How to Make Cotton Sweaters Soft Again

eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.

Things You'll Need

  • Laundry detergent

  • White vinegar

  • Liquid fabric softener

  • Bucket

  • Washing machine

  • Dryer

  • Lingerie bag (optional)

  • Tennis balls (optional)

Cotton sweaters are machine washable.

Cotton yarn creates warm, durable sweaters, but it can be stiff. Knitters and crocheters who work with cotton yarn know that it lacks the stretchiness of wool, which can leave the finished product feeling somewhat rigid. A cotton sweater that was once soft can become stiffened from line drying or lack of washing. To return the softness to an old cotton sweater or to soften one that has just been knitted, proper washing and drying technique is essential.

Advertisement

Step 1

Wash the sweater in the washing machine. Use cold water and set the machine on the gentle cycle. If your sweater has buttons or other embellishments, place it in a lingerie bag before washing.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Add 1 cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle.

Step 3

Place the sweater in a bucket and fill the bucket with enough water to cover the sweater. Add one capful of liquid fabric softener and allow the sweater to soak overnight.

Step 4

Return the sweater to the washing machine the following morning. Run the spin cycle to spin any excess water out of the sweater. Place the sweater in a lingerie bag first if necessary.

Step 5

Dry the sweater in the dryer on low heat. Place three tennis balls in the dryer with the sweater to soften it even more.

Tip

You may find that only one of the above techniques -- a vinegar rinse, a fabric-softener soak or machine drying with tennis balls -- is enough to soften your sweater. The three techniques combined will soften even the stiffest of yarn.

Advertisement

Video of the Day

references & resources