How To Snow Wash Your Sweaters

Natural fibres, like wool, cashmere and mohair, are ideal for winter layering: they’re breathable, temperature-regulating and naturally moisture-wicking, and they’re often considered “self-cleaning” as they don’t easily trap odours. (It’s especially true of wool, which is coated in lanolin, a waxy substance produced by sheep that naturally repels water and stains.) That said, they still need to be washed once in a while, and they can be tricky to launder at home. Even hand-washing in cold water comes with risk: any time the fabric gets wet, it can pill, shrink or lose its shape. 

I’ve lost more than my fair share of knits to laundry blunders, so I’m reluctant to wash my 100-percent wool and cashmere sweaters if I can help it. (I always pair them with a couple of under-layers to extend wear time.) But when snow washing came across my social media feed after Toronto’s first big storm of the year, it seemed easy—and harmless—enough to attempt. 

Snow washing originates in Nordic countries, where it’s common for people to let brisk air and clean snow refresh their rugs, bedding and clothing. Think of it as a gentle, free and eco-friendly alternative to dry cleaning: The ice particles in the snow act as a gentle abrasive to clean delicate materials, helping to dislodge debris and deodorize fabric without getting it wet. It works on wool, cashmere, mohair, shearling and sheepskin, though it’s not recommended for real fur. 

My favourite sweater mid-snow washing. (Photo: Andréanne Dion)

You’ll want to wait for a clear day and fresh, powdery snow; wet and heavy snow won’t work as well and will soak through your garments. When there’s enough snow to cover any dirt on the ground, lay your items down, cover them with a layer of snow and gently pat it into the fibres on both the front and back of the sweater, focusing on areas where odours tend to accumulate, like the underarms and neckline. (Wear your warmest gloves for this step!) Let your knits sit outside in the snow for about 30 minutes, then shake them out, take them inside and lay them flat to dry on a drying rack. (You can place a towel underneath your rack to catch any drips, though in my experience it’s not necessary.)

The verdict

After Toronto’s recent record snowfall—which dropped more than 50 centimetres of fluffy powder—I decided to try this technique with my favourite cashmere sweater, an oversized grey knit from last year’s Uniqlo x Anya Hindmarch collection that’s particularly prone to pilling. It went into the snowbank looking a little dull and smelling like I’d spilled an entire bottle of perfume on it. It came out as soft and fluffy as it was when I first got it, and it smells fresh and aired out, with the slightest hint of fragrances past.