Preparing wool items and hand washing
To begin, gather all your wool items that need cleaning, such as sweaters. Check the care label for any specific instructions, but in general, it’s best to hand wash wool. Simply fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle wool detergent. If your item has stains, simply apply some Vanish gel directly onto the stain and gently rub, leave for up to ten minutes and then continue with your wash. Submerge the wool item and gently agitate it to ensure all fibres are saturated. Let it soak for about ten minutes and then properly rinse the wool item thoroughly with lukewarm water to remove any detergent residue.
Using a wool cycle on a washing machine
If you prefer to use a washing machine, make sure it has a dedicated wool cycle. Place the wool item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive agitation and help maintain the shape and integrity of the wool. Add a small amount of wool detergent to the machine and select the wool cycle with an appropriate spin. You might be wondering can you spin wool in a washing machine, and the answer is yes! Many modern washing machines have a dedicated wool cycle that is gentle on the fibres. This cycle uses slower agitation and dedicated spin speeds to protect the wool from damage. What temperature to wash wool items can depend on the garment so make sure to check the care label, but it’s usually 30 or 40 degrees Celsius. Once the cycle is complete, carefully remove the wool item from the bag.
Rinsing and drying wool
To dry machine washed or hand washed wool items, avoid wringing or twisting the wool, as this can lead to stretching or distortion of the fibres. Instead, opt for a gentle pressing motion to remove the water. To speed up the drying process, lay the wool item flat on a clean towel and roll it up, pressing gently to absorb moisture. Then, unroll the towel and reshape the wool item to its original form. This will help maintain the shape and integrity of the wool item. Avoid hanging it, as this can lead to stretching, and direct sunlight as this can cause fading and damage.
Storing and maintaining wool items
Make sure your item is completely dry before storing or wearing. To help the item’s integrity, fold it neatly to avoid any creases or wrinkles and place it in a breathable storage container or a cotton garment bag. Avoid using plastic bags, as they can trap moisture and promote mildew. Opt for natural materials that allow air circulation to keep your wool items fresh and prevent any potential damage.
It’s also a good idea to add cedar balls or lavender sachets to deter moths from wool items. Moths are attracted to wool and can cause damage if left unchecked. Cedar balls emit a scent that repels moths, while lavender sachets provide a pleasant fragrance while also acting as a natural moth deterrent. Place these items near your wool garments to keep them safe and smelling fresh.
Conclusion
Knowing how to wash wool sweaters and other garments is essential and with this guide you can confidently clean your wool sweaters. Whether you choose to hand wash or use a dedicated wool cycle in your washing machine, remember to always use a gentle detergent and avoid excessive agitation. With one fabric down, you can also become a pro at washing cotton with some helpful tips and easy-to-follow steps. So, happy washing and we hope that your wool items stay fresh and in excellent condition to keep you nice and warm during the colder months!