Tips and tricks to get stains out of wool — Mackie (2024)

Tips and tricks to get stains out of wool — Mackie (1)

We have all accidentally spilled something down ourselves, but did you know that if you do, and you’re wearing wool then it might not be as bad as you think? This is because wool is naturally resistant to stains. So, whilst at first sight your stain may not look so good, with a little bit of care and attention it could easily disappear.

So how do you get rid of stains from wool? We’re sure there are many age-old tricks out there that have been passed down through the generations – some work and some aren’t always that reliable. To sort the good from the bad, we recommend following these Woolmark-approved handy tips for removing stains from your favourite wool clothing.

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Quick tips:

  • Wherever possible, pre-test any treatment in an unseen area to check for any changes in the wool such as loss of colour.

  • Always blot any excess spills quickly using a regular white tissue or an absorbent towel.

  • Remove excess solid stains with a blunt knife or spoon first before tacking the stain.

  • Do not rub stains with clean tissues or towels. Work carefully to release a stain from the edge to centre by dabbing and blotting.

  • Oily or greasy stains are best treated with solvents first and allowed to fully evaporate before using any water-based treatments.

  • If the stain removal solution is not properly removed before drying it could leave a coloured ring. To avoid this, water-based treatments must be thoroughly rinsed out of the fabric before following the care instructions to wash using a Woolmark-approved detergent.

  • If your wool care label says it can be dry cleaned follow those instructions but clearly let the dry cleaner know what the stain is and what you have already tried to remove it.

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Tips and tricks to get stains out of wool — Mackie (2024)

FAQs

Tips and tricks to get stains out of wool — Mackie? ›

For minor stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and cold water is usually sufficient. For tougher stains, you can try soaking the garment in a mixture of cold water and gentle detergent before laundering as usual. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can damage the fibers.

How to get stains out of smartwool? ›

For minor stains, spot cleaning with a mild detergent and cold water is usually sufficient. For tougher stains, you can try soaking the garment in a mixture of cold water and gentle detergent before laundering as usual. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing the stain, as this can damage the fibers.

Does vinegar remove stains from wool? ›

While wool is durable, it must be handled correctly or the fibers can shrink and become stiff and scratchy. Distilled white vinegar, the workhorse of natural cleaners, can help remove stains and odors from wool while leaving the fibers feeling soft and supple.

What is the best way to get stains out of wool carpet? ›

Mix 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of wool detergent, 1 teaspoon (4.9 ml) of white vinegar, and 4.25 cups (1L) of warm water. Dampen a cloth in the solution, lightly rub and dab the stain. Now use a damp sponge to remove the cleaner. Blot all water up with a dry paper towel and let the area dry for several hours.

How do you get stubborn stains out of wool? ›

If the stain is still visible, create a mixture of 3 parts surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol, plus 1 part of cold water and dab the stain with the mixture. Remove excess liquid by blotting with a lint-free cloth. 3. Rinse well, then wash following the care instructions using a Woolmark-approved detergent.

What is the best stain remover for wool? ›

If you are looking for an easy wool-safe stain remover that you can make at home, you are in luck. For alcohol, juice or coffee stains, use equal parts rubbing alcohol and white vinegar with a bit of water. Dab it on the stain using a clean cloth.

Is Dawn dish soap safe for wool? ›

The best thing to do is hand wash you garment (and any other wool garments) in the sink using warm water (not at all hot) and a small amount of gentle dish soap like dawn or shampoo. Gently scrub using your hands and do not wring or pull, as that will stretch your garment.

Is baking soda ok for wool? ›

Baking soda does absolutely nothing positive for wool carpet. On the other hand, it may cause more harm due to its gritty nature. These very fine grains will bury deep within the absorbent wool fibers and won't extract very easily.

Is rubbing alcohol ok on wool? ›

Care for your wool.

Dab gently around the edge of the stain with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol. Then follow instructions for black coffee. Lightly scrape the surface of the stain with a spoon or knife to remove any excess oil.

Can you use OxiClean on wool? ›

OxiClean™ Versatile Stain Remover on an inconspicuous area of carpet, such as behind a door or piece of furniture. Let stand for 10 minutes. Do not use on wool, leather, or silk.

How to remove unknown set in stains? ›

Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid laundry detergent with enzymes with 1 cup of water. Add 1/4 teaspoon of white vinegar and stir. Use a Dobie All Purpose Cleaning Pad to apply the detergent-vinegar mixture to your unidentified stain. Blot with the pad until the stain is gone.

How long to soak wool in vinegar? ›

Merino wool is generally odor resistant; however, if any odors appear, presoak your merino wool item for 30 minutes in cool water mixed with 1/4 cup of plain white vinegar. Rinse before proceeding with laundering.

How do professionals clean wool carpets? ›

Wool is a natural fiber and will not shrink, stretch or become warped when it comes into contact with water. Wetting a wool carpet is, therefore, the ideal way to clean it. However, it is recommended to use an extraction machine or wet vacuum to remove as much excess water as possible and increase drying time.

How to remove oil stains from wool carpet? ›

Baking soda is effective at absorbing oils, so sprinkle a generous amount onto the stain and leave it for up to an hour. If you don't have any baking soda to hand, corn starch, talcum powder or polenta works in a similar way. These are inert, so they won't cause harm to you or your carpet.

How to get rid of tea stains on wool carpet? ›

How to Remove Tea Stain from Carpet White Vinegar
  1. Mix a solution that contains two ounces of white vinegar and 4 ounces of warm water.
  2. Pour the solution into a spray bottle.
  3. Spray the mixture directly onto the stain and scrub with a clean cloth.
  4. Continue doing so until stain disappears.

Can you get stains out of merino wool? ›

To remove stains from your merino garment, we recommend gently handwashing with sard or sunlight soap, prior to washing in your machine on a gentle wool cycle with liquid wool wash. Never soak your merino garments in Napisan or similar products as these are harsh and can cause holes.

How to get stains out of a wool cardigan? ›

If the stain has dried, then make a mix of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup tepid water. Soak a lint-free cloth in the solution and lightly dab the stained area. Press gently with an absorbent cloth.

How to remove stains from a wool coat? ›

For a fresh stain, blot and soak up a liquid spill. Then pat the area with a little water and a dab of gentle laundry detergent or mild soap. Some stains, such as grease, oil, wine, or blood, may require rubbing alcohol or white vinegar, for a deeper cleanse.

How to remove yellow stains from woollen baby clothes? ›

Oxygen-based Bleach: Oxygen-based bleaches, such as hydrogen peroxide or OxiClean, can be effective at removing yellow stains without harsh chemicals.

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