You probably know that annoying itching feeling when you wear wool and your sweater scratches, but what if this can be prevented? In fact, proper care can make such garments more comfortable to wear without compromising their appearance. Additionally, there are some factors to consider when flaunting wool knitwear in winter. So that your favorite sweater doesn't stay in the closet, the following care instructions and tips will help you feel more comfortable in it.
What measures to take to prevent wool like sweaters from scratching?
Typically, natural wool takes some time to adjust to body temperature, which is a lesser known fact. In addition, the itching can be completely or significantly reduced by warming up the natural fiber. It is also very important, such thingsKnitted sweater for the winter seasonto be treated with care so that you can enjoy them longer and wear them more comfortably. First and foremost, however, what type of wool you choose is crucial for comfort. The itching occurs mainly due to skin contact with the surface of the fiber, which, accordingly, can cause irritation.
Logically, the thicker the wool fiber, the greater the likelihood of itching. For this reason, it is recommended to look for the finest wool. Of course, this is associated with higher prices, but the high quality also usually determines the level of comfort when wearing them. So that a sweater doesn't scratch, cashmere wool, merino wool, alpaca wool and sweaters made of lamb's wool are preferable when choosing thanks to their non-scratching nature.
In addition, the risk of itching when wearing blended fabrics is significantly lower if the garment consists of at least 30% one of the above-mentioned types of wool. But what else can you do if your sweater itches? Here are some care tips and home remedies that can help.
Use trick to reduce itching while wearing wool sweaters
There's more than one clever way to soften a wool sweater at home. So make sure you take the following steps before your lovely but itchyFold wool sweatersand put them in the drawers for the winter season.
- First use distilled white vinegar and add a few spoonfuls to cold water.
- Then turn your wool sweater inside out and dip it into the mixture. Make sure it is completely soaked and then drain it.
- If the sweater is still damp, you can treat it with a good hair conditioner. However, do not use a cheap product when doing this as they usually contain waxes that cause a strange buildup. The stuff now causes a waxy buildup. When massaging the conditioner, also try to stretch the fibers of the garment as little as possible.
- Meanwhile, leave the hair conditioner on for about 30 minutes and then rinse everything out with cold water.
- Then gently press the sweater to remove any remaining water, being careful not to lose its shape.
- First, place your wool sweater on a towel and let it dry lying flat. When completely dry, fold it neatly and place the piece in a sealable plastic bag.
- Finally, set thepacked sweaterin the freezer compartment of your refrigerator overnight.
- The next day you should check whether the sweater is scratchy. The conditioner and vinegar soften the garment's fibers, and the freezing prevents the short fibers from sticking out.
Prevent sweaters from scratching with proper care
Just like with hair care when you use the hairdryer on a cold setting, the life hack described above works when a sweater scratches. Just like with hair, this helps to fix the natural fibers. This means that the fine hairs of wool knitwear stay in place and feel smooth when worn. However, some care measures are still required to ensure that your woolen items become less itchy and can be worn for longer.
- After the hair conditioner and vinegar trick, always use a suitable wool washing program when washing your knitwearWash wool sweaters. This also helps soften “stinging” fibers.
- In addition to choosing the appropriate washing program for delicate laundry, using an appropriate wool or delicate detergent is crucial if your sweater is itchy. This reduces itching when wearing, as such products also have a softening effect on the wool fibers and hold them in place.
If you still feel itchy and can't wear your wool sweaters at all, one option is to dress in layers. Long-sleeved shirts or undershirts, for example, offer numerous stylish options when wearing wool. Additionally, you can put on a blouse, tank top, or even a dress underneath and stay comfortable in your favorite cold weather sweater. This will add extra warmth and personalize your outfit without compromising your look. Also keep in mind that every piece of wool is different and the thickness of the fiber can vary depending on the type of wool and feel different for different people.
