HOW TO WASH & CARE FOR SWEATSHIRTS
Sweatshirts stand the test of time, and proper care for your collection can add even more years to the lifespan of each one you own. Here are the do's and don'ts when it comes to properly caring for cotton sweatshirts and hoodies. Become an expert at preserving and folding your favorite pieces with the following maintenance tips.
HOW MANY TIMES CAN YOU WEAR A SWEATSHIRT BEFORE WASHING?
A general rule of thumb is about five or six wears before it’s time to wash your sweatshirt. Thankfully, sweatshirts are fairly low-maintenance, which ensures their longevity. This is especially true if your sweatshirt is being used as a pullover.
HOW TO GET STAINS OUT OF SWEATSHIRTS
Cotton is made of fibers, making stains a challenge to remove if you’re not careful. Follow these steps to remove the stain out of a cotton sweatshirt with ease:
Once stained, treat the spot immediately after it happens or as soon as you notice it.
Identify the cause of the spot and prevent additional stains.
Rinse the spot under lukewarm water if possible. This may involve removing the garment, especially for larger stains.
Pour a small amount of white vinegar on the stain to wet the area and loosen the stain.
Let it sit for an hour.
Run the cotton sweatshirt through a cold-water wash cycle.
Inspect the sweatshirt to see if the water cycle removed the stain.
If the stain persists, dab the stain with hydrogen peroxide. If it begins to bubble, the chemicals are reacting to the stain.
Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing with lukewarm water.
Sweatshirt Stain Removal Tips: Hot water is the enemy, as they make stains worse and can even shrink the garment. Don’t simply throw a sweater in the laundry and expect everything to wash out.
SHOULD I FOLD OR HANG MY COTTON SWEATSHIRT?
Should you fold your clothes or hang them? It’s an important distinction to make. For sweatshirts, think about the material and weight. Crew neck sweatshirts tend to be on the heavy side, and pool weight to certain spots when hung. This may distort shapes, which could reduce the lifespan of an old favorite. Try folding the sweatshirt instead.
HOW TO FOLD A SWEATSHIRT
When folding cotton sweatshirts and other heavy garments, take caution to reduce the risk of wrinkles and creases with these tips:
Fold the sweatshirt in half, and smooth out any wrinkles.
Now fold the sleeves into the body of the sweatshirt, so the sleeves are pointing downward.
Fold the sweatshirt in half so that the sleeves are now at the crew neck sweatshirt line.
The Ultimate Guide to Washing and Caring for Sweatshirts