How to wash a knit scarf (and a woven one) without ruining it

Published October 19, 2026

Washing a knit scarf comes down to three rules: cold or lukewarm water, up to 86°F (30°C), a mild detergent with no bleach, and drying flat, never in the dryer. A season of tailgates, rain delays and spilled drinks will not hurt it if you follow them. The details change slightly depending on whether your scarf is knitted in acrylic or woven in polyester.

Knit or woven? Check before you wash

Look at how the scarf is made. Most team scarves fall into two families.

• Knit scarves (jacquard): thick, warm and soft. The back shows the front design with the colors reversed, and there is usually fringe at both ends. They are typically acrylic. That includes the classic custom knit scarf and the finer HD knit.
• Woven and printed scarves: thinner, smoother and lighter, in polyester. A custom woven scarf feels tight and crisp; a sublimated satin scarf is printed and has a sheen. The two sides can carry different designs.

Not sure which you have? Our knit vs. woven scarves comparison shows the visible differences. If there is a care label sewn on, follow it first.

How to hand wash a knit scarf

Acrylic knit is tough, but heat and friction distort the stitches and cause pilling. Hand washing avoids both.

1. Fill a sink or basin with cool to lukewarm water, no warmer than 86°F (30°C).
2. Dissolve a small amount of detergent for delicates.
3. Submerge the scarf and gently press it several times. Do not scrub or wring.
4. Let it soak for about 10 minutes, then rinse in clean water at the same temperature.
5. Press the water out between your hands, then roll the scarf in a dry bath towel to soak up the rest.

Machine washing a knit scarf

Use the gentle, delicate or hand-wash cycle with cold water and a low spin. Put the scarf in a mesh laundry bag so the fringe does not tangle or snag. Wash it alone or with similar colors, and keep it away from anything with zippers, hooks or Velcro.

Washing woven and satin scarves

Polyester dries fast and resists wrinkles, but heat can leave marks and dull the shine of satin.

• Cold or lukewarm water, up to 86°F (30°C), gentle cycle or by hand.
• Mild detergent, no bleach or harsh stain remover.
• No dryer: heat can mark or warp the fabric.
• If a crease will not relax, iron the back on a low setting, with a thin cloth between the iron and the scarf.

Woven and satin scarves do not always have fringe. When they do, a mesh bag is still a good idea.

Always dry flat

This is the step that makes a scarf last. A wet scarf hung up stretches under its own weight, especially a knit.

• Lay it flat on a dry towel or a flat drying rack.
• Reshape it by hand: straight edges, even width.
• Straighten the fringe with your fingers while it is still damp.
• Keep it out of direct sun and away from heaters and radiators to protect the colors.

Flip it halfway through so both sides dry evenly.

Fringe, stains and pilling

Fringe

Fringe takes the most wear. After each wash, comb it gently with your fingers from the base to the tips. If a few strands stick out, trim them with sharp scissors without cutting too short. If a tassel comes loose, stitch it back by hand rather than pulling it.

Stains

Act fast. Blot with a clean cloth and cold water, without rubbing, so the stain does not spread or damage the fibers. A drop of mild detergent can help; rinse afterward. Test any product on a hidden spot first, and keep bleach and solvents away. For greasy tailgate stains, a little dish soap worked in with your fingertips usually does it.

Pilling

Pills show up mostly on acrylic knits, where the scarf rubs against a jacket collar. Lay it flat and use a fabric shaver or sweater comb with light strokes and no pressure. Be extra careful on fine-gauge HD knits.

Keep the colors bright

Your colors are the whole point of a team scarf. A few common-sense habits:

• wash it alone or with similar colors the first few times, especially if it pairs a strong red, maroon or royal blue with white;
• turn it inside out or use a mesh bag to cut friction;
• do not leave it drying or sitting in the sun;
• do not wash it more than needed: often, airing it out after the game is enough.

Storing it in the offseason

Wash the scarf before putting it away at the end of the season: sweat and drink stains set over time. Once completely dry, fold it loosely or roll it, then store it in a drawer or a breathable fabric bag, away from light and humidity. Do not hang it by the fringe; if you display it, use a wide hanger or a scarf hook.

What to avoid

• Water hotter than 86°F (30°C).
• The dryer, on any setting.
• Bleach and harsh stain removers.
• Ironing a knit scarf, or ironing a woven or satin scarf on high heat.
• Hard spin cycles and wringing.

These are general care tips based on the materials we use. They do not replace common sense for an unusual stain. For other questions, check the FAQ, and use the scarf configurator to compare techniques before you order.