American Eagle sweaters are coveted for their soft fabrics and stylish designs. However, keeping these sweaters looking and feeling their best requires proper laundry care. Follow this comprehensive guide to learn the ins and outs of washing American Eagle sweaters to extend their lifespan.
Why It’s Important to Wash American Eagle Sweaters Properly
- Prevent pilling and fuzzing: American Eagle sweaters are known for their plush fabrics like cotton, wool, cashmere, and blends. Washing them the wrong way can cause pilling, fuzzing, and fabric pulls. Being gentle prevents this.
- Avoid shrinkage: Some fabrics like wool and cashmere are prone to shrinking if agitated and exposed to high heat. Washing on delicate and line drying prevents shrinkage issues.
- Maintain colour vibrance: Dyes used on cotton, wool, and other fibres can fade more quickly if washed in very hot water or bleach. Washing in cold water helps colours stay rich.
- Extend sweater lifespan. Following proper care instructions allows American Eagle sweaters to maintain their shape, texture, and appearance for many seasons. Improper washing shortens their usable life.
- Avoid damage. Harsh detergents, hot water, and rough treatment can damage the delicate fabrics and structures of sweaters. A gentle approach prevents harm.
Pre-Treating Stains on American Eagle Sweaters
Before washing, inspect for any visible stains and spot treat as needed. This prevents stains from setting during the wash cycle.
- Food stains – Scrape off any food residue and dab the spot with a damp cloth and dish soap. Rinse thoroughly.
- Oil-based stains – Dab a small amount of Dawn dish soap on the spot and wash immediately in cold water. Repeat if needed.
- Mud or dirt – Allow any dried mud or dirt to flake off naturally, then use a soft brush to gently sweep away any remaining particles before washing.
- Ink, makeup, blood – Dab rubbing alcohol onto the stain using a cotton ball or pad. Check the care tag and test on an inconspicuous area first.
- Sweat or deodorant – Make a paste with baking soda and water and gently rub onto the stained area before washing. Rinse thoroughly.
Avoid using harsh stain removers or treatments not specified for the fabric. Test any spot treatments on an inside seam first.
How to Wash American Eagle Sweaters
Follow these step-by-step instructions to properly wash American Eagle sweaters:
1. Read the Care Tag
The care tag on your American Eagle sweater provides instructions like:
- Recommended wash method (hand wash or machine wash)
- Water temperature – usually cold
- Drying – flat or line dry recommended over machine drying
- Any warnings about bleach, drycleaning, ironing etc.
Following the care tag is key to keeping the sweater looking its best.
2. Pretreat Any Stains
Inspect for stains and spot treat as recommended above before washing. This will improve stain removal.
3. Wash on Gentle/Delicate Cycle
Choose the delicate or gentle cycle on your washing machine. This slower agitation helps prevent pilling and damage.
4. Use a Mild Detergent
Avoid regular laundry detergent, which can be too harsh. Choose a mild liquid detergent made for delicates or hand washing dishes.
5. Wash in Cold Water
Use the coldest water temperature recommended on the care tag to prevent shrinkage and dye fading.
6. Zip Up Zippers, Button Buttons
Secure any zippers, hooks, buttons or toggle closures so straps don’t get tangled and rip during the wash cycle.
7. Use a Wash Bag
For extra protection, place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase and tie it closed. This prevents stretching or snagging.
8. Don’t Overload the Machine
Washing just a couple of sweaters allows them to move freely. Overcrowding causes pilling and uneven cleaning.
9. Rinse Thoroughly
Use an extra rinse cycle to remove all traces of detergent, which can damage fabrics over time if allowed to build up.
10. Reshape and Dry Flat
Gently smooth out the sweater and lay it flat on a towel or drying rack to air dry. Do not wring, twist or hang dry.
Drying American Eagle Sweaters
Proper drying is key to maintaining the shape and texture of American Eagle sweaters.
- Lay flat on a towel or mesh drying rack away from direct sunlight. Reshape while still damp.
- Blocking the sweater by reshaping it as it dries can help even out irregularities. Use pins to hold the shape.
- Allow to air dry completely before wearing or storing to prevent mildew.
- Avoid hanging sweaters, which can stretch out the shoulders and cause distortion.
- Never machine dry or use a traditional clothes dryer, even on low heat, which can damage fabrics.
- Wool and cashmere sweaters may take several hours up to a full day to fully air dry. Be patient.
Taking the time to lay American Eagle sweaters flat to dry is essential to keeping them looking their best season after season.
Storing American Eagle Sweaters
After washing American Eagle sweaters, proper storage helps prevent damage between wears:
- Store sweaters folded in a drawer, nested inside each other with paper or acid-free tissue between to prevent snagging.
- Wool and cashmere sweaters prone to moths can be stored in cedar boxes or with cedar blocks or sachets.
- For hanging storage, use wide padded or velvet hangers to help sweaters hold their shape.
- Avoid wire, plastic or thin hangers that can stretch out the shoulders.
- Store in a cool, dry place and avoid attics, basements or garages with extreme temps or humidity levels.
- Zip up zippers and fasten any buttons or closures before storing to prevent snagging.
- limit exposure to sunlight, which can fade colors over time. Store sweaters in a dark closet or chest.
Proper laundering and storage habits keep American Eagle sweaters looking and feeling fabulous for many years of wear.
Common American Eagle Sweater Fabrics and How to Wash
American Eagle uses a variety of natural and synthetic knit fabrics, each requiring specialized care:
Cotton Sweaters
Known for their soft hand-feel and breathability.
- Machine wash cold, delicate cycle
- Line dry or flat dry
- Avoid bleach
Wool Sweaters
Naturally moisture wicking and warm. Can felt or shrink when agitated.
- Hand wash with wool detergent
- Lay flat to dry, never wring or hang
- Steam or dry clean for stubborn stains
Cashmere Sweaters
Luxuriously soft but requires delicate care.
- Hand wash or dry clean
- Avoid automatic washing machines
- Lay flat to dry away from direct heat or sunlight
Acrylic Sweaters
Synthetic fabric that mimics wool’s performance.
- Machine wash cold, delicate cycle
- Lay flat or dry on low heat
- Resists shrinking and felting
Polyester Sweaters
Wrinkle resistant, durable, quick drying synthetic.
- Machine wash cold
- Tumble dry low
- Avoid bleach which can yellow the fabric
Check the care tag before washing American Eagle sweaters, as blends may require following the instructions for the most delicate fibre used. When in doubt, err on the gentle side with hand washing in cold water and flat drying.
Solving Common Laundry Problems with American Eagle Sweaters
Follow these troubleshooting tips if issues arise when washing American Eagle sweaters at home:
Pilling and fuzzing – Use a fabric shaver to gently remove pills. Avoid overcrowded machines and wash bags to reduce pilling.
Shrinkage – If slight, reshape while damp and lay flat to dry. For significant shrinkage, re-wet and gently pull back into shape before drying.
Snags and holes – Stop runs by securing edges with fusible web or fabric glue. Darn small holes by hand or use an inconspicuous patch on the inside.
Dye bleeding – Wash in cold water using a colour catcher sheet. Test for dyefastness by washing a hidden area first.
Fading – Sun fading can be permanent but wash fading can be improved by re-dyeing using fabric dye for the appropriate fibre.
Odour – Kill odours like smoke or mildew by washing with white vinegar or an oxygenated bleach safe for the fabric. Air dry in the sun.
Stains – Treat immediately as dried stains can set and make removal difficult. When in doubt, take to a professional dry cleaner.
With some vigilance and TLC, properly caring for American Eagle sweaters at home can keep them looking fabulous for many years to come.
FAQs About Washing American Eagle Sweaters
Have more questions about how to wash and care for American Eagle sweaters? Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:
How often should you wash an American Eagle sweater?
- Only wash when visibly dirty or stained. Avoid over-washing, which can fade colours and deteriorate fabrics faster.
Can you put American Eagle sweaters in the dryer?
- Avoid the dryer, even on low heat, which can damage fabrics and cause shrinkage. Always lay flat or line dry.
Should American Eagle cashmere sweaters be dry-cleaned?
- Hand wash or dry clean cashmere to prevent shrinking and pilling. Check the tag – some can be gently machine-washed.
How do you wash an American Eagle wool sweater?
- Hand wash wool sweaters in cold water using a mild detergent made for delicates or woollens. Reshape and lay flat to dry.
Can you bleach an American Eagle sweater?
- Avoid using bleach, even non-chlorine bleaches, which can damage fabrics or cause discolouration. Spot treat stains instead.
How do you unshrink an American Eagle sweater?
- Rewet the sweater in cold water and gently tug and reshape before drying flat. Repeated washing in cold water can also relax fibres.
Why does my American Eagle sweater pill?
- Pilling is caused by friction during wear and washing. Use a sweater comb to remove pills. Improper washing and drying can accelerate it.
How do you soften an American Eagle sweater?
- Use fabric softener when washing, and dry completely. For quick softening, mist lightly with fabric softener spray after air drying.
Caring for Your American Eagle Sweaters
American Eagle sweaters are beloved for their cosy fabrics, flattering fits and on-trend styles. Keep your sweater collection looking fabulous by:
- Reading and following the care instructions
- Washing delicates on cold and drying flat
- Treating stains quickly and being gentle when handling
- Storing properly between wears
- Acting at the first signs of damage from washing or drying
A little TLC goes a long way in extending the life and enjoyment of your American Eagle sweater collection. With the proper care, they’ll keep you cozy in style for seasons to come!
