Washing wool sweaters

How to Wash Wool – A Complete Guide

by

Wool is cozy, stylish, but also prone to shrinking into doll-sized garments if you’re not careful.

In this post, I will explain how to wash wool without turning your favorite sweater into a felt coaster.

The Basics of Wool Care

Wool laundry tips

Wool isn’t your average fabric. Treat it like royalty, and it’ll keep you warm and looking fabulous for years. Mistreat it, and, well, prepare for some wardrobe heartbreak.

Sorting Your Wool

First off, separate your wool items from the rest of your laundry. Wool deserves special attention, and mixing it with your everyday clothes is a surefire way to ruin both your woolen treasures and your regular threads.

Hand Washing Is the Gold Standard

Washing wool clothing

Hand washing wool is the safest bet. It’s like giving your woolens a spa day, and it is a method that gives you the most control. Here’s how you do it:

Materials You’ll Need

  • Mild wool detergent (these detergents are very kind to your wool)
  • Lukewarm water (not hot, not cold—just right)
  • A clean towel (preferably large enough to roll your wool in)

Step-by-Step Hand Washing

  1. Fill a Basin with Lukewarm Water: Think Goldilocks—neither too hot nor too cold.
  2. Add Detergent: Pour in a bit of mild wool detergent. No need to get fancy; just make sure it’s gentle.
  3. Submerge Wool Item: Gently place your wool item in the water. Swish it around a bit, but no scrubbing or wringing.
  4. Let it Soak: Give it about 10-15 minutes to soak. Think of it as wool’s relaxation time.
  5. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, lukewarm water. Rinse until all detergent is gone.
  6. Press Out Water: Gently press (not wring) the water out. Lay the item flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove excess moisture.

Machine Washing (Proceed with Caution)

Hand washing is great, but sometimes life’s too short. With newer washing machines, there are special programs specifically designed for wool.

Study them carefully, and ask for second opinions from other users of these machines, as not all of them are crafted equally. If your wool item is labeled machine washable, follow these steps to avoid disasters:

Machine Washing Steps

  1. Choose a Wool Cycle: Most modern machines have a wool or delicate cycle. Use it.
  2. Use a Mesh Bag: Place your wool item in a mesh laundry bag for extra protection.
  3. Add Wool Detergent: Skip the regular detergent. Go for the mild, wool-friendly stuff.
  4. Cold Water Only: Set your machine to cold water. Warm or hot water is a one-way ticket to shrinkage city.
  5. Low Spin: Use the lowest spin setting to avoid stretching.

Drying Wool – You Have to Be Patient With This One

Wool care instructions

Drying wool properly is just as important as washing it. Here’s how to do it without turning your sweater into a crop top.

Step-by-Step Drying

  1. Lay Flat to Dry: Never hang wool to dry. It stretches out faster than a rubber band in a slingshot. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel.
  2. Shape and Reshape: While it’s drying, gently reshape your wool item to its original dimensions.
  3. Avoid Direct Sunlight and Heat: Keep it out of the sun and away from radiators or dryers. Slow and steady wins the race here. Be patient, and your wool will be just fine.

Dealing with Stains

Spilled coffee on your favorite wool sweater? Don’t panic. Here’s how to tackle stains without making them worse:

Stain Removal Steps

  1. Blot, Don’t Rub: Use a clean cloth to blot (not rub) the stain. Rubbing just grinds the stain in deeper.
  2. Cold Water Rinse: Rinse the stained area with cold water immediately. Hot water will set the stain.
  3. Use a Mild Detergent: Apply a small amount of mild wool detergent directly to the stain. Gently work it in with your fingers.
  4. Rinse and Repeat: Rinse thoroughly and repeat if necessary. Patience, not force, is what you should rely on.

Storing Wool to Keep Moths at Bay

Hand washing wool

Moths love wool almost as much as you do. To avoid turning your wardrobe into a moth buffet, follow these storage tips:

Storage Tips

  1. Clean Before Storing: Always wash your wool items before storing them away for the season. Moths are attracted to body oils and food residue.
  2. Use Airtight Containers: Store wool in airtight containers or vacuum-sealed bags to keep pests out.
  3. Add Cedar or Lavender: Moths hate these natural repellents. Toss in a few cedar blocks or lavender sachets for added protection.
  4. Make Sure Your Wardrobe Is Clean: I would also recommend to clean your wardrobe every several months to keep it in tip-top shape.

In addition to proper storage for your wool items, consider using Mulberry Silk bags for extra protection.

Final Tips for Wool Care

  • Read the Label: Always check the care label before washing. Manufacturers know best.
  • Spot Clean When Possible: Sometimes, a full wash isn’t necessary. Spot cleaning can save time and reduce wear.
  • Avoid Fabric Softeners: They can coat wool fibers, reducing their natural ability to breathe.

Wool care might seem like a hassle, but with the right approach, it’s totally manageable. Plus, your wool garments will thank you by staying soft, cozy, and fabulous for years.

So go ahead, give your woolens the TLC they deserve. Be careful, don’t experiment, follow the guide I just wrote, and your wool will last and keep you warm for a very, very long time.