direct sunlight. Use fabric softener to maintain softness and reduce static electricity. Dark colors are prone to fading and should be washed separately.
