Key tips for washing wool
Wool requires gentle treatment – follow our care tips to get started.
Tip 1: Use a wool-specific detergent
Use a detergent that is designed for wool. Wool-specific detergents are gentle on the fibres and prevent damage to the fabric’s structure.
Tip 2: Group your items
Sort your wool items by colour to avoid colour bleeding during a wash.
Tip 3: Turn your garments inside out
Turn wool garments inside out before washing to protect them from pilling. For particularly delicate items, place them in a mesh laundry bag during a cycle.
How to wash wool jumpers and other garments
Wondering how to wash your favourite wool jumper? Always refer to the garment’s
care label to check whether it should be washed by hand or in a washing machine. Then, follow the steps below.
Hand washing wool
If you have any concerns about damaging your wool jumper, it’s best to hand wash it:
1. Fill a bucket with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can shrink the fabric.
2. Add a few drops of a wool-specific detergent.
3. Place your garment in the bucket and gently move it around in the water to distribute the detergent. Leave it to soak for around 10-15 minutes.
4. Refill the bucket with clean, lukewarm water and place your garment inside to rinse it. Repeat the rinsing process until there are no traces of detergent left.
5. Use a towel to blot excess water. Lay the garment on a flat surface to dry, out of direct sunlight.
Machine washing wool
If the care label says that your garment can go in the washing machine, follow these steps:
1. Set your washing machine to the wool or delicate cycle. If your machine doesn’t have these cycles,
set it to a maximum temperature of 30°C and a gentle spin.
2. Add a wool-specific detergent.
3. Place wool jumpers in a mesh laundry bag to protect them from damage.
4. Dry your garment on a flat surface, out of direct sunlight.
How to wash Merino wool
When cleaning Merino wool garments, you may want to take extra precautions. Wash them on a cool cycle, avoid using fabric softener, and let them air-dry rather than using a tumble dryer.
How to clean and wash wool blankets
Knowing how to wash wool blankets correctly will help keep them soft. Fortunately, they don’t require frequent washing and are easy to care for.
Ventilation is key
Shake your blankets outside to remove dust and debris, and hang them up. Wool is odour-resistant, so airing your blankets outdoors means you won’t have to wash them as often.
Brush your blankets
Use a soft-bristle brush to remove any surface stains from your blankets.
Spot clean liquid stains
Spot clean liquid stains as soon as possible using warm water, wool-safe detergent and a soft cloth.
Use a delicate wool cycle
Machine wash wool blankets on a wool cycle and use a wool-specific detergent. Remove the blanket quickly when the cycle has finished, and reshape it whilst it’s damp.
Hand wash wool blankets carefully
Hand wash wool blankets in a bucket of lukewarm water with a few drops of wool-specific detergent. Gently agitate the blanket, taking care not to stretch the fabric. Leave it to soak for several minutes.
Hang your blankets to dry
To dry a wool blanket, lay it flat on a towel and gently roll it up to remove excess water. Then, hang it up to dry outside.
How to iron wool with perfect results
Wondering how to iron a wool coat or another garment?