We all know that Aran sweaters are one of the world’s most durable garments, thanks to its use of natural wool, a material that may survive for decades without losing its shape. This clothing can last a lifetime if properly cared for, and because it is so classic and timeless, it can be given as a present to your children and grandkids without seeming out of date or tasteless. To do so, you’ll need to be aware of a few of the most typical mistakes people make while caring for an Aran sweater and how to avoid repeating them:
You wash it in the washing machine together with other fabrics
Washing your Aran sweater by hand is the greatest way to maintain it and keep it looking new for a long time. However, we live in a busy world where we have a lot of tasks to do and very little time to complete them, so we understand that hand washing your sweater is probably the last thing on your mind when you get home from a long day at work. As a result, many modern Aran sweaters, such as Tara’s Irish Clothing authentic crafted sweaters from Ireland, are designed to be machine washable, making them much easier to care for. If you choose to wash them this way, be careful how you do it: separate your sweater from other clothing and wash it separately or with other woolen items. This way, they won’t use their form and the wool won’t pill as quickly.
You don’t wash it on the correct washing cycle
Machine-washing your Aran sweater, as we previously stated, is not the ideal option if you want to keep it looking new for a long time. But if you choose to clean it this way, pay close attention to the machine’s program. Most people make the mistake of mixing woolens with cotton, denim, and synthetics and washing them at the standard “Cotton 40 degrees” temperature. We’ve already discussed how woolen things should be cleaned apart from other clothing, but it’s also essential to follow the correct washing instructions. If your washing machine doesn’t have a dedicated wool mode, wash them at 30 degrees on a “Delicate” or “Hand-wash” cycle. The wool will be thoroughly cleaned without being harmed or losing its natural shape.
You wash it with a regular detergent
As you can see, there are a lot of guidelines to follow while washing your sweater. Apart from washing it separately from other items and following the proper washing instructions, it is also essential to clean it with the proper detergent. Because most of us are used to buying a single brand of laundry detergent in bulk and using it for everything, your Irish sweater could last considerably less time than you’d expect. When washing the garment, be sure you use a particular, mild detergent designed for wool and not to pour too much of it. Also, stay away from fabric softeners and aroma boosters, and never iron your sweater.
You dry it in the dryer
Another guideline to follow while taking care for your sweater is to never, ever, dry it in the dryer, neither an electric, nor a manual one. If you do that, the garment will not last very long. The wool will shrink and no longer seem presentable or even wearable as a result of the high heat of the dryer, especially if you do this on a regular basis. The best way to dry woolen clothing is to lay it flat on a flat surface and leave it to air dry for as long as possible. In this manner, it won’t shrink and will keep its new appearance for a longer period of time.
You hang it instead of folding it
This rule is as ancient as the earth itself, but many people choose to disregard it and eventually regret it. Your Irish sweater should always be folded since it is the only way to keep it properly if you want it to look beautiful for many years. If you choose to hang it in the closet, two things will happen: first, your sweater will lose its original shape as gravity pulls it down, making it longer and more formless, and second, your sweater will develop “dimples” at the shoulders where the hanger is situated, which are much easier to prevent than to remove. When you fold the sweater, on the other hand, it will keep its shape for a long time.
