Wool has been synonymous with quality, warmth and sophistication for centuries. It is used to make the best winter sweaters, elegant scarves and timeless hats – pieces that are not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing during the cold months. However, this natural material, obtained from sheep's hair, requires special attention, as even one wrong move during washing can cause a beloved piece of clothing to shrink, wrinkle or lose its shape. And let's face it – who hasn't pulled a sweater out of the washing machine that was intended for an adult before washing, but after washing it fits a child in kindergarten? How to wash wool clothes correctly?
It is essential that we understand how to wash properly woolen clothes – not only for aesthetic reasons, but also so that they last for several seasons. Proper washing and drying of wool is not just a recommendation, but the basis for maintaining the quality of the material. Below you will find expertly based, yet user-friendly advice for proper care woolen pieces – from choosing the right detergent to the ideal drying method. With them, your wardrobe will stay in top shape for a long time – no wrinkles, no shrinkage and no regrets.
Why is wool sensitive and how do we care for it properly?
Wool is a natural protein fiber with a complex structure made up of keratin fibers. These have a natural protective layer that repels water and dirt, but are also very sensitive to temperature shocks, mechanical friction and aggressive chemicals. This means that even the wrong water temperature, too high a spin speed or the wrong detergent can cause the fibers to shrink, compress and stick together – resulting in stiff, stiff clothes without the softness and elasticity of wool.
How to wash woolen clothes properly
1. Check the label – your first and most important step
Every wool garment has a care label – and it’s not just there for decoration. The labels tell you whether the item is machine washable, what the water temperature should be, and whether dry cleaning is the only safe option. If it says “hand wash only,” that’s exactly what it means – and no, a washing machine on a gentle cycle is not an option.
2. Hand washing – the classic, but safest choice
For woolen items that are more delicate (e.g. hand-knitted sweaters, merino wool scarves, hats with special patterns), hand washing is the best option. Approach:
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- Pour into the sink lukewarm water (up to 30 °C).
- Add mild wool detergent or natural shampoo without enzymes.
- Clothing dip lightly and gently soak it for a few minutes. Never rub or wring.
- Change the water and the clothing rinse gently, without excessive draining or wringing.
3. Machine wash – yes, but only with the appropriate program
More and more washing machines today have a special program for wool or hand wash, which takes into account low temperature, slow drum rotation and limited spinning. But here too, a few rules apply:
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- Use wool detergent, without enzymes (e.g. lanolin or special liquid formulas).
- Set the washing machine to 30°C or less and maximum 800 rpm for wringing.
- Never wash with clothes made of rough materials (such as jeans or zippers), which can damage the fibers.
4. Drying – keep it slow and natural
When you have finished washing your woolen garment, do not wring with your handsInstead, it place on a dry towel, roll it up and press it lightly to absorb excess moisture. Then the garment place on a flat surface, preferably on a drying rack. Wool must be dried lying down, otherwise it will stretch and deform.
Never use dryer, as high temperatures will cause shrinkage. Also, avoid direct sunlight and radiators – dry slowly, in the shade and at room temperature.
5. Off-season storage – protection from moths and moisture
Woolen clothes should be clean and completely dry before storing them. Store them folded, not hung, as the fibers can stretch under weight. It is ideal to store them in cotton bags, with added natural moth repellent – lavender, cedarwood or bay leaves.
Additional tips:
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- Mocking is a natural occurrence in wool – remove it with a wool scraper or razor, never with your hands.
- Ventilation in the fresh air is often enough to refresh wool – there is no need to wash it too often.
- If the sweater shrink, try soaking it in lukewarm water with hair conditioner, gently stretch and dry in its original shape.
Washing wool is not a science, it’s an art. If you do it right, your wool will last you a long time – soft, clean and in perfect shape. Follow these expert tips and your winter wardrobe will last for many seasons to come – without any shocks in the bathroom or tears over a shrunken sweater. After all, what’s more pleasant than knowing that your wool is not only warm, but also properly cared for?
