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31 May 2022

We love wool. But why? Firstly, it’s reusable and biodegradable so it racks up some serious sustainability points. Secondly, it’s naturally mold resistant, non-flammable, and water repellent, so when it comes to washing wool, it does half the job for you. It’s not totally without its flaws though. It’s made from the same protein that makes up the protective outer layer of your skin (a bit creepy in our opinion), and it does occasionally need washing. Here’s how to wash wool and make it last a lifetime.

 

How often should you do your wool wash?

 

From once a year to two or three times a season. Wool is an oily fabric which makes it naturally anti-microbial. This means you don’t have to wash wool that often. And popular wool garments like jumpers, scarfs, and coats are usually worn outside of other garments. This means that they absorb less sweat and come into less contact with your body and its own natural oils, fluids, and other bacteria (sorry, but we’re basically walking petri dishes). If you wash wool more than necessary, there is a higher risk of shrinking. And you risk damaging the fibres which can cause the wool to lose its shape. 

How to hand wash wool

 

Want to know how to wash wool jumpers without shrinking? Washing your wool by hand is the best way to wash wool, using less water than the washing machine, and reducing the risk of shrinkage. We scoured the internet to come up with the best instructions on how to hand wash wool. Here they are:   
  

  • Fill a bucket or basin with lukewarm water and add a mild detergent or shampoo. 
  • Make sure your detergent is suitable for wool. Special wool detergent or wool washing liquids are easy to find. The best detergent for wool is actually not detergent at all. Wash wool with shampoo to retain its natural oils. 
  • Check the packaging label for how much detergent to add per measure of water.  
  • Don’t use fabric softener on wool. It’s bad for the environment and forms pills.  
  • Carefully wash the wool garment in the soapy water by swishing it around gently for a minute. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing. 
  • Let the garment soak for ten minutes then remove.  
  • Gently press out the excess water. Don’t twist or wring.  
  • Refill the bucket with clean, lukewarm water, and rinse the wool (gently as before). 
  • Empty the bucket and repeat if necessary.

Washing wool in the washing machine
 

When you need to do a wool wash in the machine, save energy by washing it at the lowest possible setting. Most wool can be washed in the washing machine, up to around 30°C and your machine likely has a special wool cycle. You can even wash merino wool in the washing machine (merino wool is one of the finest wools). Washing at 30°C and air-drying wool afterwards gives you a carbon footprint of only 0.6 kg CO2e. This is four times less than doing your wool wash at 40°C and tumble drying afterwards! Remember that some garments may require an even lower temperature than 30°C, so always check the label before you do your wool wash. And, if the label says that you can wash wool at a higher temperature, ignore it. Most wool detergents work just as well at 30°C. Here’s how to wash wool in the washing machine:

 

  • Some washing machines have a wool setting. Check that this is 30°C or less (it should be) and let your machine do the work. If not, go for the coldest setting your machine allows. Never exceed 30°C. 
  • If your washing machine has a hand wash setting, pick that. It’s gentle on the wool, reducing the risk of damaged fibres.  
  • Choose a delicate detergent or wool shampoo. 
  • Measure the amount of detergent according to the weight of the laundry load to reduce the amount of toxins released into the water on draining. Too much detergent in the wash can also damage fibres over time.  
  • Tip! Turn the garment inside-out and place it in a mesh bag before washing to prevent snagging.  

How to dry wool after washing

 

Tumble drying wastes much more energy than when using the washing machine, contributing to around 2 kg CO2e per load. That’s around 208 kg CO2e per year if you only tumble dry wool twice a week. Tumble drying wool can also risk shrinking your clothes. So, even though it’s safe to tumble dry some wool garments (check the label), we recommend air drying wool after washing to save energy and prolong the life of your jumper. Wool always shrinks a little bit after washing, regardless. If you air dry your wool jumper and other garments, you can have more control over how it dries, preserving the original shape so it looks newer for longer. Here’s how to dry your wool jumper and other woolens:

 

  • After rinsing, lay down a dry, clean towel on the floor. Spread the jumper out over the towel then roll them both up together (a bit like you’re making a jam roly-poly.) 
  • Squeeze the roll gently to soak up excess water. Never twist or wring.  
  • Spread the jumper out again on to a second towel. Leave it to dry. Never hang the wool to dry on a hanger as this can cause stretching. 
  • Dry the jumper without folds or creases. 
  • Tip! If the wool has shrunk a little during the wash, stretch it back to its original size and re-shape it while it’s still wet. Work from top to bottom, then side to side. Don’t forget the sleeves.  

 

After-wash care for your wool garments

 

Most thick and all-wool garments, if dried without folds or creases, need no ironing. But some blends and fine wool clothes can retain deep creases. In this case you’ll want to use an iron. But be careful. Those shiny patches on your wool clothes are what happens when wool fibres fuse together under too much heat. Use a pressing cloth or mesh, or a clean white dish towel to protect the wool from scorching. Iron on the underside of the fabric for added protection. Be sure to use the wool setting on your iron if you have it, otherwise you’ll want to go for a more delicate setting. Wool can be ironed up to 148 °C (300 °F), same with wool/polyester blends. Always read the label if you’re unsure.  

 

Here are some other great tips for after you do your wool wash:  

  • Put moth balls on/around your wool so moths and other insects avoid it.  
  • Wash wool once a year, even if you don’t wear it. This prevents the wool from becoming moth eaten.  
  • Avoid wrinkles and misshaping! Fold wool garments like they do in the stores. Take the arms around the back and keep the front of the garment free from lines.   

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