I feel that knitwear generally does not require the same amount of laundering as other garments. I have woollens that have not seen water for years.

This is what I do instead

I set my iron to its lowest steam setting. Place your knitwear accessory on your board and cover with a piece of fabric (a cotton pillowcase for example). 

Steam the garment through this protective layer. Remembering to use your iron's lowest steam setting. Steaming is great for getting rid of wrinkles and bacteria.

Remember the protective layer.

With scarves, after I have steamed and if I’m not wearing it straight away, I roll them up. I do this by place the back of the scarf facing up and pull very gently at the sides while feeding it through my fingers to form a roll.

Leave to sit for a while and voila!

Otherwise gentle handwashing in tepid water using a specialist wool detergent is recommended.

Once handwashed, lay flat between two towels and gently press (no wringing or squeezing) the excess water out. Then shape and lay flat to dry. Do not put in a dryer.

Dry cleaning is also an option.