Complete Guide to Effectively Hand Washing a Sweatshirt

Find the right detergent

The choice of detergent is crucial to preserve the fibres of the sweatshirt when hand washing.

Detergent for delicate laundry

Detergents for delicate laundry, phosphate-free, are ideal for washing sweatshirts by hand. Their gentle formulation cleans deeply without altering the fabrics.

Wool sweater detergent

For wool sweatshirts, opt for a special detergent wool, now the softness and elasticity of clothing. Avoid standard detergents which could cause it to shrink or harden.

Detergent for white clothes

On white sweatshirts, preferably use a bleaching detergent** to revive the immaculate color of the fabric without damaging it.

Also read: How to machine wash a sweatshirt?

The hand washing process

Washing your sweatshirt by hand requires a few simple steps:

• Fill a container with cold water and add the detergent following the recommended dosages.

• Immerse the sweatshirt in the solution and let it soak for 15 to 30 minutes, rubbing gently the stains.

• Rinse thoroughly with cold water, until the water is perfectly clear.

• Wring carefully, without twisting the fabric too much. Squeeze it out by rolling it in a towel.

• Lay the sweatshirt out to dry in the open air, away from shelter from the sun.

Also read: Which program to wash a sweatshirt?

Hand wash: how long to soak?

The optimal soaking time depends on the type of sweatshirt:

Washing wool sweaters

Allow 15 to 20 minutes of soaking in soapy water for a sweater in wool, in order to remove dirt without shrinking or hardening the fabric.

Washing t-shirts and sweatshirts

For cotton sweatshirts, soak for 20 to 30 minutes in soapy water to allow the detergent to remove all stains.

Also read: How much to wash your sweatshirts?

Spinning: how many revolutions?

The spinning step requires certain precautions to avoid damaging the sweatshirt:

Tip to avoid damaging the fabric

Avoid twisting the sweatshirt vigorously, which could deform and weaken the fibers of the fabric.

Gentle method to remove stains

Wring gently by rolling the sweatshirt in a towel to remove excess water. Repeat the process until the garment is no longer dripping.

Tips for maintaining the color of the sweatshirt

For colored sweatshirts, wring first with a towel of the same color to avoid bleeding or dye transfer.

Dry the sweatshirt properly

After spinning, it is preferable to dry the sweatshirt flat, in the open air and not under the sun, to retain its colors . hanging in the shade also preserves the softness of the fabric.

Also read: How to preserve the softness of your sweatshirt?

Our grandmother's tips for cleaning your clothes

Several care tips passed down from generation to generation allow you to remove stains and revive your clothes with natural products.

Remove traces of laundry detergent and stains on your sweatshirts

Baking soda is very effective in removing laundry detergent residue that dulls the white of sweatshirts. Dilute 3 tablespoons in 1 liter of water, soak the clothes for 1 hour then rinse.

Restore softness and shine to a trench coat or velvet garment

To revive the softness of a trench coat or a velvet garment over long years, rub it with a t5>piece of sugar before brushing delicately.

Removing a wool sweater without damaging it

On a wool sweater, gently dab the stain with moistened Marseille soap. Leave on for 5 minutes then rinse with clean water. Your sweater will regain its original appearance.

Remove stains on a sweatshirt without damaging the fabric

Gently dab the stain on the sweatshirt with a mixture of 2 tablespoons of white vinegar diluted in 1/2 liter of water. This technique allows you to remove dirt without damaging delicate fabrics.

Untying a satin garment

To return to the shine of the first days of a satin garment stained without washing, sprinkle the stain with cornstarch, leave to act 1 hour then brush gently before tapping off the excess.

Revive the color of a sweatshirt

Spread white toothpaste on the discolored areas of a sweatshirt, rub gently with a dry towel then leave to act for 30 minutes before rinsing. The colors will regain their freshness.

Restore softness to a fuzzy sweatshirt

To revive a sweatshirt that has become fuzzy, apply white vinegar to the entire surface and gently rub with sandpaper before rinsing. The touch will become soft again as on the first day.

Refresh a sweatshirt that has shrunk

In case of shrinkage during washing, prepare a bath water and detergent specific for delicate textiles. Soak the sweatshirt for 15 minutes, stretching it gently in the opposite direction of shrinkage. Lay it flat to dry.

Follow the steps one by one and don't be afraid to take your time: this is the secret to successful hand washing that will preserve your favorite sweatshirts.
— Geoffrey, Founder of The Oversized Hoodie®

Also read: How to shrink a sweater that is too large effectively?

Conclusion

Washing your sweatshirt by hand requires more time than machine washing but allows you to preserve the quality, softness and longevity of the garment, while saving money and a gesture for the planet. By choosing the right detergent and following a few simple steps, you can gently bring your favorite sweatshirt back to life .