Wash guide: How to hand wash your knitwear

A good knit deserves a little extra love, but that doesn’t mean it needs to be washed often. Quite the opposite. We always recommend starting with some fresh air. Air out your knitwear after wearing it and only wash it when necessary. It’s gentler on the fibres and helps your knitwear stay beautiful for longer.

When it is time for a wash, we’ve made it simple. In this guide, we’ll show you step by step how to hand wash your knitwear, from checking the care label and finding the right water temperature to gently removing excess water and leaving your knit to dry flat.

Follow our easy guide below and give your favourite knit the care it deserves. 🩷

Image of a care label inside a knit sweater

Step 1

Always check the care label

Before your favourite knit goes into the water, always start by checking the care label. Knitwear comes in many different materials and fibres, so the care it needs can vary too. Always follow the instructions on the label to take the best possible care of your knitwear.

Image of a hand wash basin filled with water and detergent, ready for washing the knit sweater

Step 2

Fill a bowl with water and wool detergent

Fill a bowl or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of detergent suitable for wool and delicate fabrics. We use a no-rinse wool detergent, which is specially developed for gentle wool washing and doesn’t need to be rinsed out afterwards. Always follow the dosage instructions on your detergent.

Lollys tip: Make sure the water isn’t too warm. Aim for around 30°C. A good rule of thumb is that the water should feel lukewarm against your hand, preferably slightly cooler than your hand. 🩷

Image of a knit sweater in a basin with water and detergent.

step 3

Gently place your knit in the water

Gently place your knit in the water and make sure it is completely submerged. Leave it in the water for no more than 5 minutes, gently moving it around from time to time.

Knitwear needs a gentle touch, so avoid rubbing or wringing it. Instead, let the water and wool detergent do the work to treat the fibres as gently as possible.

Image of a knit sweater being lifted out of the water while the excess water is gently squeezed out.

step 4

Gently press out the water

Carefully lift your knit out of the water and gently press out the excess water with your hands. Avoid wringing it, as this can stretch the fibres and cause your knit to lose its shape.

Take your time and gently press out the water little by little.

Image showing the knit sweater lying flat on a towel, which is being rolled up to absorb some of the excess water from the sweater.

step 5

Remove the remaining water with a towel

To remove even more water from your knit, use a clean, dry towel. Lay the towel flat, place your knit on top and gently roll it up from one side. Press lightly as you roll to help the towel absorb the excess water.

Avoid wringing or pressing too hard. Treat your knit gently to help it keep its shape.

step 6

Let your knit dry flat

Your knit is now clean and ready to dry. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel and gently reshape it to its natural shape. Make sure the sleeves, edges and length are positioned correctly while it dries.

Avoid hanging wet knitwear, as the weight of the water can cause it to stretch and lose its shape. Instead, let it dry completely flat and naturally.

Now your knit is ready to be worn and loved again

Your knit is freshly washed and ready to wear again. With a little extra love and the right care, you can help it keep its shape and quality for longer. And remember, washing isn’t always necessary. Often, a little fresh air can make a big difference. Air out your knitwear between wears, wash it only when needed, and enjoy your Lollys favourite again and again.

We hope this simple guide makes it a little easier to care for your knitwear and helps your favourite pieces stay beautiful for longer. 🩷