How to wash wool
It’s that time of the year when the temperatures drop and the cozy clothing comes out, after all, nothing is better than the natural, warm comfort and joy of a wool sweater or blanket. Because when it’s cold outside, wool keeps the heat inside. That’s why you might be asking yourself about how to wash wool and wondering the best practices for it.
What wool detergent to use?
When looking for a wool detergent, use the most neutral and mild detergent that you can find. We recommend biodegradable detergents for difficult and delicate items or detergent solution specifically made for delicates.
How to wash wool in a washing machine
When it comes to washing wool in a machine, it’s actually not as complicated as you might have heard. While dry cleaning is always a great option, washing wool at home is both convenient and safe if you use the right settings. You should use your washing machine’s delicate/gentle cycle with cold water and a mild detergent.
How to hand wash wool
Here’s a simple four-part approach to handwashing wool garments:
- Fill a tub with room temperate water
- Add one of our recommended detergent types
- Soak wool garment in a tub for 30 minutes
- Rinse with cold water
How to get stains out of wool
Spot washing is a great way to get stains out of wool and avoid unnecessary washing. Use a neutral, mild detergent and rub it into the stain. If you have a particular stain, you might want to follow this handy guide[1] that goes over a wide variety of stains and details how to deal with them. If you’re dealing with a deep and big stain, don’t use a harsh detergent and instead consider heading to the dry cleaners. It’s the safest bet to ensure unnecessary damage.
Can you dry clean wool?
As stated above, yes! For the most delicate and particularly stubborn stains on blankets, sweaters, cashmere, rugs, and coats, dry cleaning is one of the best ways to avoid potential damage.
However, dry cleaning can be an expensive process depending on the type of clothes you’re cleaning, the nature of the stains, and the type of fabrics you’re dealing with.
How to dry wool
Again, washing wool isn’t that complicated, it’s drying wool that’s another story. Wool is both sensitive to heat and agitation, and running a normal dry cycle on wool can fuse fibers together and ruin a piece of clothing. You should flat dry wool clothing and allow it to naturally dry with the air. If your clothing’s care label says it’s okay to tumble dry, then feel free to use the tumble dry setting on your machine.
Does wool shrink?
Yes, wool shrinks! Both hot water and heat drying can cause the fibers of wool to become more compact and smaller. Always avoid washing in hot water to avoid shrinkage, and avoid heat and friction working together in your dyer—even low heat settings. Air drying is the best way to dry wool garments! Also, neutral and mild detergent is another way to avoid shrinkage. Harsher detergents can damage wool fibers and make them more susceptible to shrinking.
How to remove pilling from wool sweater
If your wool clothing only has a little pilling, then feel free to use your hand and gently pull it off. We recommend using a fabric comb or an electric fabric shaver if your clothing is covered with pilling.