How to wash wool

A wool fibre is covered in tiny scales. Heat, water and rubbing open them and they lock together, so the cloth shrinks and thickens. That is how felt is made, but it ruins a sweater or a skirt. The process is called felting.

So the main rule is warm but not hot water, as little rubbing as possible and the same temperature throughout.

Run water at about 30 °C and dissolve a wool detergent in it, ideally one with lanolin. Do not use ordinary powder or bleach.

Submerge the garment and squeeze it gently for 5 to 10 minutes, without rubbing or leaving it long. Rinse in water of the same temperature until the water runs clear.

Do not wring: roll the garment in a terry towel and press so the towel takes up the water.

You can, if the label allows. Use the «Wool» or «Hand wash» cycle at 30 °C, a spin of no more than 400 to 600 rpm and a wool detergent.

Put garments in a mesh laundry bag so they rub less. Do not machine wash lined coats, jackets and suits: dry clean them.

Dry wool flat on a towel or a rack, shaped as it should be. On a hanger or a line wet wool stretches.

Keep it away from radiators, heaters and direct sun. A tumble dryer does not suit wool.

Wool does not need frequent washing: mostly it is enough to air and brush it. Steam jackets and coats on a hanger.

Store wool clean: moths are drawn to stains and the smell of sweat. Put lavender or cedar blocks in the wardrobe. And decatise the fabric before sewing so the garment does not shrink at its first wash.