One of the most adaptable and dependable fiber options for comfort in any season is wool. Sheep fibers are turned into threads that can be knitted or woven, and they come in a variety of weights, from heavy-duty carpet fibers to light, almost sheer weights. The majority of unstructured wool clothing is machine- or hand-washable, but always make sure to read the care label for instructions.
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Things to Think About Before You Start
Wool clothing that is knitted or woven without structure can be laundered at home. It is best to take structured coats and jackets to a professional dry cleaner. Although the wool can be washed, it is better to have a professional do the job for linings and inner components because they may become deformed when exposed to water.
How to Wash Wool by Hand
Treat Stains First
Examine the clothing for stains or spots that are really dirty, such as the cuffs and collars. Using your fingers, apply a tiny bit of the castile soap or wool wash to the discolored region. Place the garment aside and allow the soap to start rupturing the soil-wool fiber link.
Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Put a little amount of the wool wash and enough cool water to cover the item in a large plastic tub or sink. To distribute the soap evenly, swish it through the water as directed on the product label.
Add the Wool Garment
Make sure all of the fibers in the wool item are wet before submerging it. Give it up to half an hour to soak. To aid in the discharge of soil, gently squeeze the fabric a few times while it is soaking.
Rinse well
Taking care not to strain the fibers, carefully remove the garment from the soapy water. After emptying the sink, fill it up with cold water. Rinse the garment by swishing it through the water; if the water still feels soapy, drain it and repeat the process. Don’t wring the garment; instead, gently squeeze out the extra water.
Let the garment air-dry
To get rid of the water, lay the garment flat on a thick, absorbent towel and roll it up in the towel. If the clothing still feels too damp, repeat this process using a second dry towel. To let the wool air-dry, move it to a dry towel or a flat mesh drying rack and smooth and reshape it. Avoid direct sunshine and heat sources. It may take up to 24 hours to dry.
How to Wash Wool in a Machine
- Use a dab of wool wash to pretreat stains and places that are extremely dirty.
- Each item of clothing should be kept in a mesh lingerie bag to prevent abrasions. Make sure to only wash similar colors together and avoid overloading the washer.
- Make use of the gentle or delicate cycle and cool water. Make sure the lowest speed is selected for the spin cycle.
- Fill the washer drum with the wool wash. Make sure your automated detergent dispensers are turned off or completely empty of ordinary detergent.
- Take the bag out of the washer after the cycle is finished. To get rid of extra water, lay the item flat on a fresh towel and roll it up.
- To let the item air-dry, move it to a drying rack or a dry towel and set it flat.
Additional Advice on How to Keep Wool Looking Its Best and Lasting Longer
- To maintain color and wear consistency, always wash both pieces of a two-piece sweater set or matching wool accessories at the same time.
- Between dry cleanings, dust, and dirt can be removed from heavy wool coats and jackets with a soft-bristled garment brush.
- Between each wear, give your wool clothing a break so the fibers can regain their natural structure and dry from body sweat.
- Avoid washing too frequently. To absorb body dirt, use a machine-washable t-shirt underneath wool sweaters.
- To stop additional damage, fix minor rips or holes in seams as soon as you can.
- Use a clothes steamer on low heat to assist relax the fibers if the wool starts to wrinkle. To avoid leaving shine marks on wool, always use a pressing cloth and low heat while using an iron.
- Knitted wool clothing should always be folded rather than hung to avoid stretching. Keep them flat.
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