Spring is finally here!

The days are longer, the sun is warmer, and for many of us, it's time to swap our cozy winter layers for breezy linen tops and flowing summer dresses. But before you tuck away your winter wardrobe, let’s take a moment to talk about one of the most sustainable habits you can cultivate—proper clothing care.

At COMMAND Knitwear, we believe that extending the life of our garments is one of the most environmentally conscious choices we can make. Taking the time to carefully clean and store your winter woolens means you’ll be rewarded come fall with sweaters that are fresh, intact, and ready to wrap you in warmth all over again.

So how do we do that? Let’s walk through a few thoughtful, wool-friendly steps.

Why Wool Needs Special Attention

Wool is a wonderful, natural fiber—it’s breathable, temperature-regulating, compostable, and endlessly cozy. But it also happens to be especially attractive to moths and other pests when left unattended. This is why storing wool properly is so important: a few small actions now can prevent the heartbreak of pulling out damaged knits when sweater season rolls around again.

Step 1: Wash Before You Store

Tempting as it may be to toss your sweaters in a drawer and forget about them until October, washing them first is absolutely essential.

Why?
Pests like moths are most drawn to wool that carries the scent of you—body oils, skin cells, even traces of food. A clean sweater is far less interesting to them. So the first line of defense is a gentle, thorough wash.

How to Wash Wool Knits:

Hand wash in cool water: Wool fibers have tiny microscopic scales that grab onto each other when agitated - especially when they are wet and warm. That’s why we advise that you hand wash your wool knits with natural, gentle detergent in cool water without too much agitation.
Use only pH neutral detergents: One of the beautiful things about natural dyes is that you can capture a variety of colors from one plant just by varying the pH of the dye bath! Therefore any item that contains natural dyes may change color if the pH of the fabric is accidentally altered. We always recommend using a pH neutral detergent without any optical brighteners in it. Please be aware that some “gentle” detergents marketed for wool have citric acid in the ingredients. It is important to avoid these products.
We recommend Eucalan, a Canadian wool wash we use in our studio. It’s gentle, requires no rinsing, and works beautifully with natural dyes. You can find it right here on our website.

Step 2: Dry Thoroughly

This step is crucial. Storing damp wool is a recipe for mold and mildew, which can permanently damage your knits.

After washing:

Gently press out water, but don’t wring! Press between two towels to remove excess moisture.
Lay flat to dry on a clean, dry towel in a well-ventilated space away from direct sunlight.
Be patient—it may take a full day or two for thicker knits to dry completely, but it’s worth the wait.

Step 3: Store Wisely

Once your knits are clean and dry, it’s time to put them to rest for the season. The goal is to protect them from pests, moisture, and light.

Our Storage Tips:

Use well-sealed containers. Plastic zipper bags (like the ones that bedding comes in - picture above) are a great option. A sealed bin is better than nothing, but tiny pests can sometimes sneak in around the edges.
Add lavender or cedar sachets as a natural moth deterrent.
Store in a cool, dark place. Light can fade natural dyes, and warmth can invite bugs.

Remember: Wool is a living fiber. Giving it the right conditions to rest will keep it vibrant and resilient for many seasons to come.

Now that your woolens are tucked away safely, it’s time to welcome spring and summer in all their glory. Bring out your lightweight knits, airy cottons, and breezy linens. Consider this transition not just a wardrobe swap, but a mindful moment—an act of care and appreciation for the clothes that carry you through each season.

Whether you're a longtime wool lover or just starting your sustainable wardrobe journey, taking the time to care for your knits now is a simple way to protect your investment, reduce waste, and support a more thoughtful relationship with your clothing.

Until sweater weather comes around again, happy spring!

We are happy to answer any questions you have about caring for your naturally dyed knits. You can always contact us here.

Springtime Storage: How to Care for Your Wool Knits the Right Way