How-to

Wash Towels and Knits Separately: Six Fabric-Safe Steps

Heavy towels and delicate knitwear differ in abrasion and drying time. Combine Tide's sorting advice with Woolmark's wool-care instructions for a practical laundry routine.

4 min read2026-10-23

Woolmark video showing washing and drying a wool sweater

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01

What you need

Care labels for towels and knits
Separate laundry baskets
Optional mesh wash bag
Mild wool detergent where permitted

02

How to

1. Check each care label before sorting. Set aside items marked hand wash or do not wash instead of treating every knit as machine washable.
2. Keep heavy, lint-shedding towels away from fine knits and lace. The weight and friction of wet towels can stress delicate fibres.
3. Separate garments with zippers, hook-and-loop tape or rough fasteners from knits. Closing a zipper helps but does not make all fabrics safe to wash together.
4. Only if the label allows machine washing, turn the knit inside out, use an appropriate mesh bag, and choose a wool or delicate cycle with mild detergent. Follow the garment's temperature and spin limits.
5. Wash towels in their own compatible load. Sort dark and pale colours and lint producers as needed, and avoid overloading the drum.
6. Gently reshape knits and dry them flat in ventilated shade where the label instructs. Dry towels using their own allowed method rather than overdrying lightweight knitwear.

One more tip

Not all wool is machine washable. Follow the individual care label for hand-wash or dry-clean-only items, and flat-dry knits when directed.

03

Photos, videos, and links

OriginalOriginal photo illustrations for separating heavy and delicate laundryTide

OriginalGarment-label-based wool washing instructionsWoolmark

Sources and media

K-fashion · winter fleece care · November 20268 min

Two KOLON SPORT FW26 Fleeces, Two Care Labels: Six Practical Checks

A Korean outdoor label's wool-blend hooded fleece and colorblock stand-collar jacket need different care. Compare verified fabric compositions, everyday styling and wash instructions before choosing.