Why Knitwear Care Matters More for Kids
Kids knitwear takes a genuine beating. There are playground scrambles, lunch spills, mud from boots, and the simple fact that small children are harder on clothes than most adults would ever think to be. The good news is that quality knits can handle a lot of this, as long as they are washed and stored correctly.
A great knit cardigan or pullover that is cared for properly can last an entire winter season, get handed down to younger siblings, and still look like something worth wearing. One that goes through the wrong wash cycle can come out felted, shrunk, or misshapen after a single wear.
Here is what you actually need to know.
Check the Label First
This sounds obvious, but it is the most important step. Different knitwear fibres behave very differently in the wash. Cotton knits, merino wool, acrylic, and cotton-blend knits all have different tolerances for heat and agitation.
The care label is the fastest way to understand what you are working with. If the label says hand wash or cold gentle cycle only, that instruction is there for a reason. If it says machine wash warm, you have more flexibility.
Most of the knits in our range are cotton or cotton-blend, which are generally more forgiving than pure wool. That said, cold or lukewarm water is always the safer choice.
The Golden Rules for Washing Kids Knitwear
Cold Water Wins
Heat is the enemy of knitwear. Hot water causes fibres to contract and tighten, which is what leads to shrinkage. Cold water preserves the shape and size of the garment, so always choose cold or a low-temperature gentle cycle when machine washing knits.
Use the Gentle Cycle
Agitation is the second thing to manage. A heavy-duty wash cycle puts a lot of mechanical stress on knit fibres, pulling and stretching them in ways that distort the shape over time. The gentle or delicate cycle reduces this agitation significantly.
If you are washing a knit that is particularly precious or detailed, a mesh laundry bag adds another layer of protection by keeping the garment contained during the wash.
Skip the High Spin or Use a Low Setting
High-speed spinning can stretch and warp knitwear, especially when the garment is wet and heavy. If your machine allows it, choose a slow spin setting or skip the spin entirely and press the water out gently by hand instead.
Choose a Gentle Detergent
Standard laundry detergents are formulated for cotton and synthetic fabrics and can be harsher than knitwear fibres need. A gentle or wool-safe detergent is a better match for knits, even cotton-blend ones. It is gentler on the fibres and helps keep the garment soft wash after wash.
How to Dry Kids Knitwear Correctly
Drying is where most knitwear damage actually happens. Two things to avoid completely: the dryer and hanging the garment while it is wet.
A tumble dryer subjects knitwear to high heat and continuous agitation, which is a fast path to felting and shrinkage. And hanging a wet knit allows gravity to stretch the fibres downward, so a pullover can come out significantly longer than when it went in.
The right approach is to lay the garment flat on a clean towel or a drying rack. Gently reshape it to its original dimensions, smooth out any creases, and leave it to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Winter drying can take longer, so plan ahead. If a favourite knit gets washed on a Friday night, it may not be fully dry until Saturday morning.
Dealing with Common Stains on Knits
The faster you deal with a stain, the better your chances of removing it. Blot the stain gently with a clean cloth to absorb as much of it as possible without rubbing it further into the fibres.
For food stains, a small amount of gentle detergent dabbed directly onto the area and left for a few minutes before rinsing with cold water works well for most cases. Avoid rubbing vigorously, which can push the stain deeper and distort the knit structure.
Mud is best left to dry completely before brushing off. Trying to treat wet mud often makes it spread further.
Storing Knitwear Between Wears
Fold knitwear rather than hanging it. Folding maintains the shape; hanging on a coathanger can create shoulder bumps over time, particularly in lighter-weight knits.
If you are storing knitwear at the end of winter, make sure everything is clean before it goes into storage. Stains set over time and become much harder to remove after months sitting in a drawer or storage box.
Shop Our Winter Knitwear Range
Our knitwear collection includes cardigans, pullovers, and knit sets for babies through to kids aged 8. For layering ideas across the cooler months, take a look at our seasonal layering guide for kids, which covers how to build outfits that keep kids warm without overheating them when they move indoors.
New knits arrive regularly throughout winter and stock moves quickly. If something catches your eye in our new arrivals, it is worth grabbing it sooner rather than later.