How to hand wash a wool sweater

Does your wool sweater smell like a petting zoo? If so, then it may be time for a quick and easy at-home cleaning.

Step 1: Fill a well-scrubbed sink with lukewarm water and add about a cap full of soap. A gentle hair shampoo is ideal for most wool sweaters, though Woolite is better for cashmere. Hand washing knitwear is the best way to maintain its original luster and softness.

Step 2: Let the sweater soak for about 15 minutes. Then, drain and rinse until the water runs clear.

Step 3: Gently press out the water by making a ball that looks like an uncooked loaf of bread. Do not wring the sweater.

Step 4: Spread the sweater out flat on a towel, returning it as close to its original shape as possible.

Step 5: Let dry.

For a video walkthrough of the above steps, watch this housekeeping how-to from Esquire Magazine and never again wonder how to clean a wool sweater.