How to Care for Wool Clothing

Wool is naturally self-refreshing, so it doesn't need as much washing as you might think. With a little care, your pieces will last season after season. Here's how:

Don't wash too often

Wool garments do not need to be washed after every wear. Often, airing the garment for 24 hours is sufficient to refresh it. This will not only preserve the fibres but also save you time and energy.

Remove stains manually

For small stains, spot clean with a damp cloth or mild detergent. This avoids the need for a full wash cycle, reducing wear on your garments.

Minimise washing temperatures

Always opt for the lowest wash temperature suitable for the item. Washing in colder water helps protect wool from shrinking and reduces energy consumption.

While most wool garments can be hand-washed or air-dried at home, some pieces of wool clothing may require professional cleaning. Always refer to the recommended instructions on your item's care label for best practice.

Wool is delicate and should not be washed too frequently. Over-washing can damage its fibres and cause your clothing to shrink. Always check the care label before washing. Here are our top tips on how to wash your wool garments.

Hand wash in cold/lukewarm water

Always use cold or lukewarm water when washing wool to prevent shrinking. Gently hand wash the garment inside-out, avoiding any harsh rubbing or wringing, which can distort the fabric.

Mild Detergent

Use a gentle detergent designed for wool. In a pinch, you can even use your regular hair shampoo as a substitute. It’s gentle enough to protect the fibres.

Rinse with vinegar

To help remove detergent residue and maintain wool's natural softness, add a few drops of white vinegar to the final rinse water. This also helps preserve the garment's colour.

It is important to proepryl dry your wool garment in order to preserve it's shape, softness, and long-lasting quality. Avoid heat sources like tumble dryers that can cause shrinkage and damage the fibres. Below are some more of our recommendations when drying wool garments.

Avoid Wringing

Never wring out wool to remove excess water. Instead, gently press the water out of the garment.

Towel roll method

After washing, roll the wool garment in a dry towel or spread it between two towels and roll it using a wooden rolling pin to absorb excess water.

Flat drying

Lay your wool garment flat to dry. Avoid hanging it, as this can cause the fabric to stretch out of shape.

Air Drying

Allow the wool to air dry, away from direct sunlight or artificial heat sources such as radiators. This ensures the fabric maintains its shape and softness.

If your wool garment develops wrinkles, here's how to safely smooth them out:

Iron inside out

Always iron wool garments inside out to avoid direct heat on the fabric. Use a low-heat setting with minimal steam. A pressing cloth can help protect the gibres and maintain the garment's shape.

Steaming

For more delicate wool pieces, steaming is the gentler option. Hold your steamer a few inches from the fabric and glide it slowly to ease out creases and relax the fibres. You can also hang your wool garment in a steamy bathroom to naturally remove wrinkles. The steam helps smooth out creases without damaging the fibres.

Wool pills, also known as pilling, are small, fluffy balls that form on the surface of wool due to friction during wear. It can be caused from day-to-day wear or incorrect washing and is commonly found on the sleeves and sides of the knit.

Preventing Pilling

To help prevent pilling, always wash your wool clothing inside out. This will reduce friction and keeps the fabrics looking smooth. Overtime, the fibres naturally strengthen, so your garments only get better with wear.

Using a wool comb

We recommend using a wool comb to keep your garment soft and luxurious. A battery-operated fabric shaver is also a cost-effective way to remove pills too.