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How to Machine Wash Wool: A Comprehensive Guide

Wool is a delicate and fragile material that needs special care to maintain its properties and silky appearance for a long time. Follow this 5-step guide to learn how to machine wash your wool sweaters without damaging them.



A bundle of clean laundry

 

 

1. Caring for Wool Garments Between Washes

Caring for your wool garments begins before washing. Avoid rolling them into a ball in a packed laundry basket as this can deform the fibers. Contact with stained or wet clothes can also damage the material.

The best alternative is to carefully fold your sweaters in a corner until washing time. Check for small lint balls or pilling on the surface and gently remove them with a dedicated manual or electric shaver.

2. Pre-treating Stains Before Washing

Removing stains from wool requires more delicacy than cotton or synthetic fabrics. Use a gentle stain removal product like washing powder, mixed with lukewarm water in a basin. Soak the textile and lightly rub the stain.

Let it soak for 30 to 40 minutes, then rinse with clear water. The stain should be gone. Dab it with a bit of alcohol for an hour for an equally effective result.

 

3. Adding the Right Amount of Specialized Detergent

You are now ready to wash wool in your washing machine: turn the garment inside out and place it in a drum that's only half full. It's also advisable to use a laundry bag to prevent friction with other fabrics and thus reduce pilling.

Choosing the right detergent is crucial: opt for a special wool and cashmere detergent and add only a small amount to the designated compartment. Excess detergent can weaken the delicate fibers. Use a suitable fabric softener, like those with lavender or spring fresh from our naturals range.

 

4. Selecting a Dedicated Washing Program

Make sure to select the "Wool" or "Hand Wash" program on your machine, a necessity for caring for your delicate garments. Wash between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius, never more, to prevent irreversible shrinkage.

The washing duration is equally important: ideally, it should take between half an hour to an hour to avoid damaging the wool. Also, choose a spin cycle speed not exceeding 500 revolutions per minute.

 

5. Drying Wool Garments Flat

After washing your wool sweater, remove it from the machine promptly to prevent it from becoming fuzzy and absorbing musty odors. Ideally, dry the garment flat in fresh air, away from direct sunlight which can cause discoloration. Never put it in the dryer as it's too harsh.

Generally, natural knitted garments don’t need ironing. If you still want to remove stubborn wrinkles, use a steam generator or lightly iron with a damp cloth.

 

6. Bonus: Cleaning Wool Rugs

It is generally not recommended to wash wool rugs in the machine, even if it is spacious. If you must, choose a very gentle program at 20 or 30 degrees and dry it outside in a non-humid area.

 

 

By following these steps, you can ensure your wool garments are well cared for, retaining their quality and appearance for years to come. Proper maintenance, gentle washing, and careful drying are key to preserving wool's delicate fibers.

 

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