HW067 · Laundry and garment care
Wash Sweaters and Knitwear
Follow the care label, handle gently and dry flat to shape.
Overview
Knitwear can stretch or felt; read the care label, use only an approved hand or gentle wash method, and never wring.
Tools needed
- Laundry mesh bag
- Knitwear-suitable mild detergent
- Clean basin
- White towels
- Flat drying rack
Cleaning steps
Read the care label
Confirm fibre, washing, drying and professional-care limits; ask the employer if unclear.
Prepare and protect
Empty pockets, secure snag-prone fastenings, turn inside out and use a mesh bag when appropriate.
Choose an approved method
Use only label-approved hand washing or a wool/delicate machine cycle; do not raise temperature yourself.
Wash and rinse gently
Use a fibre-suitable mild detergent, press gently and rinse thoroughly without rubbing or stretching.
Blot water with towels
Support the whole garment and press it in dry towels; never wring or hang it while heavy and wet.
Reshape and dry flat
Lay it to its original shape in a shaded ventilated place until fully dry; avoid sun and high heat.
Common mistakes
Machine-washing every sweater
✓ Correct actionRead the label and use only an approved programme.
Rubbing or wringing
✓ Correct actionUse gentle pressing and towel blotting instead.
Hanging heavy wet knitwear
✓ Correct actionSupport it and dry flat in shape.
Using high heat to hurry drying
✓ Correct actionLet it dry fully in shade with ventilation.
Practical tips
Tips for helpers
- Arrange white towels, suitable tools and products on a dry surface before starting to avoid cross-contamination.
- Work in small sections and keep checking for colour transfer, distortion, damage or residue.
Tips for employers
- Provide maker care information and products in original labelled containers; do not request methods beyond the label.
- Identify valuable, colour-bleeding, damaged or professional-care-only items first.
Safety notes
Low
