There is nothing quite like wool to meet winter’s diverse range of weather options (cold, wet, wet and cold). We have our pick of angora wool, mohair wool and merino wool to name a few. Wool as a fabric is so wonderful because it is so warm and it can be worn over and over without needing to be washed. However, when it does come time to clean winter woolens, you may be wondering just what is the best way to care for your wool clothing. Here are some tips for how to care for wool cloting so that they can last and last as they are intended to do (instead of shrinking into a doll sweater!)
Tips On How To Care For Wool Clothing
Whether you’re simply looking to clean your wool winter coat or want to know how to wash that fluffy wool sweater of yours, there are just a few simple tips you need to remember. These tips for how to care for wool are the same as how to care for merino wool.
Tips For Washing Wool Garments
Easy does it. Whilst you can machine-wash woollen items, many experts recommend hand-washing them just to be on the safe side. But always ensure that prior to storage, such woolen textiles are cleaned thoroughly – as moths and carpet beetles feed off any stains and sweat. If you happen to have only a small stain on your fabric, there’s no need to wash the entire garment – just dap clean with a cloth dipped in vinegar, then rinse off with cold water.
Follow the directions as stated on the garment’s care label, but if in doubt, soak the item in a sink full of lukewarm water (wool has a major tendency to shrink which is why you want to keep the temperature cool). In terms of adding detergent, avoid anything with a pH higher than an 8 (wool is acidic so anything with alkaline will destroy its natural fibers).
Then, turn it inside out and dip it back in the water, swish, then leave it to soak for approximately 10 minutes. You’ll need to rinse twice, then press out as much water as you can. Be careful not to wring or twist as agitation can cause shrinkage.
Drying Wool Garments
Flat as a pancake. When drying your garment, do not hang-dry as wool stretches extremely easily. Simply lay your clothing flat on a clean towel, shape it into its natural form then leave it to dry.
Bear in mind that for heavier fabrics (such as coats) the drying process may take longer – usually between two to three days. Additionally, when drying your clothing you may want to frequently flip them over to ensure both sides dry evenly; and if you are pretty particular about your items going back to its original form, use a steamer machine (or set your iron to a steam setting).
Never dry your woolen items in sunlight, as this can result in color fade.
De-Pill Wool Garments
Blitz those bits! De-pill any unwanted fuzz using a pumice stone – it really works! Just run it along the outside of your favorite sweater/coat to restore it to its former fuzz-free glory, and voilà! Good as new.
Storing Wool Garments
Store away safely. Caring for wool garments includes keeping them away from bugs by placing your woollen clothing in an airtight plastic bin, add a sachet filled with half a cup of dry lavender (despised by many a creepy crawly) and leave in a cool, dry place.
I hope you found these tips on how to care for your wool garments useful. If you have any of your own tips you want to share on caring for wool clothing, just leave them in the tips below. I love learning new tricks!
Guest post contributed by fashion blogger Rachael Blakewood in collaboration with Tokyo Laundry
Israfil Daria says
This post is so informative. I have read this post attentively. The wool care tips you provided are very important. I have learnt many things from this article because wool is hard to care for and can shrink if not handled properly. Thank you so much for this post.