How to Wash and Dry Wool Jumpers (2024)

Treat your jumper right, and prevent one of winter’s peskiest fashion problems.

Why is it that by April, that jumper you unwrapped during the holidays has those pesky pills under the arms and along the sides? Pilling occurs when fibres break down, separate, and then clump together in little balls. Pilling can occur on wool fabric, cotton fabric, cashmere fabric, even polyester garments, usually at a point where two fabrics rub together.

Wash wool like a pro

To prevent pilling, turn a jumper inside out before washing, on the gentle cycle or by hand. Air-drying a jumper by laying it flat is best. Here’s how to make sure it doesn’t stretch: After washing, lay the wet jumper on a flat towel and roll up the towel and jumper from the edge closest to you. This squeezes out excess water. Unroll the towel, lift the jumper off, and lay it flat on a dry towel. Be sure to carefully bring the jumper to its original shape.

Depill wool the right way

If you already have pills on a jumper, you’ll have to be patient and remove them one at a time. Place the garment on a flat surface and then use either a small pair of scissors or a razor blade to carefully remove the pills. If you’re worried about damaging the jumper, you can be resourceful and use something that will lift the pills from the garment, such as a fine-tooth comb, pumice stone, or even a fruit zester. There are also special gadgets that are designed to remove pills with no threat of harming the garment’s fibres. Consider buying a jumper comb or a battery-operated electric fabric shaver, a hand-held device that generally sells for less than £10. It will come in handy not just for jumpers but for pills that build up on wool blankets and throws, towels, furniture, even the dog’s bed. It can also safely remove pet hair, loose threads, and lint, keeping fabrics and garments looking like new.

How to Wash and Dry Wool Jumpers (2024)

FAQs

How to Wash and Dry Wool Jumpers? ›

After washing your wool clothes, it is recommended the garments – particularly knitwear such was sweaters - are dried flat, unless your garment's care claim states it can be tumble dried. Wovenwear such as tailored suit pants or jackets can be hung up on a hanger and dried out of direct sunlight.

How do you dry wool jumpers after washing? ›

After washing your wool clothes, it is recommended the garments – particularly knitwear such was sweaters - are dried flat, unless your garment's care claim states it can be tumble dried. Wovenwear such as tailored suit pants or jackets can be hung up on a hanger and dried out of direct sunlight.

Should you tumble dry wool jumpers? ›

After washing your wool sweater, it is recommended the sweater is carefully dried flat, unless your sweater's care claim states it can be tumble dried.

Will a wool jumper shrink in the dryer? ›

Your woolen garment will shrink in the dryer, because it makes it subject heat and friction. Even when you use the low-heat level, the machine does use friction to dry your wool, which can cause pilling and felting. Airdrying wool garments is much better for them, since it prevents shrinking.

How do you clean a 100% wool jumper? ›

HOW TO WASH A WOOL JUMPER IN THE WASHING MACHINE
  1. Turn your jumper inside out, or use a laundry bag.
  2. Preferably use a wool detergent.
  3. Set your cycle to the wool setting. If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, then use the cold-water wash or wash cycle for delicates.

Can you wash and dry 100% wool? ›

Help keep wool items looking great by either hand washing or putting them in the washer on a delicate or gentle cycle. Once washed, you may be able to dry them in a dryer on a low heat cycle or air dry.

What happens if you put wool in the dryer? ›

Good news! Certain wool garments can safely be dried in a tumble dryer without the item shrinking. Woolmark-approved garments that have a care claim that states 'tumble dry' can be tumble dried on a low heat setting or a setting for wool or delicates.

How to wash wool so it doesn't shrink? ›

Wool should only be washed on a gentle cycle using cold water. If possible, turn the garment inside out before washing it. Remove the garment from the washing machine promptly when the cycle has finished.

How to wash a jumper and keep it fluffy? ›

The Best Way to Care for Jumpers
  1. Use the delicate setting on your washing machine or handwash. ...
  2. Go for short wash cycles. ...
  3. Check the fabric care label. ...
  4. Separate knitwear from heavier, rougher fabrics. ...
  5. Turn the garment inside out before washing. ...
  6. Dry on the lowest setting possible or lay flat to air dry.

What cycle do you wash wool jumpers on? ›

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.

What detergent is safe for wool? ›

What we Recommend
  • Bosistos Sensitive Detergent.
  • Earth Choice Sensitive.
  • Earth Choice Wool and Sensitive.
  • Eco Store Laundry Liquid.
  • Softly Wool Wash.
  • Dirt Wool and Delicate Wash.
  • Green Action Wool Wash.
  • Aware Sensitive Laundry Liquid.
Jan 10, 2022

How to fix a wool sweater that went through the dryer? ›

Fill your sink with cold water and a teaspoon of mild detergent. Handwash the sweater and let it soak for up to two hours. Drain the sink and gently squeeze as much moisture as you can by pressing the fabric with your hands. Lay the sweater on a flat surface like a clean counter and begin slowly stretching the wool.

Can you fix a wool jumper that has shrunk? ›

Dissolve one tablespoon of hair conditioner or fabric softener to a bucket filled with lukewarm water and add the shrunken wool garment. Let it soak for about thirty minutes; afterwards, rinse the jumper of the conditioner and gently stretch the shirt back to its original size. Let it hang dry.

What is the best wash for wool sweaters? ›

Select the delicate, “handwash”, or wool setting on the washing machine, and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low. according to the machine and load size. This enzyme-free formula helps gently cleanse knits and woolens for a beautiful fabric finish.

How long do wool jumpers last? ›

Wool can withstand up to five wears before washing.

How to dry a wool jumper flat? ›

Air-drying a jumper by laying it flat is best. Here's how to make sure it doesn't stretch: After washing, lay the wet jumper on a flat towel and roll up the towel and jumper from the edge closest to you. This squeezes out excess water. Unroll the towel, lift the jumper off, and lay it flat on a dry towel.

How to fix a wool sweater that was washed? ›

Step 1: Soak Sweater
  1. Step 1: Soak Sweater.
  2. Fill a sink with lukewarm water, and add about 1/3 cup of hair conditioner. ...
  3. Submerge the sweater in the water/conditioner solution completely, and let it soak for about 10 minutes. ...
  4. Step 2: Stretch It.
  5. Place the sweater on a towel and smooth it out. ...
  6. Step 3: Air Dry.

How long does wool take to air dry? ›

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. DRY INSTRUCTIONS: ° Do not tumble dry, only dry by air.

What happens if a wool sweater gets wet? ›

When a wool garment gets wet, water is adsorbed, meaning it gets trapped in wool's porous fibers. Inside the fibers, the hydrogen bonds in water break down. This creates a chemical reaction that generates heat.

Do wool sweaters need to be dry cleaned? ›

Wool clothing is incredibly durable and hard-wearing, but it is also very delicate. The fabric absorbs stains like a magnet, and it is vulnerable to yellowing and fading, especially in winter. While it is possible to wash wool clothing at home, most people recommend dry cleaning it instead.

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