I think we can all agree that when it comes to handmade items, we tend to feel at a loss on how to keep them as fresh as the day they were finished. When it comes to those more complex pieces, just the idea of trying to maintain their shape or keeping them clean is enough to turn you away from even owning it or making it for yourself. Crochet items can require a separate kind of consideration to make sure they keep looking awesome and damage-free. Luckily, I have discovered caring for crochet items is easier than you might think.
When looking at your crochet items, these are the main things to consider when cleaning or storing them:
What is the fiber made from?
What kind of item is it?
Not every crochet item you make or own will need to be cleaned. Amigurumi comes to mind as an item that may not need regular cleaning. But wearables such as sweaters, shawls, coverups, hats, etc, are more likely to need to be cleaned at some point and require individual attention to do so successfully.
If some kind of spill or dirt transfer happens, you should just gently blot away any visible mess with a damp cloth or brush off the offending debris. The most common yarn fibers you will see in crochet projects are wool, cotton, and acrylic.
The bonus to wool and acrylic fiber is that it is somewhat hydrophobic. Liquid-based stains will not immediately soak into wool or acrylic garments once it makes contact with the item, as long as you attend to them rather quickly. Cotton fiber is more likely to soak up liquids quickly, but stains can still be prevented by treating it as soon as possible by blotting it out as soon as you can or rinsing it under cool water.
If there is no stain residue left behind, make sure the item is completely dry before storing. Most crochet items will only need to be aired out in between uses or wear, especially wool and acrylic items. Washing would only be needed if it has an odor or a stain that you were unable to rescue it from soon enough.
For blankets, I usually only wash them if my husband or one of my children has snuggled with it while sick. Not only does it make me feel like I’m eliminating the lingering germs, but everyone likes a fresh feeling blanket after being sick.
If it comes down to it and your item needs to be washed, the most important factor is the fiber content. Each one requires a different washing process. If you are making the project yourself, all of the specific care information will be located on the yarn label. If you purchased the item from a creator, then hopefully, they have provided you with some guidance on how to care for it.
In the event you are unsure what to do to wash your item, here are a few basic guidelines. In the crochet maker community, it is widely accepted and agreed that hand washing is the overall best process for all fibers. I know the idea of hand washing seems tedious, but, likely, you will only be washing these delicate items as a one-off event so it will only take a small chuck of time to complete.
To begin, you will need a bin to wash them in, mild detergents, and a few dry bath towels.
For wool and acrylic items, handwashing is best, using a mild liquid detergent that bears the Woolmark symbol:
Prepare the washing tub (either a tub about the size used for a foot soak, a clean sink, or for bigger items, your bathtub is fine) with cold to room temperature water and incorporate the detergent. Then, completely submerge your item in the washing water and gently agitate in the water to allow the detergent and water to work its magic. Rinse with cool, clean water until the stream runs clear.
Once thoroughly rinsed, squeeze out the excess water (do not wring it out by twisting the item) and lay flat on a bath towel. Tightly roll up the towel with the item on it to wick out the remaining excess water.
Unroll the towel and lay it flat in an area with good air circulation – I like to put it to dry in a room with a dehumidifier to help speed it along. Blankets and wearables should not be hung up to prevent warping and stretching out of shape.
Handmade items using cotton fibers should also be hand-washed, but can survive the washing machine in a pinch. Use the gentle/delicates cycle and a mild detergent, squeeze out the excess water, then lay flat to dry, reshaping the item if needed.
Taking the extra time to care for these items properly can greatly increase their longevity and protect them for many years of use and wear.
RESOURCES
Does, D. (2022, May 20). How to care for your crochet garments and wearables. Dora Does. https://doradoes.co.uk/2022/05/20/how-to-care-for-your-crochet-garments-and-wearables/
Fong, C. (2022, January 4). How to wash your projects. Stitch & Story UK. https://www.stitchandstory.com/blogs/getting-started/washing-handmade-knit-and-crochet-projects?srsltid=AfmBOor_BAg0J6aLVYmlbPMhJV1vrHYgPLUs2qT-Pi–LNhyFmTKFgMd
Leverette, M. M. (2024, March 15). How to clean and care for crochet blankets and clothing. The Spruce. https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-care-for-crochet-blankets-2146311
Megan Horst-Hatch, Editor, AllFreeCrochet.com. (2018, September 14). Caring for Crochet Items: 8 Tips You Need To Know. AllFreeCrochet.com. https://www.allfreecrochet.com/Basics/caring-for-crochet-items
Wilkinson, H. (2025, February 5). How to Care for Crochet Projects: Cleaning, Storage & Fiber-Specific Tips. Sunflower Cottage Crochet. https://sunflowercottagecrochet.com/how-to-care-for-crochet-projects-cleaning-storage-fiber-specific-tips/
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