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Wool care
You’ve bought it, bagged it, and worn it: now it’s time to wash your favourite wool sweater, but you think you don't know how. Never fear, washing wool has never been as easy if you follow our go-to guide to washing wool.
Merino wool is one of the most versatile, resilient fibres known to man. No other fibre can mimic its natural benefits – many have tried, many have failed. Natural, renewable, biodegradable; resistant to odour, stain and UV; breathable, elastic and soft next to skin; the list goes one when you think of Merino wool.
Can I wash a wool sweater in the washing machine?
Wool can safely be washed in a washing machine in the comfort of your own home. This includes sweaters, pants, socks and blankets.
Check your garment's care claim says that you can machine wash your wool sweater, then it means it can safely be machine washed in a washing machine multiple times, without shrinkage taking place.
Turn your wool sweater inside out, or use a laundry bag
Add a wool detergent, preferably a Woolmark-approved detergent.
Set your cycle to the wool setting. If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, then it is recommended to use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates.
Washing your wool shoes has never been easier. Follow this simple guide to wash your wool shoes to keep them looking and smelling clean.
Wool care
How to wash and dry wool blankets
To make sure your wool blankets last a lifetime, follow these steps when airing, washing, drying and storing your wool blankets.
Wool care
Caring for wool
Washing wool is easy, but there are few other steps to help your wool clothing keep its ‘as new’ look and feel for longer.
Wool care
Washing Merino wool socks
Unlike other fibres, wool resists odour, meaning you don't need to wash wool socks as often as other socks. But in case you do, be sure to follow these helpful tips.
Wool garments should be washed on the wool setting (usually gentle action at 40°C). If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates. Use a neutral, mild detergent that is preferably Woolmark recommended (look for the Woolmark symbol on the packet).
Can I wash a wool sweater in the washing machine? Wool can safely be washed in a washing machine in the comfort of your own home. This includes sweaters, pants, socks and blankets.
Wash on the delicate cycle (or wool cycle or hand wash cycle, if your washer features these settings). Use cold water and a mild liquid detergent like Woolite. Add an extra rinse to the wash cycle. To avoid shrinking, don't put wool clothing in the dryer.
“We find the dry cleaning fluid to be very caustic on fine wools, so we try to avoid it as much as possible.” Dry cleaning certain delicate fabrics may also shorten their lifespan, causing them to lose their luster and contributing to wear and tear.
Depending on the thickness or weight of the item, wool fabrics should be either air dried or placed in the dryer on a gentle dry cycle. While heavier fabrics like coats and jackets may need the heat of a dryer, it's recommended to air dry older or delicate, lighter wool items.
Wool fiber swells when it becomes wet and then contracts when it dries.This is what causes wool to shrink when you wash it in hot water. So If you don't want it to shrink, just avoid washing it in really hot water. Handwashing in cool or slightly warm water is always recommended for wool garments.
“If you can machine-wash a wool item, choose a cool or cold wash temperature and a gentle or delicate cycle,” says Gagliardi. “Some washers even have a 'wool' cycle, so this would be the time to use it.” Just stay far away from too-hot wash temperatures, as well as the dryer.
What types of clothes can I wash with Woolite®? All Woolite® products are liquid detergents and are specially formulated for the machine to not cause shrinking, stretching, or fading on washable suede, linen, cotton, washable wool, silk, rayon, polyester, cotton/polyester, nylon, nylon/spandex and rayon/spandex.
Turn your wool garment inside out, then hand wash in clean, lukewarm water, approximately 30°C, using a mild and gentle detergent. Allow to soak for a period of 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly firstly in lukewarm water, then finally in cold water.
Washing dry clean only clothing can ruin the garment, so it's best to take it to a professional cleaner. If you don't see washing instructions, look instead at the material the clothing is made from – leather, suede, beaded or sequined items, silk, acetate, velvet, wool and taffeta should be dry cleaned.
Always flat dry wool sweaters or other knitwear if possible, out of direct sunlight. Line drying or drying on hangers can cause knitted garments to stretch due to the weight of the moisture contained by the garment, with the result that the garment grows in length and loses its shape.
Lightly press the sweater into the towel, or roll the towel up with the sweater inside. Get a clean towel and lay the sweater flat on top of this. While the sweater is still damp, you can gently stretch and reshape the fabric. Leave your sweater on the towel to dry, making sure it's not in direct sun or heat.
Wool dries quickly, it will take about 2 hours to dry the T-shirts, shirts and polos. The sweater will take some more time, because it contains more wool.
Special fabrics like silk, wool, velvet, and others labeled as “dry clean only” are particularly sensitive to standard washing machines' harsh cycles. The aggressive agitation can fray the garment's fibers, leading to irreversible damage such as holes or thinning spots.
The advantage of taking your wool clothes to a professional dry cleaner is that it avoids the heavy soaking, heat, and rough and tumble washing machine environment that causes wool sweaters to normally shrink.
If you need a sweater to shrink a lot, then throw it in the washing machine under a hot, hot water cycle. When it's done, take it out and shape it to the size you want. It should dry to the size you need. If you only need the sweater to shrink a little, then spray it down with a water bottle and put it in the dryer.
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