A woman in glasses examines clothes from a laundry basket in front of industrial washing machines at a laundromat.We all have those items in our closet we instinctively know to hand wash — delicate blouses, lace lingerie, maybe a vintage tee we’ve had forever. And then there’s knitwear. Soft, cozy, and usually a bit high maintenance, knits are the pieces we love to live in but dread washing.

If you’ve ever ruined a beloved sweater and swore you’d never let it happen again, this guide is for you. We show you how to wash and dry your favorite knits the right way, so they stay soft, snuggly, and perfectly shaped all season long.

Step 1 | Check the Care Label First

Before you even fill the sink or start sorting your laundry, stop and read the care label. Knitwear comes in many types (e.g., wool, cashmere, acrylic, alpaca), and each fiber has different needs. Some sweaters can be hand washed at home, while others may require dry cleaning. The label will tell you if a garment is safe to wash, what temperature to use, and whether to avoid tumble drying.

Pay attention to these indicators on your knitwear’s tag:

Step 2 | Use Cold or Lukewarm Water Only

Heat is one of knitwear’s worst enemies. Hot water can shrink natural fibers, weaken elasticity, and make soft textures feel coarse. So when washing knits, stick to cold or lukewarm water to protect the fibers and preserve the shape and softness.

Here’s how to choose the right temperature:

Step 3 | Choose a Wool-safe or Delicate Detergent

Not all laundry detergents are safe for delicate knits. Standard detergents often contain enzymes, brighteners, or heavy surfactants that strip natural oils and roughen the fibers. For knitwear, especially wool or cashmere, use only a wool-safe or delicate-specific detergent.

To help you pick the best product, here’s what to look for:

Using the right detergent helps maintain the softness of your knitwear while removing dirt without harsh friction or chemical damage.

Step 4 | Turn Inside Out Before Washing

Before you submerge your sweater or load the washing machine, flip your knitwear inside out. This simple step minimizes wear and tear during the wash cycle and helps preserve surface texture and color. It also helps protect embroidered or printed designs.

Here are a few key reasons to always turn your knits inside out:

Step 5 | Wash by Hand or Use a Mesh Bag in the Machine

Hand washing is the gold standard for cleaning knitwear. But if you’re short on time or dealing with a bulkier item, machine washing can work, as long as you do it right. A mesh laundry bag adds a protective layer, reducing the agitation and stretch risk.

Here’s how to approach both methods with care:

Step 6 | Never Wring or Twist Wet Knitwear

After washing, it’s tempting to twist your garment to get rid of excess water, but resist that urge. Wet knitwear is at its most vulnerable and can stretch permanently when wrung. Instead, press out the water gently.

Here’s how to do it without damaging your sweater:

Step 7 | Lay Flat on a Towel or Mesh Rack to Dry

Once you remove excess water, lay your knitwear flat to dry. Hanging is not an option here; gravity stretches wet fibers and leaves shoulders sagging. A clean towel or mesh drying rack gives your garment support while allowing air to circulate.

Here’s how to get it right:

Step 8 | Keep Away from Direct Heat and Sunlight

Drying your knitwear near a heater or in direct sun may speed things up, but it comes at a cost. Heat and UV rays can fade colors, stiffen fibers, and cause shrinkage, especially in natural materials like wool and alpaca.

For safe, effective drying, follow these tips:

Step 9 | Store Folded (Never on Hangers)

The final step in keeping your knitwear soft and snuggly is proper storage. Hanging may be fine for jackets, but knits stretch under their own weight, especially at the shoulders. Folding is the way to go to maintain shape and avoid warping.

Here are the best ways to store knits so they last longer:

Your Sweaters Are in Good Hands — Schedule a Professional Cleaning With Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry Today!

Woman wearing a tan knit beanie, black coat, and light turtleneck stands near the ocean, smiling and holding her hat with both hands. The background is slightly foggy.
Knitwear behaves nothing like your everyday tees and jeans. Its yarns relax when wet, fibers tangle under heat, and delicate weaves pill if spun the wrong way. Which means one careless wash or stain treatment can mean disaster for that favorite cashmere or hand-knit sweater.

At Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry, we offer expert dry cleaning for everything from everyday sweaters to delicate pieces (e.g., wedding dresses, leather jackets, etc.), always handled with care to avoid shrinkage or fabric damage. As a family-owned and operated business, we’ve built our legacy on precision, care, and customer satisfaction.

For added convenience, you can also opt for our Pickup and Delivery Service. We’ll come right to your door in Bismarck or nearby areas like Lincoln, Southport, and Highland Acres. Trust your knitwear to the professionals. Schedule your dry cleaning or laundry service with Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry!

A woman in glasses examines clothes from a laundry basket in front of industrial washing machines at a laundromat.Hypoallergenic detergents are specially formulated cleaning agents designed to minimize the risk of allergic reactions. No wonder more people are turning to hypoallergenic options, hoping for gentler, safer results. The only catch, though, is that it’s not always clear what separates them from the standard products lining store shelves.

That’s exactly why it’s worth taking a closer look before making the switch. What ingredients do hypoallergenic detergents leave out? Do they actually clean as well as your go-to brand? And are they really the right choice for your household?

If you’ve been thinking about making the switch but aren’t sure where to start, keep reading to get the full picture.

Fact #1 | They’re Made Without Common Irritants (Dyes, Fragrances, and Harsh Preservatives)

Hypoallergenic detergents are specifically formulated to reduce the risk of skin irritation. They leave out a long list of harsh additives found in standard detergents, things like artificial dyes, synthetic fragrances, and chemical preservatives that can trigger itching, rashes, or allergic reactions. For people with sensitive skin or conditions like eczema, this makes a huge difference in comfort and skin health.

Fact #2 | Not All “Hypoallergenic” Labels Are Regulated (Always Check the Ingredient List)

Just because a detergent says “hypoallergenic” on the label doesn’t mean it’s guaranteed to be safe for your skin. Unlike food labels, detergent labeling isn’t heavily regulated in the U.S., which means companies can use the term loosely. That’s why reading the ingredient list is your best bet to make sure the product is truly skin-friendly.

What to Look for When Reading the Label:

Fact #3 | They're Ideal for Sensitive Skin, Eczema, and Allergy-Prone Users

If your skin tends to react to detergents, whether it’s dryness, redness, or itching, hypoallergenic options can be a relief. They’re made for people who have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, and they can help prevent flare-ups that start with something as basic as wearing a T-shirt.

Who Benefits Most From Hypoallergenic Detergents?

Fact #4 | Many Formulas Clean Just as Well as Regular Detergents, Including Stain Removal

A lot of people worry that hypoallergenic means “less effective.” That’s not necessarily true. Many formulas use natural enzymes and plant-based surfactants that can break down stains and remove grime just as well as their chemical-heavy counterparts.

Tips for Effective Cleaning with Hypoallergenic Detergents:

Fact #5 | Some Hypoallergenic Options Are Also Eco-Friendly and Biodegradable

If you’re concerned about both your skin and the planet, you’ll be glad to know that many hypoallergenic detergents are also designed with the environment in mind. These formulas often skip phosphates, microplastics, and other pollutants. They're biodegradable, come in recyclable packaging, and sometimes even offer refillable solutions.

Things to Look For in Eco-Conscious, Hypoallergenic Detergents:

Fact #6 | They’re a Safer Choice for Washing Baby Clothes, Delicates, and Undergarments

Your most intimate items, think undergarments, baby clothes, and delicates, spend the most time in contact with your skin. That’s why it’s smart to avoid washing them in anything that could leave irritating residues. Hypoallergenic detergents are formulated to rinse clean without leaving behind anything that might cause discomfort.

Fabrics That Benefit Most From Hypoallergenic Wash Cycles:

Fact #7 | Hypoallergenic Detergents Can Help Reduce Fabric Residue That Causes Itchiness

One of the sneaky culprits behind skin irritation isn’t just what’s in the detergent, but what it leaves behind. Hypoallergenic formulas are designed to rinse thoroughly, which means less buildup of film and residue that causes clothing to feel stiff, itchy, or sticky after drying.

How Hypoallergenic Detergents Keep Clothes Comfortable:

Fact #8 | They’re Available in Both Liquid and Powder Form, With or Without Enzymes

Laundry detergent bottle, a scoop of powder, a measuring cup with liquid, laundry pods, and a white t-shirt on a blue background.

You’re not stuck with one type when it comes to hypoallergenic options. Whether you prefer powder, liquid, or pods, there’s likely a formula that works for your household. Some versions include enzymes to help break down protein-based stains (like sweat or food), while others go fully enzyme-free for the most sensitive users.

Choosing the Right Type for Your Laundry Needs:

Fact #9 | You Can Find Them in Stores, Online, and Even Request Them at Some Professional Cleaners

Hypoallergenic detergents are easier to find nowadays. Most grocery stores, drugstores, and big-box retailers stock multiple “free & clear” options. You can also find highly specialized formulas online, including organic and boutique brands. And if you're not doing your own laundry, no problem. Many nearby clothes cleaners now offer hypoallergenic cleaning options if you request it in advance.

Where to Buy or Access Hypoallergenic Laundry Options:

Want Safer, Cleaner Clothes? Drop Off Your Next Load at Arrowhead Cleaners – Bismarck’s Garment Care Experts Since 1960

If you want to make a garment care upgrade, trust the team that’s been delivering high-quality results and unmatched customer service for over 60 years. From dry cleaning and laundry service to leather & suede cleaning and even wedding dress preservation, Arrowhead Cleaners combines timeless craftsmanship with cutting-edge solutions to keep your wardrobe pristine.

Stop by Arrowhead Cleaners at 1140 N 3rd St, Bismarck, ND 58501, or call us at (701) 223-3311 to book a service.

A woman in glasses examines clothes from a laundry basket in front of industrial washing machines at a laundromat.Managing personal laundry is already a handful. How much more when you sort, wash, fold, and put away clothes for five, six, or more people? In a large household, it doesn’t matter how many loads you finish, there’s always more waiting in the basket.

However, when you set up a system that's consistent and easy to follow, it puts you back in control. Laundry becomes a process you can stay ahead of, not one that keeps dragging you under. And the best part? These routines don’t require a major lifestyle overhaul – just a few smart changes.

Here’s how to build a laundry routine that keeps your household running smoothly.

1) Assign Laundry Days by Person or Group

Creating a laundry schedule by person or group ensures no one’s load gets overlooked or doubled up. Instead of washing everything at once, build a rotating flow that spreads the load throughout the week.

How to Make It Happen

1. Create a Weekly Schedule

Assign laundry days based on who has the most laundry or whose clothes need to be ready by certain days. For example:

2. Post the Schedule Somewhere Visible

Put it on the fridge, the laundry room door, or use a shared family app. The more visible, the easier it is to stick to.

3. Keep Hampers Separate

Give each person or group their own hamper or laundry bin. That way, everything’s ready to toss in without extra sorting.

2) Give Each Family Member Their Own Hamper

When laundry from multiple people is dumped into one big bin, sorting becomes a major hassle. Assigning individual hampers prevents mix-ups, particularly with items like socks, shirts, or undergarments that often look similar across siblings.

How to Make It Work

1. Use Color Coding or Labels

Pick a different color hamper for each person or use labeled laundry bags to make it obvious whose is whose, especially helpful in large families with children.

2. Choose Space-saving Hampers

If floor space is tight, go vertical with stackable baskets or opt for hanging laundry bags on closet doors or the backs of bedroom doors.

3. Set Expectations

Let everyone know the system: if it’s not in your hamper, it doesn’t get washed. Simple rules make the routine easier for everyone to follow.

3) Presort by Fabric Type

Sorting by fabric type protects clothes and prevents common damages caused by mismatched laundry. Washing heavy denim trousers with delicate blouses or sweaters can cause pilling, shrinkage, or fabric tears. A presorting system removes that risk and extends garment life.

Here’s how to make presorting part of your daily flow:

  1. Set up three bins in the laundry area labeled: “Delicates,” “Everyday,” and “Heavy.”
  2. Encourage family members to place items in the correct bin after use.
  3. Educate older children on identifying fabrics like suede, silk, denim, and polyester.

This habit protects sensitive items and avoids ruining clothes by accidentally tossing delicate blouses or sweaters into a hot wash cycle meant for towels.

4) Teach Children to Help with the Basics

An adult and a child load laundry into a washing machine together in a laundry room, both wearing casual clothes and headbands.

Involving children in laundry teaches responsibility while also easing your workload. You don’t need to assign them full loads right away. Start with age-appropriate tasks and build from there. Even preschoolers can contribute to keeping the laundry area running smoothly.

Introduce these responsibilities in stages:

  1. Ages 3–5: Put dirty clothes into their hamper.
  2. Ages 6–8: Help sort laundry into categories (e.g., towels, shirts, socks).
  3. Ages 9+: Load the washing machine, measure detergent, and fold simple items like towels.

Over time, your children become contributors instead of passive participants, and laundry becomes a shared family task instead of a solo responsibility.

5) Set Up a Folding Station

A dedicated folding station ensures laundry gets put away faster and more neatly. Without a clear space for folding, clean clothes tend to pile up and wrinkle. And this wastes your time and makes clothes look unkempt.

To establish an efficient setup:

  1. Use a folding table or a wide countertop near the dryer or laundry basket zone.
  2. Keep laundry baskets, hangers, and a lint roller within arm’s reach.
  3. Post folding guides (e.g., folding shirts, trousers, or dresses) for children and teens.

6) Use Mesh Bags for Small or Delicate Items

Mesh laundry bags are a small investment that prevents big problems, especially in homes with many small garments. They keep items like socks, underwear, and baby clothes from getting lost or tangled in other loads. They also help protect delicate fabrics.

Use mesh bags strategically by:

  1. Assigning a labeled bag to each child for socks and undergarments.
  2. Placing blouses, bras, or sweaters in mesh bags to prevent stretching or snagging.
  3. Using zipper or drawstring bags that won’t open mid-cycle.

These bags reduce missing items, preserve fabric quality, and eliminate the time-consuming task of searching for small pieces across multiple loads.

7) Create a “Needs Special Care” Bin

Not every item should go into the washing machine. Pieces made from leather, wool, or silk, or those labeled “dry clean only”, need a separate system so they don’t get washed by mistake.

Set this up by:

  1. Placing a small bin near your laundry area labeled “Dry Clean or Hand Wash.”
  2. Instructing family members to check labels before putting items into the wash.
  3. Setting a reminder to check this bin once a week for items that need extra attention.

This step keeps delicate items like dresses, jackets, suede shoes, or customer-grade uniforms from being ruined and gives you time to take them to a professional dry cleaner if needed.

8) Pick One Day a Week for Linens Only

Sheets, towels, and pillowcases take up a lot of washer and dryer space. Mixing them with everyday clothing slows down everything and often leads to forgotten laundry. Designating one dedicated day for linens helps balance your routine.

Follow this simple routine:

  1. Strip all beds and bathrooms in the morning.
  2. Wash linens in hot water with appropriate detergent and fabric softener.
  3. Dry and fold immediately to avoid musty smells or wrinkles.

By assigning a dedicated linens day, you prevent large items from interrupting the flow of your weekly clothing routine and keep your home fresh and sanitary.

Make Laundry Easier for the Whole Family. Contact Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry for Professional Laundry Care!

Laundry shouldn’t take over your evenings or your weekends. When you have a full household and a packed schedule, Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry is here to help you reclaim your time. Our professional Dry Cleaning and Wash and Fold Laundry Services are designed with families in mind, saving you hours each week and sparing you from the never-ending cycle of sorting, washing, and folding. And with our complimentary Pickup and Delivery Service, your clean laundry is just a doorstep away.

A woman in glasses examines clothes from a laundry basket in front of industrial washing machines at a laundromat.

As much as we’d like our sweater to keep its snug, flattering fit, sometimes it stretches out and loses its shape. Maybe it got stretched out after too many spins in the dryer, or maybe it’s just the result of regular wear and tear. Either way, it’s frustrating when your favorite piece starts sagging at the neckline, hanging awkwardly at the hem, or losing its original shape entirely.

And it’s not just sweaters—this can happen to tees, jeans, dresses, and pretty much anything that’s been worn and washed more than a few times. But there are ways to reverse the damage, or at least improve the look and feel of the piece. This guide shares nine easy, effective tricks to help fix stretched clothing, whether it’s a sagging sweater or stretched skinny jeans. Let’s walk through your options!

1) Shrink It Back in the Wash (Gently)

If your cotton shirt or casual blouse feels too big, you can often shrink it a little in the wash without turning it into doll clothes.

How to do it:

This works best for cotton and some poly-blends. Avoid trying this on silk, wool, or anything labeled “dry clean only”. For those pieces, you need to visit the nearest dry cleaner or find a cleaner who expertly handles delicate garments.

2) Rewash and Reshape by Hand

If you have a stretched-out sweater or knit dress, hand washing can do wonders, especially when you reshape it while it’s still damp.

How to do it:

Let it air dry flat—never hang it. This trick is especially good for wool sweaters and blouses, which can stretch just from being on a hanger too long. It’s the kind of tip even a seasoned dry cleaner would recommend for in-between cleanings.

3) Use Steam to Tighten Fabric

Steam helps relax and reshape fabric fibers that have stretched out. This method is  especially great for shirts, skirts, or dresses made of cotton or linen.

How to do it:

This method is safe for most everyday clothes, but skip it for silk or leather, as those fabrics need more specialized care. If you’re not sure, it’s a good idea to drop it off at the closest dry cleaner that handles specialty garments.

4) Tailor It Back Into Shape

Sometimes, a piece is too far gone for a quick fix, and that’s where you should let a professional tailor handle it. If the item has sentimental value or fits you well in most spots, it’s worth adjusting professionally.

Tailors can:

Tailoring is especially helpful for structured items like jackets, wool coats, or formal dresses. Many reputable dry cleaners have tailors in-house or can refer you to one. It's more affordable than replacing a high-quality item, and the customer service is usually topnotch.

5) Add Elastic for a Quick DIY Fix

If your waistband or sleeve cuffs have lost their stretch, a small piece of elastic can fix the problem without needing a full alteration.

How to do it:

It might sound advanced, but this is a simple DIY that’s beginner friendly. If you’re nervous about it, check if your nearest dry cleaner also offers small repairs. They often do jobs like this at a reasonable price.

6) Spray and Reshape (for Cotton and Jersey)

This is a great option when your shirt or T-shirt has stretched just a little around the collar or hem. This works well for jersey knits and cotton tees—the kind you don’t want to toss but aren’t sure how to fix. It’s fast, easy, and doesn’t require any sewing or special tools.

How to do it:

7) Freeze Your Denim (Yes, Really)

Jeans can stretch a lot with wear, especially around the knees or waistband. Freezing can help them feel tighter again while also killing odor-causing bacteria. It won’t shrink them dramatically, but it firms up the fibers and can give you a snugger fit. It's also an environmentally friendly trick that keeps you from overwashing your denim, which helps preserve the fabric longer.

How to do it:

8) Use Fabric Spray Starch for Support

Have a shirt or blouse that’s gotten a bit floppy? Fabric spray starch is a quick fix that can restore some crispness and structure—perfect for shirts, collars, or cotton dresses. This gives the fabric that fresh-from-the-cleaners feel. Just don’t overdo it, as too much starch can build up and attract dirt.  

How to do it:

9) For Knits and Sweaters: Try a Cold Water Soak + Reshape

Three folded knitted sweaters in dark gray, light gray, and beige colors stacked on a wooden surface.

If you’ve ever pulled a sweater out of storage and found it saggy or stretched, this one’s for you. This method works especially well for wool and cashmere, and it’s a great way to freshen up sweaters without a full wash.

How to do it:

Let it air dry flat, and avoid using hangers. If the knit still looks tired, take it to a dry cleaners that handles wool and sweater care specifically.

Keep Your Clothes in Shape with Professional Care from Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry!

If you're confident enough to try saving your stretched-out clothes at home, great—but if you'd rather skip the hassle and get it done right, trust the experts at Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry. We offer professional dry cleaning solutions for everything from delicate fabrics and stretched sweaters to specialty garments like leather, suede, and fire-resistant clothing.

But we don't stop at these pieces. We even clean and preserve wedding dresses and deep clean household items. We use environmentally friendly products and advanced cleaning techniques to treat various kinds of stains and ensure the best cleaning results for every item. 

We are located at 1140 North 3rd Street, Bismarck, North Dakota, but we also service the surrounding areas. Contact us today at 701-223-3311 for all your inquiries! 

A person smiling while unloading a front-loading washing machine into a laundry basket.

If there’s such a thing as overusing a service, you might wonder if Wash and Fold Laundry Service falls into that category. After all, professional laundry Pickup and Delivery Service can transform your weekly routine, but how do you know when it’s too much or just enough? Depending on your lifestyle, family size, and budget, the ideal frequency can vary widely—from weekly pickups for large households to once a month for folks who only need occasional help.

In this guide, we help you determine the ideal Wash and Fold Laundry Service schedule for your needs, breaking it down by lifestyle type so you can strike the perfect balance between convenience and necessity.

Busy Professionals (Weekly or Biweekly)

If you work long hours and barely have time to cook, let alone do laundry, a Wash and Fold Laundry Service is a time-saving necessity. Instead of spending hours washing, drying, and folding, you can have your laundry professionally cleaned and delivered fresh and ready to wear.

Why Weekly or Biweekly?

Most professionals go through multiple outfits each week—from business attire to casual clothes and gym wear. Waiting too long between wash cycles can lead to overflowing hampers and last-minute wardrobe scrambles. A weekly or biweekly laundry Pickup and Delivery Service ensures you always have clean clothes when you need them.

Choose weekly service if:

Go biweekly if:

Many professionals also opt for laundry Pickup and Delivery Service, so they don’t have to interrupt their workflow or daily schedule.

Large Families (Once or Twice a Week)

For large families, laundry never stops. Between children, school uniforms, sports gear, bedding, and daily clothing changes, a standard washing machine can only handle so much before it becomes overwhelming.

Why Weekly or Twice Weekly?

A once-a-week Wash and Fold Laundry Service helps keep laundry manageable. However, if you have multiple children or do frequent bedding changes, a twice-a-week schedule may be more practical.

Go for twice a week if:

Weekly works well if:

Athletes and Gym-goers (Twice a Week or More)

If you work out regularly, your gym clothes, towels, and activewear need frequent washing to avoid sweat buildup, bacteria, and odor. A twice-a-week Wash and Fold Laundry Service helps keep things fresh.

Why Twice a Week?

Travelers and Digital Nomads (Biweekly or Monthly)

Two men with backpacks and hiking poles smile while walking in a grassy outdoor setting, with mountains in the background.

If you're always on the move, laundry is probably low on your priority list. A biweekly or monthly Wash and Fold Laundry Service ensures you come home to freshly cleaned clothes after travel.

Why Biweekly or Monthly?

For long-term travelers, scheduling a laundry Pickup and Delivery Service before departure and another upon return ensures a seamless experience.

Apartment Dwellers with No Washer/Dryer (Weekly or Biweekly)

If you live in an apartment without an in-unit washing machine, laundry can be a hassle. Between crowded laundromats, broken machines, and long wait times, a Wash and Fold Laundry Service is the easiest solution.

Why Weekly or Biweekly?

Businesses (Hotels, Restaurants, Salons, etc.): Daily or Weekly

For businesses handling customer-facing linens, uniforms, or towels, regular commercial laundry services are a must. A commercial Wash and Fold Laundry Service ensures cleanliness, maintains hygiene, and helps businesses focus on operations instead of laundry duties.

Why Daily or Weekly?

People with Stains and Delicate Clothing (As Needed)

Certain stains, delicate fabrics, and specialty clothing need extra care beyond a regular Wash and Fold Laundry Service.

When Should You Use It?

For these items, using a laundry Pickup and Delivery Service on an as-needed basis ensures they’re handled properly.

Your Lifestyle, Your Schedule—Let Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry Handle Your Laundry!

No matter your lifestyle, Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry will cater to your laundry needs with the utmost dedication and professionalism. Since 1960, Arrowhead Cleaners & Laundry has been the trusted name in garment care for the Bismarck community. As a family-owned and operated business, our reputation stands on quality service, keen attention to detail, and complete customer satisfaction.

Contact Arrowhead Cleaners today to schedule your Wash and Fold Laundry Service in Bismarck, North Dakota, or visit us at 1140 North Third Street, Bismarck, North Dakota, 58501. We’ll take care of the laundry—because your lifestyle should always come first!

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