There's a moment every fall in Taos when the first real cold snap rolls off the mountain and everyone starts digging through closets for a favorite sweater. Maybe it's a chunky wool pullover, a hand-knit cardigan from a relative, or a trusty merino layer that's been through a dozen winters. At Clean Taos, we see these beloved pieces every season — and the good news is that wool is tougher than its reputation. It just likes to be treated a certain way.
Here are our favorite tips for keeping your knits cozy all winter long.
1. Wash less often than you think.
Wool naturally resists odor and bacteria, so a sweater rarely needs washing after a single wear. Air it out overnight on a hanger or flat surface, and spot-clean small spills as they happen. Washing only when it's truly needed means less wear on the fibers and a longer life for your sweater.
2. Go cool, gentle, and slow.
When it is time to wash, use cool water (around 80°F) and a mild detergent made for wool or delicates — we recommend our Unicorn Fibre Wash and Fibre Rinse, both available in the shop. Skip the hot water and vigorous scrubbing: heat and agitation are what cause wool to felt and shrink. Let the sweater soak for 10 to 15 minutes, press the suds through gently, and rinse in water of the same temperature so the fibers aren't shocked.
3. Never wring or hang it wet.
Press the water out — don't twist. Then roll the sweater in a clean towel and press again to absorb more moisture. Lay it flat on a drying rack or dry towel, reshaping the sleeves and body as you go. Hanging a wet sweater lets gravity stretch it out of shape, and thanks to our dry high-desert air, flat drying goes faster than you might expect.
4. Handle pilling and snags the right way.
Those little fuzzballs are normal, especially under the arms and where a bag strap rubs. Remove them with a fabric comb or sweater stone rather than pulling them off — we carry both in our retail shop. If you catch a snag, tuck it back through to the inside with a small crochet hook instead of snipping it.
5. Store knits folded, not hung.
Hangers stretch shoulders over time, so fold your sweaters and keep them in a breathable cotton bag or a drawer with cedar — we stock cedar balls in the shop, and they help keep moths away. Most importantly, make sure everything is clean before storing, since moths are drawn to body oils and food residue.
When in doubt, ask a pro.
Some pieces — fine cashmere, vintage knits, anything with a "dry clean only" label — are best left to professionals. If you're unsure about a favorite sweater, bring it by Clean Taos and we'll look at it together. We're happy to walk through the care label and help you decide what's best, no pressure at all.
Stop by and see us this winter. Your sweaters will thank you — and so will we.