The Wonderful World of Sweaters . . . second in a series

Preservation Tips
Follow your sweater's care label instructions closely to prevent shrinkage and stretching. Many sweaters are hand-wash only. In these cases, it is most often best to lay them flat to dry, unless the label says it's safe to tumble-dry the sweater at low heat. Some sweaters are gentle-cycle washable and others may require drycleaning. Avoid using alkaline-based detergents on woolens and other animal fibers.

• If you have any doubts about care procedures, discuss it with your professional cleaner.

• Tumble dry at low temperatures, if recommended on the care label. Otherwise, lay flat to dry.

• Keep sweaters clean. Treat stains right away. When spills are blotted immediately and professionally removed, stains won't develop later.

•Make a pattern of knit sweaters before washing by tracing their outline on a piece of brown or kraft paper. This will allow the sweater to be blocked back to its original size.

• Brush sweaters after each wearing. This revives the nap, if there is one, and frees the garment of surface soil.

• If wool sweaters get wet, let them dry at room temperature away from heat, then brush with the nap.

• Check knitted sweaters for unraveling and fraying, and secure any loose yarns so the sweater can withstand normal use and care procedures without further unraveling.

• Place folded sweaters over padded hangers in a well-ventilated closet or place in drawers. Do not hang sweaters from the shoulders; the weight of the sweater can cause it to stretch. Be sure to empty pockets, remove belts, and close zippers.

• Remember that delicate items require special handling.