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How Often Should You Wash Sweaters and Jumpers?

Sweaters and Jumpers need washing every 5 to 10 wears. Here is why, what to look for, and what to do between washes instead of running another cycle.

Laundry1 min readPublished Priya Nair

In short

  • Sweaters and Jumpers generally need washing every 5 to 10 wears.
  • Wool resists odour naturally and releases it when aired. Over-washing is the main cause of felting, shrinkage and pilling.
  • Between washes: Air overnight near an open window.

Wool resists odour naturally and releases it when aired. Over-washing is the main cause of felting, shrinkage and pilling.

The short answer

5–10 wears

How often to wash sweaters and jumpersWool resists odour naturally and releases it when aired. Over-washing is the main cause of felting, shrinkage and pilling.

When to wash sooner

Wash it now if

  • a smell that survives a night of airing
  • a spill
  • the end of the season, before storage

What to do between washes

Air overnight near an open window. Wool genuinely resets this way — it is not a compromise.

How to wash them

Wool cycle at 20°C with a non-biological wool wash, low spin, dried flat. Never hang wet knitwear.

Frequently asked questions

How often should you wash sweaters and jumpers?

Every 5 to 10 wears. Wool resists odour naturally and releases it when aired. Over-washing is the main cause of felting, shrinkage and pilling.

What should I do between washes?

Air overnight near an open window. Wool genuinely resets this way — it is not a compromise.

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