How do you wash your knits? By hand, washing machine or dry cleaning? If you have experienced any shrinkage or damage, please do share with us! 💖 Today I'm sharing a step by step guide of how I store my wool knits, keep them looking and feeling fresh and how I wash them! Hope this is helpful xx
First of all, thank you for this very detailed overview of how to wash your knits, it was really helpful. Till now I only washed my knits in washing machine (I'm from EU) but I recently purchased some cashmere knits and have been postponing washing them because of the fear of shrinkage. This really encouraged me! Thanks❤
Dry cleaning for delicate knits, especially if they have a special pattern mixed in or special buttons or details embedded in the knit. Cotton knits and thin merino sweaters I put them in a garment bag and throw them in my washer machine with cold water and use a gentle detergent with them, then reshape them and let them air dry. Thicker knits I wash by hand in a bucket 😂
I've been doing this my whole life and it definitely works! I have some wool sweaters that are more than 15 years old and they are in perfect condition. I learned the reshaping tip from your video, I did something like that but wasnt really conscious about It, so I will do It better next time. I wash by hand every knitwear, even if the washing instructions say you can put it in the washing machine, I had bad experiences with knits and washing machines. Thank you for the vídeo!! ❤
I never had problems washing my sweaters until I bought Sezane knits and I’ve had the worst luck. I have 3 kids and work full-time, so I recognize that I probably haven’t spent the time needed to make sure I don’t mess them up, but it’s been tough to see so many of the sweaters I’ve invested over the last couple of years not wearable any longer. I’ve had issues with washing in my washing machine ln delicate and I never have before as well as having one shrink at the dry cleaners. All that to say, thanks for so many details, will definitely use this info going forward.
A very informative video! I’m of a generation where mothers always taught their daughters how to wash and block a sweater. It’s a bit of a lost art now, though. I always wash new sweaters as soon as I can, because I find that the factory, the warehouse, and the store leave a lot of dirt on them. Really, I never see such dark wash water in any future washes as I do on the initial wash. I lay the new sweater on a big piece of plastic such as a big white garbage bag or plastic drop sheet for painting. I cut around the sweater’s edges to achieve a replica of the sweater’s shape, and I tape a paper label to the back of the plastic replica so that I can reuse it in future. Laying the sweater out atop the plastic form and shaping it to fit is easy, because the plastic is slippery. I keep the plastic sweater form folded up inside its matching sweater for future use. 😊
Great video Mila! I always wash my wool & silk clothes by hand with cold water, carefully squeeze most of the water and flat dry them on the drying rack. Never had any problems! I don't trust the washing machines because once although I chose the hand wash setting, it messed up the settings and ruined a knit. It was a machine failure and we had someone to fix it, but I don't trust it anymore, so I always hand-wash.
I recently washed my Gaspard with no issues. I did it in the washing machine on delicate with Woolite and laid it on my drying rack to dry. Perfect. I was so happy that it washed so well. Cold water.
The towel thing: I just have to try it right away! This is new to me. I wash my knits in the machine, hand washing cold program, no spinning. They never shrink. Thank you so much for the tips!
Thank you so much for sharing! Cold water and no spinning = win win 🏆 Yes the towel really helps cut down the drying time, for me it’s a must because I don’t have a drying rack 🙊 I definitely need to get one
Thank you for the video! I shrank my boyfriends new sweater straight from the store 😅. It was an uniqlo one and I didn't even realise that a $40 sweater could be a 100% wool these days.
Thank you for sharing! I wash my cotton knits in the machine with wool detergent on low temperature, no spin to avoid marks in fine fabric and stretching . I dry just the way you described with a towel and on a rack. I wash my delicate knits exactly like you‘ve shown. I like to rinse twice though to make sure to get all detergent out since this can ruin the fabric.
Thanks for this video. I think we are always afraid every time we wash our knits. I decided to machine wash on delicate and then lay them on the clothing rack. Most turned out ok. I do notice my cashmere shrunk a little bit, but it is still wearable. I wonder if I can stretch it out again the next time I wash it. We'll see :)
Thanks for making this video Mila! I have had success so far using the Delicates cycle in my washer with the sweaters in mesh bags. I always hang dry. I have also washed my Matthew pants and merino joggers this way and for me, they always come out perfect (Matthew came too long for me but after washing I am able to shorten them to perfect length during the flat drying process). However, I want to try out the hand-washing method just to be extra careful. My biggest issue with knits is my cats. I get snags and little holes from their claws (I can't resist their cuddles). I have been searching for someone locally who can repair/darn sweaters but I haven't had any luck yet. I may have to learn this skill myself.
I must say that this was an extremely useful video, Mila. I wash many of my knits by hand and a few on the wool machine washer setting. One important part of my sweater washing routine is using a liquid detergent that is specifically for wool. I believe this is what keeps the materials soft and prevents shrinking. A few of my cashmere sweaters go to the dry cleaners because of a bad experience I had with washing cashmere at home. My beautiful sweater shrunk and was ruined 😢
I’m so glad to hear this was helpful, Cristina! Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback ❤️ I agree, choosing a gentle detergent is key to make our knits last long. I’m sorry to hear your cashmere shrank :( right now I only send to dry cleaning my jackets and coats, our wool knits are so precious (and expensive), I prefer to take care of them myself
hi ! super helpful video ! Personally I wash my wool and cashmere with the washing machine (in a special delicate laundry bag), wool program (cold) and 400 spinning speed. I use the Kerzon "Maille câline" and I love it, it smells good but it's a discreet scent. All my knits love it, they are puffy and soft.
Hi Mila, Great video! I have 6 Sezane knits and I am very envious of your wardrobe set-up. It looks like you have your own personal shop! I have a dehumidifier which is really helpful when drying my knits but living in the English countryside I have to store mine in moth proof bags.
Very helpful video Mila! I also handwash, you have to get used to it but its the best way to take care of our knits. A little love and they will last a longggg time ♥️
This is indeed a useful video. I know how to take care of my knits but I know not everyone does. My son (in his 20'ies) recently ruined his brand new beautiful Olivier sweater from Octobre. It had shrunk to such a degree that it would barely fit a 5 year old 😂 I almost fell over laughing when I saw it. However, he did not find it funny. I had of course told him how to take care of it but clearly he didn't listen 😅 He thought the sweater was so nice he bought another one 😉 I have a great washing machine with a wool program. I use Woollite to and never let it sling more than 800 rpm and try flat on a towel.
Oh no!! That a very expensive mistake 😂 With pricey clothes, we tend to be more careful for sure. Dry cleaning is a great way to keep them looking new for as long as possible!
Great video Mila! I usually wash them in the washing machine with the wool programme, 20º/30º C temp, dry them flat on the rack. But I’ll also try the trick with the towel, cos why not?! 😊
I was one of the ones who asked for this video so THANK YOU, Mila! It's much appreciated, especially since you listed all of the products you use to wash your wools. 😄
Hi Mila, I've discovered a liquid soap for wool/cashmere hand wash called "Eucalan" (I'm in Europe). It requires no rinse so one less round of water. It's amazing. Highly recommended. You'll love it. x
Thank you so much Mila for sharing with us. ❤ I’ve been waiting so long. Loved this video so much because you explained so good and complete. I am washing my knits with hand although I have a washing machine with wool Programme and handwashing programme. Always (!) in the washing machine the knits shrunk al little bit. By the Betty’s I have to pay attention, too.
Took me a long time to put this one together 😅 I think I’ve been avoiding washing clothes that’s all haha Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback, I’m beyond happy to know that this has been helpful ❤️ when you use the washing machine, is there spinning in the cycle or perhaps warmer water? I think the water itself will immediately make the knit smaller but I do think reshaping it while you’re drying helps a lot. I had an XS sweater that turned out into a M after all the stretch I gave it 😂
Aww thank you so much, Sarah!! It really means a LOT to me to have your support! The algorithm is not fun 😂 I’m trying to balance the videos so I can offer everyone a good, original and helpful content but not “hurt” the channel. I’m sure in the future when I have a larger amount of followers, I won’t have to think that much about it. Thank you so much again for watching and for sticking around! 💕💕💕
Much needed video for us wool lovers! Thank you ❤ I once shrunk an expensive Alannah Hill cardigan which I loved. It became a toddler size, so I gave it to my niece 😂 I wish I knew I could have maybe fixed it 😂
Oh no 🙊 I’m sorry that happened! I have sent to laundromat sweaters that were not supposed to be washed too, they came back tiny and super hard and scratchy..gosh! Thank goodness they were not expensive but I did love them 🥲 At least the one you shrank was good for your niece 😂 oh man..the lessons we learn as we go!! 🤣
I originally hand washed my knits, but found that I felt like I wasn't sure if they were actually being washed since I was only gently squeezing the fabric. I now wash all my knits on the delicate cycle in the washing machine and haven't noticed any shrinking, pilling, or stretching!
That’s wonderful! If I had a washing machine that would be my method too for sure! One day 🙌🏼 Wool cleans itself, it doesn’t need to be washed often (some say that for 100% wool, you don’t even need to wash, like ever😂). I wouldn’t go with that living in the dirty NYC lol but I do wash them really once a year or once per season, if it really needs to be cleaned (I wash the shirts I wear underneath quite often though) For thicker fabrics with threads really close and tight (like jeans, some cotton pieces, pants, heavier towels, bedding, blankets), the spinning is absolutely important to clean it properly, but for wool and delicates, I wouldn’t worry..just squeezing it will do 😂 you can also repeat the process a couple of times or let it soak for longer - the detergent has properties to ensure it will be properly cleaned 😊 if you’ve been having good results with the machine, I wouldn’t do hand washing though. Saves sooo much time! ❤️
I like a a silk shirt or a thin silk knit under my woolies. Amazon has affordable ones in a silk/rayon blend, they are highly breathable and very comfortable. I can’t wear synthetics, that is, plastics, but do tolerate the rayon/viscose/lyocell family (the “manmade cellulosic fibers”) very well. It’s so much easier and quicker to throw a silk tee in a gentle cycle, and put it on a hanger to dry, than to wash a sweaty wool or cashmere sweater. It also eliminates itching. If a sweater has an itchy, high neck, I wear a silk scarf there, it helps a lot. Women’s silk undies are usually quite low-cut, so I just got men’s silk ones (in white and black) with a higher crew neckline to protect my upper chest in my crew-neck sweaters better. I have a few low-quality wool sweaters from Simple Retro, I love the designs, but are they ever itchy!
Thank you Mila! I also hand wash my knits, I have to say it is exhausting, and sometimes I am not sure if it is clean enough because you technically only “squeeze” the fabric a bit gently instead of washing it 😂
Haha I get what you mean! That’s why I like to wear something underneath, the fabric doesn’t get in close touch with our skin (sweat/dirt). Wool cleans itself, it doesn’t need to be washed often (some say that for 100% wool, you don’t even need to wash, like ever😂). I wouldn’t go with that though living in the dirty NYC lol but I do wash them really once a year or once per season, if it really needs to be cleaned. For thicker fabrics with threads really close and tight (like jeans, cotton, towels), the spinning is absolutely important to clean it properly, but for wool and delicates, don’t worry..just squeezing it will do 😂 you can also repeat the process a couple of times or letting it soak for longer in the soapy water - the detergent has properties to ensure it will be properly cleaned 😊
Hi Mila! Love your channel and your Sezane reviews. I recently purchased "Laundry Love" by Patric Richardson (he also goes by Laundry Evangelist on UA-cam) and have been following his technique for washing wool and cashmere in the washing machine. You fold your knitwear and place it in a mesh back which you pin around the sweater to keep it from moving and felting. It makes washing larger pieces much easier.
Oh that’s wonderful, what a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing ❤️ I don’t have a machine but would love to try that if I did! It’s definitely helpful for heavier knits, pants or larger wool pieces (hand washing these can be difficult 😂). Thank you so much and hope you have a lovely week xx
i washed something, i don't know what fabric it was but i assumed after ruining it, that it was angora or cashmere or something. It was a sweater for Halloween so i figured if it got ruined, oh well, because I couldn't use it dirty, and it was very dirty. i got rid of it before it dried, so i'm not sure if it shrank, but it just all was kind of a mess as soon as i put it in water, it was like fuzzy or something but when it got wet it was like all stuck together. I tossed it and used something else.
Never store any woolies without washing and thoroughly air-drying, or dry-cleaning, them first. When I went to grad school for a year, some of my stored light-colored, beautiful wool items had stains on them. I inspected them carefully and stored them properly, but I discovered that clear liquids, like white wine, beer, some sodas, and milk, leave a residue that is invisible at first, but darkens with time. When they do, it’s too late to remove them. So, I send everything wool, cashmere, etc., to the cleaners at the end of the season before storing them for the hot months. Most cleaners now offer an eco-friendly, “wet-cleaning” method that doesn’t use any of the traditional hazardous solvents. It’s expensive, but not compared to the replacement costs of the items. Gentle-cycle machine washing causes felting, pilling and shrinkage even with specialty wool wash detergents and cold water. Hand-washing isn’t a realistic option for me with my disability. I always wear a thin, often knit, silk layer underneath my wool and cashmere sweaters and dresses, which helps keep my woolies clean and fresh for our short cool season here in California. It also makes my hyper-sensitive skin more comfortable, it can react to even the finest cashmere or merino. I also spot-clean woolies, as needed. When the cold season begins, I get the woolies out, steam them, air them in front of a fan for an hour before or two, and store them on hangers. It’s better to fold them, but I have zero shelf or drawer space, plus I like to see everything I have easily for each season. They recover their shape just fine when folded for storage for 7 or 8 months.
Thank you so much Mila! Great video. And thank you for including a Betty. This has given me the confidence to give washing mine a go 😊. Have a lovely week xx
This is great, Mila! I took my Lyna sweater to the dry cleaner and they completely destroyed it. I just bought a replacement, and after watching your detailed video I now feel comfortable washing it myself. Thank you ❤
Oh no!! I’m sorry to hear that :( did it shrink? I’m glad the video helped ❤️ make sure to wash in cold water, use gentle wool detergent, reshape it and air dry ☺️
This was so helpful, I am definitely going to try this. Thank you Mila! 🥰 I use a big plastic basin for the soaking part to hand wash -- I have also used it to help turn a dingy yellowed shirt bright white again with oxy-clean!
Thank you for this. I wash my wool as rarely as possible and air them after ware . I’ve ruined so many by shrinking in the machine , it’s heartbreaking. Recently I washed my James jumper on the wool wash in the machine and it came out completely ruined. Hugely overstretched and knitting coming undone. Nightmare. I usually wash my cashmere and merino in the machine on cold wool setting, which has worked so far but after the James jumper experience I am going to hand wash or dry clean from now on.
Thank you for this video and inviting us virtually to your place , Mila ! It’s interesting and reassuring to see how you wash your woollen jumpers as they are an investment and we are attracted to them . I have a washing machine but I was the woollens by hand. I have a heated clothes dryer and I dry them flat in the dryer. I noticed you keep your jumpers on shelves, I might need to consider the same option as my collection is getting bigger . Do you do anything to protect against the moths?
Thank you uso much for watching ❤️ I think if I had a washing machine I’d be tempted to use it for almost all my wool knits. 🙈 I don’t wash them often but I do have so many of them. Having a drying rack would make a huge difference for sure as it would cut down the drying time a lot! I didn’t even know a heated clothes dryer existed!! Now I need one! I think shelves are wonderful, especially for chunky knits. I used to store mine in drawers but they take up so much space, I decided to go with shelves and now it’s a better display, they don’t look crumpled and in my opinion even feel fresh for a longer time. Personally I never experienced moths here in NYC but there are some cedar balls that are wonderful to keep in drawers. My mom used these when we lived in Brazil and it was great!
Thank you Mila for this informative video! I like to wear a thin shirt underneath knits as well. Going to check out that Uniqlo 😊 (and the freshener spray!!🎉
It definitely makes the knits last longer and keeps them fresh ❤️ The Uniqlo shirt has been my number 1 shirt underneath my sweaters, especially Gaspard - it’s hard to find a comfortable long sleeve shirt that doesn’t show under the boat neck 🙈
Hi Mila, thank you for making and sharing this video! I found it so helpful and learned a lot, especially about the felting! I have a question about some other knits like the Angelie, which have a different composition (kid mohair, wool, poliamide and elastane) - do you also wash it with the same method you showed in this video? Thank you! 😊
I’m so glad the video was helpful 💕 thank you so much for the feedback! Yes I wash my mohair /alpaca pieces the same way actually. Angelie has a similar composition to Gaspard which I washed here too (the video was fast forwarded, but you can see at the end that it turned out perfectly, sizing was just like before 😊). It got softer too! Sezane recommends to wash them in cold water, so you can definitely do it like I did for Lyna, Betty & Matthew and Gaspard!
Amazing and informative video Mila! ❤ I also hand wash my knits in a very similar way! :) Not sure if you’ve tried this for your itchy sweaters. But if you do what you did with a little vinegar, rinse, and then again but with hair conditioner, lightly rinse, my itchy Barry became not scratchy AT ALL! (only my red Barry was itchy, maybe the red dye made the fibers more stiff? Cause my ecru stripe Barry is super soft) I find different colors of Sézane sweaters sometimes effect the itchiness for me
Thank you so much for doing this! I didn’t know about the temperature change or to NOT use spin on washing machine. What about silk? I hand was with laundress delicate wash in cold water. Then do the towel trick to dry
Mila! Thank you so much for your helpful advice!❤ I hand washed in cold water both Angie and Angelie and both shrunk, maybe one size down🫠 Is there any hope to reshape them next time I wash them?
Hi! Wonderful and super useful video! I have been waiting for it for a looooong time❤️ Have you tried this method also with chunkier knits like Basil and James??
Maybe the water changed color partly due to dye transfer. I love knits but they can be a pain. I don’t why the sleeves are the trickiest part to get back to original after washing. How do you keep moths away? I’ve had to throw quite a bit away due to holes.
Thank you, so informational! Any tips on how to deal with smelly wool? I washed my gaspard by hand the other day too, but ever since it smells like an old lady and no sprays help :(
Dry clean is great if you see the recommendation on the tag! I wouldn’t do often though, just once per season or once a year. Wool doesn’t need to be washed so often ❤️
Hi Mila, Thanks for this video. I have also a few knits from Sezane. And I washed the Gaspard by hand, but it turned out way bigger. The problem was that I kneaded the sweater too much, turned the sweater over while washing and also stretched it too much when taking the sweater out of the water. I later put it in the washing machine on a wool program at 30 degrees, but unfortunately it did not shrink to its original size. I also have sweaters from Sézane with elastin, which I washed in the washing machine on a hand wash program (cold water), especially the sleeves have shrunk a bit, the rest of the sweater has not. Do you have a tip on how I can make the sleeves a little longer? Thanks!
For merino wool Sezane sweaters it says no dry clean on the labels. So no dry cleaning at all or is it just no recommended? It says only cold hand wash.
You can buy a little round, rubber flap “stopper” for your sink drain. I have several around my house, none of my built-in sink stoppers work properly, my home plumbing is too old. They’re a lot neater, more effective and more convenient than a piece of wrinkly plastic. I hang one from a hook inside my sink cabinets. Amazon has them. I always do at least three rinses, with fresh clean water each time, when hand-washing my woolies. Never soak fine fabrics more than 15 minutes! I cringe when I hear people left them soaking in a detergent solution for days. Also, ice cold water won’t clean anything, it should feel comfortable to the hands. I do like a bit cooler than room temperature for washing darks, to minimize fading, but it shouldn’t hurt. Use the bare minimum of detergent, too. Never use Woolite!
Do you ever use fabric conditioner? I always do, whether my clothes are being washed by hand or in the washing machine, but am wondering if I have been doing the wrong thing, as you didn't mention it?
I’ve been happy with hand wash but if I had a washing machine, I think I’d be tempted to use it 😂 as long as it’s cold water setting for delicates and no spinning, it should be safe! ☺️
How do you wash your knits? By hand, washing machine or dry cleaning? If you have experienced any shrinkage or damage, please do share with us! 💖 Today I'm sharing a step by step guide of how I store my wool knits, keep them looking and feeling fresh and how I wash them! Hope this is helpful xx
First of all, thank you for this very detailed overview of how to wash your knits, it was really helpful.
Till now I only washed my knits in washing machine (I'm from EU) but I recently purchased some cashmere knits and have been postponing washing them because of the fear of shrinkage. This really encouraged me! Thanks❤
Dry cleaning for delicate knits, especially if they have a special pattern mixed in or special buttons or details embedded in the knit. Cotton knits and thin merino sweaters I put them in a garment bag and throw them in my washer machine with cold water and use a gentle detergent with them, then reshape them and let them air dry. Thicker knits I wash by hand in a bucket 😂
I've been doing this my whole life and it definitely works! I have some wool sweaters that are more than 15 years old and they are in perfect condition. I learned the reshaping tip from your video, I did something like that but wasnt really conscious about It, so I will do It better next time. I wash by hand every knitwear, even if the washing instructions say you can put it in the washing machine, I had bad experiences with knits and washing machines. Thank you for the vídeo!! ❤
I never had problems washing my sweaters until I bought Sezane knits and I’ve had the worst luck. I have 3 kids and work full-time, so I recognize that I probably haven’t spent the time needed to make sure I don’t mess them up, but it’s been tough to see so many of the sweaters I’ve invested over the last couple of years not wearable any longer. I’ve had issues with washing in my washing machine ln delicate and I never have before as well as having one shrink at the dry cleaners. All that to say, thanks for so many details, will definitely use this info going forward.
A very informative video!
I’m of a generation where mothers always taught their daughters how to wash and block a sweater. It’s a bit of a lost art now, though.
I always wash new sweaters as soon as I can, because I find that the factory, the warehouse, and the store leave a lot of dirt on them. Really, I never see such dark wash water in any future washes as I do on the initial wash.
I lay the new sweater on a big piece of plastic such as a big white garbage bag or plastic drop sheet for painting. I cut around the sweater’s edges to achieve a replica of the sweater’s shape, and I tape a paper label to the back of the plastic replica so that I can reuse it in future.
Laying the sweater out atop the plastic form and shaping it to fit is easy, because the plastic is slippery.
I keep the plastic sweater form folded up inside its matching sweater for future use. 😊
What a great idea!
Great video, really clear and just what I needed as I’m about to wash a few new expensive knits.
Great video Mila! I always wash my wool & silk clothes by hand with cold water, carefully squeeze most of the water and flat dry them on the drying rack. Never had any problems! I don't trust the washing machines because once although I chose the hand wash setting, it messed up the settings and ruined a knit. It was a machine failure and we had someone to fix it, but I don't trust it anymore, so I always hand-wash.
I recently washed my Gaspard with no issues. I did it in the washing machine on delicate with Woolite and laid it on my drying rack to dry. Perfect. I was so happy that it washed so well. Cold water.
That’s wonderful Wendy, glad it went well and feels just like new! I need a drying rack and a washing machine (one day)🙊
The towel thing: I just have to try it right away! This is new to me.
I wash my knits in the machine, hand washing cold program, no spinning. They never shrink.
Thank you so much for the tips!
Thank you so much for sharing! Cold water and no spinning = win win 🏆
Yes the towel really helps cut down the drying time, for me it’s a must because I don’t have a drying rack 🙊 I definitely need to get one
Super helpful Mila! Thank you so much for taking the time to do it for us.
❤️ thank you so much!!
I shrinked my angeline sweater last year ! And starting hand washing after !
I usually never comment, but this is the best video, thank you Mila.
Thank you for the video!
I shrank my boyfriends new sweater straight from the store 😅. It was an uniqlo one and I didn't even realise that a $40 sweater could be a 100% wool these days.
Thank you so much. Very useful info in this. I had no idea about shaping. Learned something new. ❤
Towel rulz! I've learned that from my granny long time ago.
I use rack as wel, but first I put soft towel on the rack, then knit over the towel.
🤗
Thank you for sharing! I wash my cotton knits in the machine with wool detergent on low temperature, no spin to avoid marks in fine fabric and stretching . I dry just the way you described with a towel and on a rack. I wash my delicate knits exactly like you‘ve shown. I like to rinse twice though to make sure to get all detergent out since this can ruin the fabric.
Thanks for this video. I think we are always afraid every time we wash our knits. I decided to machine wash on delicate and then lay them on the clothing rack. Most turned out ok. I do notice my cashmere shrunk a little bit, but it is still wearable. I wonder if I can stretch it out again the next time I wash it. We'll see :)
Thanks for making this video Mila! I have had success so far using the Delicates cycle in my washer with the sweaters in mesh bags. I always hang dry. I have also washed my Matthew pants and merino joggers this way and for me, they always come out perfect (Matthew came too long for me but after washing I am able to shorten them to perfect length during the flat drying process). However, I want to try out the hand-washing method just to be extra careful.
My biggest issue with knits is my cats. I get snags and little holes from their claws (I can't resist their cuddles). I have been searching for someone locally who can repair/darn sweaters but I haven't had any luck yet. I may have to learn this skill myself.
I must say that this was an extremely useful video, Mila. I wash many of my knits by hand and a few on the wool machine washer setting. One important part of my sweater washing routine is using a liquid detergent that is specifically for wool. I believe this is what keeps the materials soft and prevents shrinking. A few of my cashmere sweaters go to the dry cleaners because of a bad experience I had with washing cashmere at home. My beautiful sweater shrunk and was ruined 😢
I’m so glad to hear this was helpful, Cristina! Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback ❤️ I agree, choosing a gentle detergent is key to make our knits last long. I’m sorry to hear your cashmere shrank :( right now I only send to dry cleaning my jackets and coats, our wool knits are so precious (and expensive), I prefer to take care of them myself
That’s how I wash my cashmere & wools . I also used same soap
had to buy that woolite right away with your link.. it might get sold bec of this video.. thanks mila
😂😂😂 ohhh I hope one day this happens, my channel is so small still!
I hope you love the woolite, it’s a very gentle scent..perfect for delicates! :)
Thank you Mila; it was very helpful😊. Greetings from Switzerland🙋🏻♀️
Hi Isabelle ☺️ I’m so glad to hear! Thanks so much for the feedback! Hope to visit Switzerland one day 🫶🏼
Thank Milla!!! I hand wash my knits and I didn't have any problem with shrinking
Wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing 💕💕💕
Thank you so much for this video! Lots of wonderful information.
Thank you so much for watching 🩷
hi ! super helpful video ! Personally I wash my wool and cashmere with the washing machine (in a special delicate laundry bag), wool program (cold) and 400 spinning speed. I use the Kerzon "Maille câline" and I love it, it smells good but it's a discreet scent. All my knits love it, they are puffy and soft.
Everyone needs to watch a video about this topic. Thank you for making it.
Thank you so much for watching! ❤️❤️
Hi Mila, Great video! I have 6 Sezane knits and I am very envious of your wardrobe set-up. It looks like you have your own personal shop! I have a dehumidifier which is really helpful when drying my knits but living in the English countryside I have to store mine in moth proof bags.
Very helpful video Mila! I also handwash, you have to get used to it but its the best way to take care of our knits. A little love and they will last a longggg time ♥️
❤️ thank you love! I agree 100% ☺️
They become even more special when we take care of them like that
Great advice! Thanks.
This is indeed a useful video. I know how to take care of my knits but I know not everyone does.
My son (in his 20'ies) recently ruined his brand new beautiful Olivier sweater from Octobre. It had shrunk to such a degree that it would barely fit a 5 year old 😂 I almost fell over laughing when I saw it. However, he did not find it funny. I had of course told him how to take care of it but clearly he didn't listen 😅 He thought the sweater was so nice he bought another one 😉
I have a great washing machine with a wool program. I use Woollite to and never let it sling more than 800 rpm and try flat on a towel.
I used to accidentally shrink so many of my knits 😅. Luckily this was before I’ve discovered Sezane. Now I don’t risk it and just dry clean.
Oh no!! That a very expensive mistake 😂 With pricey clothes, we tend to be more careful for sure. Dry cleaning is a great way to keep them looking new for as long as possible!
@@milainnewyork RIP Madewell knits. At least it wasn’t the Sezane ones 😬
@@alisa-chen 😂 it would have been worse with Sezane for sure 🥲🥲🥲
@@milainnewyork I would cry 😂
Great video Mila! I usually wash them in the washing machine with the wool programme, 20º/30º C temp, dry them flat on the rack. But I’ll also try the trick with the towel, cos why not?! 😊
❤ thank you for your tip s
I'm new to Sezane and this video was so helpful! Thank you for taking the time to make it!
I was one of the ones who asked for this video so THANK YOU, Mila! It's much appreciated, especially since you listed all of the products you use to wash your wools. 😄
Hi my dear Emily 🥰 thank you so much for watching! That’s true, you asked for it 😂 took me a while, but there it is and hope it was helpful ❤️
Hi Mila, I've discovered a liquid soap for wool/cashmere hand wash called "Eucalan" (I'm in Europe). It requires no rinse so one less round of water. It's amazing. Highly recommended. You'll love it. x
Thank you so much Mila for sharing with us. ❤ I’ve been waiting so long. Loved this video so much because you explained so good and complete. I am washing my knits with hand although I have a washing machine with wool Programme and handwashing programme. Always (!) in the washing machine the knits shrunk al little bit. By the Betty’s I have to pay attention, too.
Took me a long time to put this one together 😅 I think I’ve been avoiding washing clothes that’s all haha
Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback, I’m beyond happy to know that this has been helpful ❤️ when you use the washing machine, is there spinning in the cycle or perhaps warmer water? I think the water itself will immediately make the knit smaller but I do think reshaping it while you’re drying helps a lot. I had an XS sweater that turned out into a M after all the stretch I gave it 😂
In my programme there is mentioned „cool water“ without temperature display. Perhaps I made something wrong
I will watch every video you post. Thanks for making the video even though it doesn’t help that darn algorithm.
Aww thank you so much, Sarah!! It really means a LOT to me to have your support! The algorithm is not fun 😂 I’m trying to balance the videos so I can offer everyone a good, original and helpful content but not “hurt” the channel. I’m sure in the future when I have a larger amount of followers, I won’t have to think that much about it. Thank you so much again for watching and for sticking around! 💕💕💕
Thanks Mila! Learned a lot.
Much needed video for us wool lovers! Thank you ❤
I once shrunk an expensive Alannah Hill cardigan which I loved. It became a toddler size, so I gave it to my niece 😂 I wish I knew I could have maybe fixed it 😂
Oh no 🙊 I’m sorry that happened! I have sent to laundromat sweaters that were not supposed to be washed too, they came back tiny and super hard and scratchy..gosh! Thank goodness they were not expensive but I did love them 🥲
At least the one you shrank was good for your niece 😂 oh man..the lessons we learn as we go!! 🤣
Thank you Mila ❤
I originally hand washed my knits, but found that I felt like I wasn't sure if they were actually being washed since I was only gently squeezing the fabric. I now wash all my knits on the delicate cycle in the washing machine and haven't noticed any shrinking, pilling, or stretching!
That’s wonderful! If I had a washing machine that would be my method too for sure! One day 🙌🏼
Wool cleans itself, it doesn’t need to be washed often (some say that for 100% wool, you don’t even need to wash, like ever😂). I wouldn’t go with that living in the dirty NYC lol but I do wash them really once a year or once per season, if it really needs to be cleaned (I wash the shirts I wear underneath quite often though)
For thicker fabrics with threads really close and tight (like jeans, some cotton pieces, pants, heavier towels, bedding, blankets), the spinning is absolutely important to clean it properly, but for wool and delicates, I wouldn’t worry..just squeezing it will do 😂 you can also repeat the process a couple of times or let it soak for longer - the detergent has properties to ensure it will be properly cleaned 😊 if you’ve been having good results with the machine, I wouldn’t do hand washing though. Saves sooo much time! ❤️
Washed my Betty Ecru for the first time and it was the most stressful thing I did today, even though it was my first day at work after long leave.
Oh no! What happened? Were you scared it would shrink or did it actually shrink?
I don’t think it shrunk, but the very bottom edge seems to have stretched a little bit and lost its structure 😢 not sure how this happened
Thank you so much for the video! I’m looking to invest in some higher end knits so I’ll be sure to follow your tips💪
Thank you so much Mila 😘
Leaving a comment for the algorithm :-) Thanks for this, Mila - very much appreciated!
😍 thank you sooo much!! I really appreciate it ❤️❤️🥰
Thanks for the video and all the advice❤
Thank you so very much I needed this video💗
I like a a silk shirt or a thin silk knit under my woolies. Amazon has affordable ones in a silk/rayon blend, they are highly breathable and very comfortable. I can’t wear synthetics, that is, plastics, but do tolerate the rayon/viscose/lyocell family (the “manmade cellulosic fibers”) very well. It’s so much easier and quicker to throw a silk tee in a gentle cycle, and put it on a hanger to dry, than to wash a sweaty wool or cashmere sweater. It also eliminates itching. If a sweater has an itchy, high neck, I wear a silk scarf there, it helps a lot. Women’s silk undies are usually quite low-cut, so I just got men’s silk ones (in white and black) with a higher crew neckline to protect my upper chest in my crew-neck sweaters better. I have a few low-quality wool sweaters from Simple Retro, I love the designs, but are they ever itchy!
I love your videos, Mila. This was very informative. Obrigada!!
Thank you dear Monica ❤️
Thank you Mila! I also hand wash my knits, I have to say it is exhausting, and sometimes I am not sure if it is clean enough because you technically only “squeeze” the fabric a bit gently instead of washing it 😂
Haha I get what you mean! That’s why I like to wear something underneath, the fabric doesn’t get in close touch with our skin (sweat/dirt). Wool cleans itself, it doesn’t need to be washed often (some say that for 100% wool, you don’t even need to wash, like ever😂). I wouldn’t go with that though living in the dirty NYC lol but I do wash them really once a year or once per season, if it really needs to be cleaned. For thicker fabrics with threads really close and tight (like jeans, cotton, towels), the spinning is absolutely important to clean it properly, but for wool and delicates, don’t worry..just squeezing it will do 😂 you can also repeat the process a couple of times or letting it soak for longer in the soapy water - the detergent has properties to ensure it will be properly cleaned 😊
Hi Mila! Love your channel and your Sezane reviews. I recently purchased "Laundry Love" by Patric Richardson (he also goes by Laundry Evangelist on UA-cam) and have been following his technique for washing wool and cashmere in the washing machine. You fold your knitwear and place it in a mesh back which you pin around the sweater to keep it from moving and felting. It makes washing larger pieces much easier.
Oh that’s wonderful, what a great idea! Thanks so much for sharing ❤️ I don’t have a machine but would love to try that if I did! It’s definitely helpful for heavier knits, pants or larger wool pieces (hand washing these can be difficult 😂). Thank you so much and hope you have a lovely week xx
Very helpful. Thank you
i washed something, i don't know what fabric it was but i assumed after ruining it, that it was angora or cashmere or something. It was a sweater for Halloween so i figured if it got ruined, oh well, because I couldn't use it dirty, and it was very dirty. i got rid of it before it dried, so i'm not sure if it shrank, but it just all was kind of a mess as soon as i put it in water, it was like fuzzy or something but when it got wet it was like all stuck together. I tossed it and used something else.
Thank you!
Thanks for this video handwriting os the way to go for my Peruvian Connection sweaters
Thank you for making this video Mila! It's very helpful!
Thank you so much for watching and for the feedback 💕
Never store any woolies without washing and thoroughly air-drying, or dry-cleaning, them first. When I went to grad school for a year, some of my stored light-colored, beautiful wool items had stains on them. I inspected them carefully and stored them properly, but I discovered that clear liquids, like white wine, beer, some sodas, and milk, leave a residue that is invisible at first, but darkens with time. When they do, it’s too late to remove them. So, I send everything wool, cashmere, etc., to the cleaners at the end of the season before storing them for the hot months. Most cleaners now offer an eco-friendly, “wet-cleaning” method that doesn’t use any of the traditional hazardous solvents. It’s expensive, but not compared to the replacement costs of the items. Gentle-cycle machine washing causes felting, pilling and shrinkage even with specialty wool wash detergents and cold water. Hand-washing isn’t a realistic option for me with my disability. I always wear a thin, often knit, silk layer underneath my wool and cashmere sweaters and dresses, which helps keep my woolies clean and fresh for our short cool season here in California. It also makes my hyper-sensitive skin more comfortable, it can react to even the finest cashmere or merino. I also spot-clean woolies, as needed. When the cold season begins, I get the woolies out, steam them, air them in front of a fan for an hour before or two, and store them on hangers. It’s better to fold them, but I have zero shelf or drawer space, plus I like to see everything I have easily for each season. They recover their shape just fine when folded for storage for 7 or 8 months.
Thank you so much Mila! Great video. And thank you for including a Betty. This has given me the confidence to give washing mine a go 😊. Have a lovely week xx
☺️❤️ thank you so much Paula! I’m so happy to hear it was helpful. Have a great week xoxo
Very informative; thanks a lot for showing it so well and detailed:)
I’m so glad it was helpful! ❤️ thank you for watching!
This is great, Mila! I took my Lyna sweater to the dry cleaner and they completely destroyed it. I just bought a replacement, and after watching your detailed video I now feel comfortable washing it myself. Thank you ❤
Oh no!! I’m sorry to hear that :( did it shrink? I’m glad the video helped ❤️ make sure to wash in cold water, use gentle wool detergent, reshape it and air dry ☺️
What a nightmare since dry cleaning is expensive. I hope you get a refund from your dry cleaner ...
Thank you
Thank you! This was so helpful! I love your videos. ❤
I’m so glad to hear!! Thank you so much for all the love and support ☺️❤️
This was so helpful, I am definitely going to try this. Thank you Mila! 🥰 I use a big plastic basin for the soaking part to hand wash -- I have also used it to help turn a dingy yellowed shirt bright white again with oxy-clean!
Oh that’s a great idea, Jane!! Thank you for sharing ❤️
Thanks for the video!
Thank you for watching!
Thank you for the tips!
🤗
Thanks Mila!
❤️
thank you, Mila
❤️
Thank you so much Mila! This is so helpful!!! 💜
Thank you so much for watching and leaving a comment 💕
Thank you for this. I wash my wool as rarely as possible and air them after ware . I’ve ruined so many by shrinking in the machine , it’s heartbreaking. Recently I washed my James jumper on the wool wash in the machine and it came out completely ruined. Hugely overstretched and knitting coming undone. Nightmare.
I usually wash my cashmere and merino in the machine on cold wool setting, which has worked so far but after the James jumper experience I am going to hand wash or dry clean from now on.
🤩 Gracias !!
Thank you so much!❤
❤️❤️❤️
Very helpful👍🏻
Thank you for this video and inviting us virtually to your place , Mila ! It’s interesting and reassuring to see how you wash your woollen jumpers as they are an investment and we are attracted to them . I have a washing machine but I was the woollens by hand. I have a heated clothes dryer and I dry them flat in the dryer.
I noticed you keep your jumpers on shelves, I might need to consider the same option as my collection is getting bigger .
Do you do anything to protect against the moths?
Thank you uso much for watching ❤️
I think if I had a washing machine I’d be tempted to use it for almost all my wool knits. 🙈
I don’t wash them often but I do have so many of them. Having a drying rack would make a huge difference for sure as it would cut down the drying time a lot!
I didn’t even know a heated clothes dryer existed!! Now I need one!
I think shelves are wonderful, especially for chunky knits. I used to store mine in drawers but they take up so much space, I decided to go with shelves and now it’s a better display, they don’t look crumpled and in my opinion even feel fresh for a longer time. Personally I never experienced moths here in NYC but there are some cedar balls that are wonderful to keep in drawers. My mom used these when we lived in Brazil and it was great!
Thank you Mila for this informative video! I like to wear a thin shirt underneath knits as well. Going to check out that Uniqlo 😊 (and the freshener spray!!🎉
It definitely makes the knits last longer and keeps them fresh ❤️ The Uniqlo shirt has been my number 1 shirt underneath my sweaters, especially Gaspard - it’s hard to find a comfortable long sleeve shirt that doesn’t show under the boat neck 🙈
Hi Mila, thank you for making and sharing this video! I found it so helpful and learned a lot, especially about the felting! I have a question about some other knits like the Angelie, which have a different composition (kid mohair, wool, poliamide and elastane) - do you also wash it with the same method you showed in this video? Thank you! 😊
I’m so glad the video was helpful 💕 thank you so much for the feedback! Yes I wash my mohair /alpaca pieces the same way actually. Angelie has a similar composition to Gaspard which I washed here too (the video was fast forwarded, but you can see at the end that it turned out perfectly, sizing was just like before 😊). It got softer too! Sezane recommends to wash them in cold water, so you can definitely do it like I did for Lyna, Betty & Matthew and Gaspard!
Amazing and informative video Mila! ❤ I also hand wash my knits in a very similar way! :) Not sure if you’ve tried this for your itchy sweaters. But if you do what you did with a little vinegar, rinse, and then again but with hair conditioner, lightly rinse, my itchy Barry became not scratchy AT ALL!
(only my red Barry was itchy, maybe the red dye made the fibers more stiff? Cause my ecru stripe Barry is super soft)
I find different colors of Sézane sweaters sometimes effect the itchiness for me
Great video
Thank you so much for doing this! I didn’t know about the temperature change or to NOT use spin on washing machine. What about silk? I hand was with laundress delicate wash in cold water. Then do the towel trick to dry
I prefer Eucalan fine fabric wash to Woolite.
Great to know! I’ll try that ☺️
Thanks! Have you ever tried Soak for handwashing? I'm curious if this performs as well as the Woolite
Thank yo Igor watching! No I’m not familiar with it - is it a detergent like woolite? :) I’ll look up
Mila!
Thank you so much for your helpful advice!❤
I hand washed in cold water both Angie and Angelie and both shrunk, maybe one size down🫠 Is there any hope to reshape them next time I wash them?
Gratidão
Ty!!
Hi! Wonderful and super useful video! I have been waiting for it for a looooong time❤️
Have you tried this method also with chunkier knits like Basil and James??
Maybe the water changed color partly due to dye transfer. I love knits but they can be a pain. I don’t why the sleeves are the trickiest part to get back to original after washing. How do you keep moths away? I’ve had to throw quite a bit away due to holes.
❤👍👍please link the sleeveless top that you wear underneath the cashmere sweater.
❤️
Here it is: rstyle.me/+x-9LFC4TkuTnsN8ON3a-kQ They’re all linked in the description box 🫶🏼
been waiting for this
It’s finally here ❤️ hope it’s helpful!
Thank you, so informational! Any tips on how to deal with smelly wool? I washed my gaspard by hand the other day too, but ever since it smells like an old lady and no sprays help :(
Thank you so much for this wonderful video! I now feel like placing a Sézane knit order😊. What are your thoughts on dry cleaning?
Dry clean is great if you see the recommendation on the tag! I wouldn’t do often though, just once per season or once a year. Wool doesn’t need to be washed so often ❤️
Hi Mila,
Thanks for this video. I have also a few knits from Sezane. And I washed the Gaspard by hand, but it turned out way bigger. The problem was that I kneaded the sweater too much, turned the sweater over while washing and also stretched it too much when taking the sweater out of the water.
I later put it in the washing machine on a wool program at 30 degrees, but unfortunately it did not shrink to its original size.
I also have sweaters from Sézane with elastin, which I washed in the washing machine on a hand wash program (cold water), especially the sleeves have shrunk a bit, the rest of the sweater has not.
Do you have a tip on how I can make the sleeves a little longer?
Thanks!
Thank you this is literally what I needed as a new Sezane jumper addict! Haven’t washed them yet and was dreading it.
❤️
For merino wool Sezane sweaters it says no dry clean on the labels. So no dry cleaning at all or is it just no recommended? It says only cold hand wash.
You can buy a little round, rubber flap “stopper” for your sink drain. I have several around my house, none of my built-in sink stoppers work properly, my home plumbing is too old. They’re a lot neater, more effective and more convenient than a piece of wrinkly plastic. I hang one from a hook inside my sink cabinets. Amazon has them. I always do at least three rinses, with fresh clean water each time, when hand-washing my woolies. Never soak fine fabrics more than 15 minutes! I cringe when I hear people left them soaking in a detergent solution for days. Also, ice cold water won’t clean anything, it should feel comfortable to the hands. I do like a bit cooler than room temperature for washing darks, to minimize fading, but it shouldn’t hurt. Use the bare minimum of detergent, too. Never use Woolite!
👏Thank you.
Do you ever use fabric conditioner? I always do, whether my clothes are being washed by hand or in the washing machine, but am wondering if I have been doing the wrong thing, as you didn't mention it?
Oh there’s absolutely nothing wrong with the way you’re doing :) a lot of people use fabric conditioner. I just prefer to use just the detergent. 🤍🤍🤍
The re-shaping is known as “blocking”.
Yesterday I discovered a little hole in my Sezane sweater and I could just cry.
Ohhh I’m sorry! Which sweater? Depending on the yarn, it’s easy to fix
@@milainnewyork it was the Gaspard vest
@@milainnewyork what can I do about my Gaspard sweater?
❤😊😊Thanks Mila❤
☺️❤️ thank YOU!
Thank you Mila. I'd be too afraid to use my washing machine. I'll stick with hand washing
I’ve been happy with hand wash but if I had a washing machine, I think I’d be tempted to use it 😂 as long as it’s cold water setting for delicates and no spinning, it should be safe! ☺️