Care Instructions

Hand Wash Only

Preparation

  • Find a clean basin or sink large enough to hold your sweater comfortably.
  • Fill the basin with cold water. Avoid using hot water, as it can cause the wool to shrink.
  • Add a small amount of mild detergent or a specialized wool shampoo to the water. Ensure the detergent is fully dissolved before adding the sweater.

Soak

  • Immerse the sweater in the water, gently pressing it down to ensure it is fully saturated.
  • Let the sweater soak for 10-15 minutes. This helps to loosen dirt and grime without the need for vigorous scrubbing.

Clean

  • After soaking, gently squeeze and release different parts of the sweater while it is still in the water. This helps to remove dirt.
  • Do not twist, wring, or rub the fabric, as this can damage the fibers.
  • Focus on any stained or heavily soiled areas by gently pressing and releasing these areas in the water.

Rinse

  • Drain the soapy water from the basin.
  • Refill the basin with fresh, cold water.
  • Immerse the sweater again and gently press it in the clean water to rinse out the detergent.
  • Repeat the rinsing process, changing the water as necessary, until no suds remain. Ensure all detergent is removed to prevent any residue that could cause irritation or damage the wool over time.

Drying

Remove Excess Water

  • After the final rinse, gently squeeze out excess water from the sweater.
  • Do not wring or twist the sweater, as this can distort its shape.
  • Lay the sweater flat on a clean, dry towel. Starting from one end, roll the towel up with the sweater inside, pressing gently as you go to absorb more water. Unroll the towel and repeat with a dry towel if necessary.

Dry Flat

  • Transfer the sweater to a fresh dry towel or a drying rack.
  • Lay the sweater flat, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Ensure that the sweater is evenly supported to prevent stretching.
  • Avoid hanging the sweater, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape.

Air Dry

  • Place the drying sweater in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight and heat sources, such as radiators or heaters. Direct heat can cause the wool to shrink and colours to fade.
  • Allow the sweater to air dry completely. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the humidity and temperature of the room.

Additional Tips

Storage

Store your Cowichan sweater folded in a cool, dry place. Avoid hanging it to maintain its shape.

Moths

Store your sweater with cedar blocks or lavender sachets to repel moths and protect the wool.

Warranty: Every sweater you purchase comes with a lifetime guarantee. Should you need any repairs, we’ll handle them at no cost to you. Please email knit.support@vnfc.ca to start the repair process.