It’s far too easy to get the wrong idea that in order to keep clothes in pristine condition, they must be of the highest end fabrics from the most expensive brands. Contrary to popular belief, this is not the case. The most important thing about sweaters is not necessarily what material it is– but how you take care of the material. 

What’s sustainable? 

Granted, most higher-end, natural-fiber sweaters are the most sustainable route, but so are thrifted and secondhand materials. Many of these secondhand materials are likely to be polyester, nylon, or another synthetic weave. 

By nature, materials like polyester aren’t sustainable, and shouldn’t be purchased new if  avoidable. However, considering the rise of thrift and consignment stores, many polyester-like items are found dangling off the never-ending clothing racks. Even if you do choose to newly purchase a polymer weave garment, there are ways to promote the longevity of the piece. 

All-natural fibers will always be the winners in our book, and the most sustainable option long-term, but if you take the time and energy to give your synthetic fibers the proper care, they just might last you nearly as long. 

What is proper care?

First and foremost, you should always treat your garments with care! It doesn’t matter what material the piece is composed of; you should treat each clothing item as if it were of the highest-end material and design. Sweaters are the most difficult pieces to take care of, generally, because of the delicacy of the materials and the side effects of improper care. Sweaters are prone to shrinkage, pilling, and other natural sweater disasters if not cared for properly (and even sometimes when cared for properly!). 

Proper care consists of the most beneficial washing and drying cycle, coupled with responsible storage methods. 

Washing and Drying

The most effective way to promote healthy sweater care, even amongst synthetic fibers, is to use the right washing and drying methods. 

First, use the right washing cycle! We recommend ALWAYS machine-washing on cold, since warm temperatures induce risk of material shrinkage or color bleeding. A cold cycle also reduces the risk of color fading and keeps your garment in pristine condition. 

Second, you should never, and I mean NEVER, machine-dry your sweaters. This will only damage the fibers, leading to either shrinkage, shedding, or extreme pilling. The more you machine-dry a garment, the more worn-down it becomes over time. As a rule of thumb, the only garments you should consistently machine-dry are socks, undergarments, t-shirts or any underclothing that isn’t worn as an outer layer. Hang-drying is the best option for any clothing item not aforementioned, such as pants, sweaters, blouses, and the like. 

If you’re unsure exactly which cycle to choose for your sweater washing, sometimes the delicate cycle is the best way to go, since the cycle is preset on cold wash and will give your garments a gentler wash than a regular cycle. 

Storage

Whether you’re freshening up your sweaters from storage, storing them away, or simply holding them in your closet, proper sweater storage is just as important for sweater care as your washing and drying methods. When simply storing your sweaters for immediate use, the best method is to fold your sweaters into drawers or some place where they can lay flat. Never hang your sweaters if you want to avoid shoulder bulges from hangers! For more storage tips, read our all-encompassing post here.

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post It’s All in the Sweater Care appeared first on Lilly Brush.

The best pet hair removers can be difficult to find. That’s why we’ve put together a list of our best products, just for you. Scroll through to find the best brush for your specific pet needs!

For the Overly Fluffy and Fearless

For all your Bernese Mountain Dog and Ragdoll cat types, this is the brush for you. It’s perfect for your pets that traipse around the house completely unaware of the furry mess they leave behind. This brush works on clothing, upholstery, bedding, auto, pet beds, and rugs! It’ll take care of muddy pawprints, rogue shedding, and leave your home feeling fresh and clean.

For the Fashion Forward and Always Stylish

This brush is for all you fashion-forward pet owners. For the avid sweater-lover, the knitter, or designer. For those of you who have been staying at home and spending way too much time with your pet (if that’s even possible). Regardless of how much damage you or your pet inflicts on your sweaters, the Save Our Sweaters Brush will easily remove pills, lint, and pet hair from your precious garments.

For Our On-the-Go Friends

Looking for a brush that’s designed perfectly for easy transport? Here it is! This brush fits in purses, bags, and glove compartments so that you have your handy dandy pet hair remover with you at all times. You can use this brush for clothing, upholstery, bedding, auto, pet beds, and even rugs! It’s most convenient for when you need a small handheld fur remover for immediate needs. This mini brush works more efficiently than lint rollers, and is much more stylish to carry with you.

For the Avid Adventurers

Do you have an adventure dog who seeks adventure not only outside of the car, but inside as well? If so, this is the tool for you! This brush will take care of the after-adventure remnants (including lots of shedding) that your pet excitedly gifts you with. For excessive shedding in every nook and cranny of your car, and for keeping your adventure space clean and ready to go for your next journey, this tool will have you and your pet eager for the next car ride. It works best with short, wiry-haired pets, and is compact and portable. Not only does it work for your auto needs, but also is designed to tackle deeply engrained bits of fur trapped in your carpets.

For the EXTRA Avid Adventurers

This brush/tool is for the extra-adventurous pets: the ones who are part of the family, and the ones who travel everywhere with you. We know how hard it is to keep your car clean after your favorite furry friend travels with you, from tracking in mud, grass, leaves, and everything in between. Not to mention the shedding. This tool will take care of all of your auto pet hair needs. It works with pet hair of any kind. Although it’s similar to the Mini Pet Hair Detailer, it’s specifically designed with two attachments for easy reach in all areas of your car. The brush tool is double sided, with a rubber blade on one end and bristles on the other, providing maximum pet hair removal efficiency.

Sincerely,

The Lilly Brush Team

Alexa Highsmith

Writing Specialist at Lilly Brush Co.

The post Which pet hair remover is best for your pet? appeared first on Lilly Brush.