As the chill of winter sets in, we often find solace in woolen sweaters. Their unique warmth and aesthetic appeal make them a popular choice for many. However, the downside is most of these cozy comforts have an irritating itchiness. The good news ? You can soften your woolen sweater and avoid discomfort using some quick and effective tricks. This article provides four easy solutions to keep those nagging itches at bay.
Why do wool sweaters itch and how to remedy it ?
The science behind the itchiness
Talking about itchy wool, synthetics such as polyester, nylon, and acrylic along with natural fibers like wool, mohair, alpaca, and cashmere can sometimes cause discomfort. This itchiness arises primarily due to the diameter of the fibers – thicker ones tending to be more rigid and thereby causing itching.
The remedy lies within the problem
Understanding wool fiber properties is key to combating its prickliness. Wool has numerous benefits – insulation power, sweat wicking ability, neutral smell, lightweight nature, antibacterial and anti-static properties. However if a wool sweater feels scratchy, it’s typically because of fibers having a diameter exceeding 25 microns making them rough against your skin.
Ahead are few nifty tricks that will ensure you enjoy your woolen wear sans any itching.
An old trick: softening the fiber with vinegar or a natural softener
The magic of vinegar
Vinegar has been known as an excellent fabric softener since time immemorial. A small amount of white vinegar added during rinse can significantly soften your wool sweater.
Natural softeners – conditioner or glycerin
Another home remedy is using a hair conditioner or glycerin. Apply either of these to your woolen sweater, let it act for a while then rinse.
The next trick is all about caring for your wool clothes from the start.
Preventive maintenance: washing correctly to preserve softness
Hand-washing with a twist
It’s best to hand-wash wool sweaters with half a teaspoon of olive oil in the wash water, followed by laying it flat to dry to avoid any deformation.
Routine care matters
Apart from careful washing techniques, regular brushing and steaming can also help maintain the smooth texture of your woolen garments.
Sometimes, you needn’t look beyond your kitchen for solutions. Our last tip involves just that !
Cold as an ally: using freezer to soften the wool
The freezing method
Freezing your woolen sweater : Here’s something you might not have thought of ! Place your sweater in a sealed bag and freeze it for few hours. This process helps soften the fibers making it more comfortable against your skin.
Softening a wool sweater is no longer an uphill task with these simple and effective tips at your disposal. It’s important though, that we understand why certain materials itch and use that knowledge to find suitable remedies. So gear up this winter, make those comfy woolens even more appealing and bid goodbye to irritating scratches !
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