WOOL CARE 101

General Wool Care Tips

Read the Care Label

Always check the garment’s care label for specific instructions. Some wool garments may be machine washable, while others require hand washing or dry cleaning.


Avoid Frequent Washing
Wool is naturally odor-resistant and less prone to dirt, so frequent washing is unnecessary. Instead, air your wool garments after wearing to freshen them up.


Use a Gentle Detergent
Choose a mild, wool-specific detergent to avoid stripping natural oils from the fibers. Handle with Care: Wool fibers are delicate when wet, so avoid wringing, stretching, or twisting your garments to prevent damage.

How to Wash Wool Garments

Hand Washing

 

1.Check Before Washing:make sure the care label indicates hand wash safe


2.Fill a Basin with Cool Water: add a small amount of wool detergent.


3.Soak and Gently Agitate: submerge the wool garment and gently swirl it for a few minutes. Do not scrub or twist.


4.Rinse Thoroughly: rinse with cool water until no soap remains.


5.Press Out Excess Water: gently roll( (don't wring) ) the garment in a towel to remove excess water.


6.Dry Flat:lay the garment on a clean towel, reshape, and let it dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat.

Machine Washing

 

1.Check Before Washing: make sure the care label indicates machine washable.


2.Place in a Mesh Bag: turn inside out the garment and put it in a mesh laundry bag.


3.Use Wool Detergent: opt for a wool-safe detergent to prevent damage.


4.Select the Wool Cycle: use cold water and a gentle spin.


5.Dry Flat: lay the garment on a clean towel, reshape, and let it dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat.

How to Store Wool Garments

1.Clean Before Storing

Always clean your wool garments before storing to prevent moths attracted to dirt or oils.

 

2.Use Breathable Storage Bags

Store wool in cotton bags or breathable garment covers to protect from dust while allowing airflow.

 

3.Add Cedar or Lavender

Natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets help keep insects away.

 

4.Avoid Hanging Heavy Items

Fold heavy wool coats and sweaters to prevent stretching and misshaping.

Common Wool Issues and How to Fix Them

A. Pilling

 

Cause:
Pilling occurs when fibers rub against each other, typically in high-friction areas like underarms, sleeves, or where a bag strap might rest. This is a natural characteristic of wool and doesn't affect the fabric’s overall quality.


Solution:
1.Use a fabric shaver or a wool comb to gently remove pills.
2.Turn garments inside out before washing to minimize friction.

B. Lingering Odor After Washing

 

Cause:
Wool is a natural fabric that can retain moisture due to its natural absorbency. If not dried thoroughly, it may develop a musty odor. This is a common issue and doesn't indicate a defect in the garment.


Solution:
1.Ensure your garment is fully dried before storing. Air drying in a well-ventilated area helps eliminate odors.
2.Occasionally freshen garments by hanging them in the bathroom during a hot shower.

C. Shrinkage

 

Cause:
Wool fibers can shrink when exposed to heat or excessive agitation. This happens because the natural fibers contract and tighten when subjected to high temperatures or rough handling.


Solution:
1. If your garment shrinks, try soaking it in lukewarm water with a bit of conditioner to relax the fibers, then gently stretch it back to its original shape.
2. Always wash in cold water and avoid tumble drying.

Wool Care FAQs

  • Q1: Can I wash my wool coat in the washing machine?

    A1: It depends. Always check the care label first. If machine washable, use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it.

  • Q2: How do I prevent my wool sweaters from pilling?

    A2: Pilling is normal, especially in areas with high friction like sleeves. Use a fabric shaver to remove pills, and turn garments inside out before washing to reduce friction.

  • Q3: Why does my wool garment smell musty after washing?

    A3: Wool naturally retains moisture due to its absorbency. If not dried thoroughly, it can develop a musty odor. Make sure to air dry completely in a well-ventilated space.

  • Q4: What should I do if my wool sweater shrinks?

    A4: If shrinkage occurs, soak the garment in lukewarm water with a small amount of conditioner to relax the fibers. Gently reshape it while drying flat.

  • Q5: Can I iron my wool garments?

    A5: Yes, but use a low heat setting with steam. Always place a pressing cloth over the garment to protect it from direct heat.

  • Q6: How should I store my wool clothes during the off-season?

    A6: Clean them before storing, use breathable garment bags, and add natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.

LEARN MORE

WOOL CARE 101

General Wool Care Tips

Read the Care Label

Always check the garment’s care label for specific instructions. Some wool garments may be machine washable, while others require hand washing or dry cleaning.


Avoid Frequent Washing
Wool is naturally odor-resistant and less prone to dirt, so frequent washing is unnecessary. Instead, air your wool garments after wearing to freshen them up.


Use a Gentle Detergent
Choose a mild, wool-specific detergent to avoid stripping natural oils from the fibers. Handle with Care: Wool fibers are delicate when wet, so avoid wringing, stretching, or twisting your garments to prevent damage.

How to Wash Wool Garments

Hand Washing

 

1.Check Before Washing

make sure the care label indicates hand wash safe.


2.Fill a Basin with Cool Water

add a small amount of wool detergent.


3.Soak and Gently Agitate

submerge the wool garment and gently swirl it for a few minutes. Do not scrub or twist.


4.Rinse Thoroughly

rinse with cool water until no soap remains.


5.Press Out Excess Water

gently roll (don't wring) the garment in a towel to remove excess water.


6.Dry Flat

lay the garment on a clean towel, reshape, and let it dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat.

Machine Washing

 

1.Check Before Washing

 make sure the care label indicates machine washable.


2.Place in a Mesh Bag

turn inside out the garment and put it in a mesh laundry bag.


3.Use Wool Detergent

opt for a wool-safe detergent to prevent damage.


4.Select the Wool Cycle

use cold water and a gentle spin.


5.Dry Flat

lay the garment on a clean towel, reshape, and let it dry flat away from direct sunlight or heat.

How to Store Wool Garments

1.Clean Before Storing
2.Use Breathable Storage Bags
4.Avoid Hanging Heavy Items
3.Add Cedar or Lavender
Always clean your wool garments before storing to prevent moths attracted to dirt or oils.
Natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets help keep insects away.
Store wool in cotton bags or breathable garment covers to protect from dust while allowing airflow.
Fold heavy wool coats and sweaters to prevent stretching and misshaping.

Common Wool Issues and How to Fix Them

A. Pilling

 

Cause:
Pilling occurs when fibers rub against each other, typically in high-friction areas like underarms, sleeves, or where a bag strap might rest. This is a natural characteristic of wool and doesn't affect the fabric’s overall quality.


Solution:
1.Use a fabric shaver or a wool comb to gently remove pills.
2.Turn garments inside out before washing to minimize friction.

B. Lingering Odor After Washing

 

Cause:
Wool is a natural fabric that can retain moisture due to its natural absorbency. If not dried thoroughly, it may develop a musty odor. This is a common issue and doesn't indicate a defect in the garment.


Solution:
1.Ensure your garment is fully dried before storing. Air drying in a well-ventilated area helps eliminate odors.
2.Occasionally freshen garments by hanging them in the bathroom during a hot shower.

C. Shrinkage

 

Cause:
Wool fibers can shrink when exposed to heat or excessive agitation. This happens because the natural fibers contract and tighten when subjected to high temperatures or rough handling.


Solution:
1. If your garment shrinks, try soaking it in lukewarm water with a bit of conditioner to relax the fibers, then gently stretch it back to its original shape.
2. Always wash in cold water and avoid tumble drying.

Wool Care FAQs

  • Q1: Can I wash my wool coat in the washing machine?

    A1: It depends. Always check the care label first. If machine washable, use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and place it in a mesh laundry bag to protect it.

  • Q2: How do I prevent my wool sweaters from pilling?

    A2: Pilling is normal, especially in areas with high friction like sleeves. Use a fabric shaver to remove pills, and turn garments inside out before washing to reduce friction.

  • Q3: Why does my wool garment smell musty after washing?

    A3: Wool naturally retains moisture due to its absorbency. If not dried thoroughly, it can develop a musty odor. Make sure to air dry completely in a well-ventilated space.

  • Q4: What should I do if my wool sweater shrinks?

    A4: If shrinkage occurs, soak the garment in lukewarm water with a small amount of conditioner to relax the fibers. Gently reshape it while drying flat.

  • Q5: Can I iron my wool garments?

    A5: Yes, but use a low heat setting with steam. Always place a pressing cloth over the garment to protect it from direct heat.

  • Q6: How should I store my wool clothes during the off-season?

    A6: Clean them before storing, use breathable garment bags, and add natural moth repellents like cedar blocks or lavender sachets.

LEARN MORE