How to care for wool

Handling wool

• Wool products may develop pills during regular use. Use a wool comb or a fabric shaver to gently remove pills. Be careful not to damage the fibres. 

• Let wool garments air out between wears to refresh them and reduce the need for frequent washing. 

• Be cautious with jewellery and bags that might snag the delicate fibres. 

• Airing a wool sweater is often enough to make it fresh as new. 

   

Washing wool

• Avoid washing your knitwear too frequently, and opt out of dry cleaning when you can, as the harsh chemicals can damage delicate fibres. Choose hand washing when time allows, and avoid bleach and fabric softeners. 

• Gently spot clean when possible with a damp cloth and wool detergent. Don’t rub, to avoid pushing the stain deeper into the fibres. 

   

Hand washing

• Fill a sink, tub, or basin with lukewarm water (30°C/86°F). Hot water can shrink wool. 

• Add mild detergent, preferably one specifically for wool. Make sure the detergent is evenly distributed and submerge the garment in the water. 

• Soak the wool item for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid rubbing or agitating the fabric. 

• Rinse thoroughly. Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, lukewarm water. Gently swirl the item around to remove the detergent. Repeat until the water runs clear. 

   

Machine washing

• Use a mesh washing bag to help protect the garment from agitation in the washer. 

• Add a mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener as it can coat wool fibres and reduce their ability to wick moisture. 

• Turn the wool item inside out before washing to prevent pilling. 

• Select a gentle cycle at or below 30°C. 

• Avoid tumble drying. 

   

Drying wool

• Avoid wringing or twisting the garment to remove excess water. 

• Lay the garment flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to squeeze out water. 

• Lay the garment on a flat, dry towel or drying rack, reshaping it to its original dimensions. Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources. 

• Ironing or steaming wool 

   

Ironing

• Use a low heat setting and place a damp cloth between the iron and the garment. 

• Iron on the wrong side of the fabric if possible. 

• Steaming 

• Steaming is gentler than ironing and helps to remove wrinkles and odours. 

• Use a handheld steamer or hang the garment in a steamy bathroom. 

   

Storing wool

• Make sure the garments are thoroughly clean before storing. Clean wool is much less attractive to moths. 

• Gently fold your knitwear instead of hanging to prevent stretching. 

• Store wool items in a cool, dry place. 

• For long-term storage, pack each piece into a vacuum bag together with a small cotton bag of cedar wood balls. Avoid putting the cedar balls directly on the garment, as they might leave grease stains. The airtight package helps save space and keeps the garment away from insects. If you don’t have vacuum bags, just store the garments in a sealed box, gently folded with cedar wood balls in cotton bags in between each piece. 

• Store the vacuum bags in a sealed clear plastic box, with heavier knits at the bottom and lighter ones on top. Using a clear box makes it easier to find individual garments when it’s time to change your wardrobe for a new season. 

• When you’ve unpacked the knits in the autumn, you can easily regain the shape and texture of the garments with a steamer. Steaming is also a good option for removing bug larvae.