The Best Detergents To Clean and Care For Wool (2024)

Our Top Picks

Ecover's Wool & Silk Delicate Laundry detergent takes the cake (without spilling any of it on your favorite sweater, of course). It's one of the few brands available in the U.S. that comes with the Woolmark certification, essentially a stamp of approval from an Australian-based non-profit and global wool authority. In other words, it's been tested and trusted to care for merino wool, helping you properly maintain it for as long as possible.

In the case of Ecover, it's an effective and eco-friendly pick with recycled and refillable packaging, a vegan formula, and biodegradable ingredients. Plus, it’s been dermatologically tested for use on sensitive skin. And the most important part: It'll gently treat the fibers in your favorite sweater or other wool products to keep them comfy and cozy for the long haul. Each bottle contains enough detergent for about 15 to 21 loads, depending on the size, which works out to about $1 per wash. However, since wool products often need less washing, this bottle may last longer than you think.

As can often happen with scented products, the fragrance can be polarizing—expect it to smell like honeydew and waterlilies (although it is also available in a fragrance-free version).

_{Type: Liquid | Washes: Approximately 21 standards loads or 15 large loads | Scent: Waterlily & Honeydew}

If you’re looking to protect your wool and delicate items on a budget, Woolite’s Extra Delicates detergent is your best bet at just 62 cents per wash. The gentle formula has been designed to prevent fiber damage or misshaping. It’s a hypoallergenic detergent containing no enzymes, bleach, or phosphates, meaning it’s suitable to be used on even the most sensitive of skin.

A little of this detergent goes a long way, whether you’re using it to hand wash delicate garments or wash heavy-duty items such as rugs and woolen blankets on a gentle cycle in a washing machine.

The smaller bottle contains enough detergent to be used for up to eight washes, which makes it the ideal detergent for people who are on the go or as a handy refill bottle for those who use a laundromat and need to carry their detergent with them.

_{Type: Liquid I Washes: 8 I Scent: Original}

Soak Wash’s no-rinse detergent has been designed specifically with sensitive skin in mind. The ultra-popular brand is known for being highly effective and easy to use, whether you’re using it in a washing machine or to hand wash clothing (although hand washing is preferred due to the method of using this particular detergent.)

Soak Wash’s products—particularly the scentless offerings—are known for being great for those with skin prone to allergies but are also prided on how gentle they are when washing fine knit items like sweaters, scarves, and mittens. The detergent is a no-rinse formula, which makes it easy to hand wash fine wool and other delicate fabrics.

To use this detergent when washing by hand, simply dilute the product, soak your items, gently squeeze out the excess water, and then lay them flat to dry. It’s a no-fuss process that can be achieved with water, a sink or basin, and a flat surface—no machine required!

As well as being a top pick for washing wool, this detergent is wonderful for other delicate items such as lace and fine silk that you’d rather not toss in the washing machine.

_{Type: Liquid I Washes: 75 I Scent: Celebration, Fig, Floral, Lacey, Pineapple, Wild Mint, Yuzu, Scentless}

If you prefer powder detergent over liquid, this Original Laundry Detergent Powder from Molly’s Suds is sure to be a winner.

It’s made from just five ingredients—sodium carbonate sourced from the Green River Basin in Wyoming, magnesium sulfate, sodium bicarbonate, essential oils, and natural fragrances. Since the list is so small, this powder is an exceptional pick for delicate clothing and those with sensitivities.

The powder comes in several different scents that give clothes a fresh burst of fragrance. Hello, Lotus & Peony! For those who prefer a natural, unscented finish, Molly’s Suds has got you covered there.

It’s ultra-concentrated, meaning a little goes a long way whether you’re using it to hand wash or in the washing machine. The resealable pouch is great for those who are on the go and are wary of leaks, and each pouch comes with a scoop so you can rest assured that you’re using the correct measurement, too. The brand notes that the powder dissolves best in warm or hot water, but if you want to use cold water, you can dissolve a scoop in a cup of extremely warm water before pouring the solution into the drum of your washing machine.

_{Type: Powder IWashes: 120 I Scent: Peppermint, Citrus Grove, Eucalyptus, Lotus & Peony, Lavender, Unscented}

This hand-wash-only delicates detergent from Dirty Labs is a fan favorite among those who like to get their hands dirty. Simply measure out your detergent (in the included silicone measuring beaker) based on the load, soak your items in a basin filled with cold water, and let the magic happen.

The detergent is dermatologist tested and has been approved and recognized by the National Eczema Association (NEA). It’s suitable for babies and pets, and contains no sulfates, dyes, bleach, and parabens.

Due to its formula, the detergent is only available unscented. However, this doesn’t affect the product’s performance. This detergent is designed to remove lingering odors and tackle stains and heavy soils without damaging fine wools, silks, and hand-wash-only garments. Dab a little detergent directly on the stain and allow it to sit for five minutes before washing as per the instructions.

_{Type: Liquid I Washes: 32 I Scent: Unscented}

Laundry sheets are a staple for those who may have limited storage space or are often on the move. The nature of laundry sheets means that they’re extremely light, easy to transport, sustainable, and very convenient. You simply grab a sheet, throw it in with your dirty laundry, and you’re good to go.

These sheets from Grove Co. can be used in a washing machine on a gentle cycle or when hand washing delicate clothes. When hand washing, leave the sheet in the basin to dissolve for a few minutes before soaking your garments. If you have a large load or particularly soiled items, use two sheets. Each pack includes 32 sheets, which will run you just 40 cents per single-sheet wash.

These sheets gently clean items and keep them looking, smelling, and feeling fresh. Grove Co. is a certified B corporation made from fully recycled packaging, so you know that you’re doing good for the planet in addition to having clean and fresh laundry.

_{Type: Sheets I Washes: 32 I Scent: Lavender Blossom & Thyme, Unscented}

These single-use pods are the best on the market for those who prefer the mess-free convenience of detergent pods.

These natural, plant-based pods have been specially designed with fine fabrics in mind, ensuring a gentle and delicate wash every time. They’re made from responsibly sourced, high-quality ingredients that will do good for you and the planet. And at $17 for 60 pods, small-to-medium loads will set you back just 28 cents, while larger loads will cost 56 cents per wash.

From wool sweaters and blankets to stuffed toys and silky intimates, these pods will keep your delicate items clean without the risk of piling, stretching, and color damage.

To use, simply dissolve under a little water and place them in the washing machine or basin. Because of the gentle nature of these pods, they are only available in an unscented option.

_{Type: Pods I Washes: 24 or 60 I Scent: Unscented}

FAQ

• Can I use wool detergent for other delicate fabrics?

  Yes! As Juon explains, it’s all about the ingredients. “Generally speaking, you can use wool detergent for other natural fibers, such as silk, various types of wool (e.g. merino), and other fibers made from animals or insects,” says Joun. “Just be sure that these detergents are enzyme-free.”

• Can I use wool detergent in a washing machine?

  As long as you’re following the detergent instructions exactly, you can use wool detergent in a washing machine. All of our picks above can be used on a gentle cycle, but hand washing is always the preferred method.

  Hannah Yokoji, head of marketing at The Laundress, explained how to achieve the best results. “While some delicate wool items should be hand washed, many wool garments such as heavy sweaters, blankets, and even some coats can be machine laundered,” she says. “First, turn the item inside out, and place in a mesh nag to add an extra layer of protection. Select a delicate setting on the washing machine with cold water and low spin. Add your detergent according to load size. Remove wool items promptly from the washing machine once the cycle finishes to reduce creasing before laying flat to dry.”

• Can you put wool in a tumble dryer?

  In short: no. Not unless you want damaged clothes and shrunken blankets. Some wool garments’ care labels say that they can be tumble dried, but we still advise exercising caution when it comes to drying wool.