Washing, Drying & Storing Wool

There’s some prep work before immersing your prized wool garment in water. We’re about to get dirty with everything you need to ensure your beloved wool items are ready for a safe scrubbing.

First off, assess the clothing label, according the Iowa State University. Not all wool items are created equal. Indeed, your clothes may consist of a mix of fabrics, not just wool alone. Merino wool, for instance, possesses properties different from cashmere. Determining each item’s fiber makeup is vital to knowing appropriate washing methods. Check those labels!

Next up, empty all pockets and close all fasteners and zippers. Loose change, forgotten receipts, or rogue tissues can spell disaster in the wash cycle, marring your wool’s quality. Similarly, open fasteners can snag wool fibers, causing unwanted stretching or tearing.

Let’s talk about sorting. Like any laundry day, sorting your wool items by color is crucial. Lighter shades can quickly soak up dye from darker items, leading to dreaded color bleeding. Remember, wool absorbs much water, so it can easily absorb other colors.

For stubborn stains, consider pre-treating. Pre-treatment can gently loosen dirt and grime before fully immersing your wool items. However, remember to use a wool-specific stain remover or a simple solution of cool water and mild detergent.

When a lint roller is your best friend when coping with lint or hair, Rolling it across the wool piece a few times will pick up that unwanted fluff, giving you a clean, ready-to-wash item.

• Assess the clothing label
• Empty all pockets and close all fasteners and zippers
• Sort by color and type
• Pre-treat stubborn stains
• Use a lint roller for unwanted fluff

That’s it for the preparatory steps. Let’s press forward: your wool items are all set for a dip. Knuckle down for the following sequence, where we’ll usher you through the washing process, from choosing the perfect water temperature to selecting that ideal wool-friendly detergent.

Machine Washing Wool Safely

There’s a misconception that you can’t machine wash wool items. That’s not entirely true. Machine washing wool can be done safely if you follow some crucial steps.

First and foremost, check the care label. If it says, ‘hand wash only,’ then stick to the previous steps discussed for hand washing. Many modern wool garments, however, are designed to withstand machine washing.

When placing your wool items in the washing machine, turn them inside out. This helps reduce agitation, which, in turn, prevents shrinkage and felting. In addition, consider using a mesh laundry bag. The bag provides extra protection for your woolens by minimizing exposure to rough and tumble washing.

Choose your wool cycle carefully. Select a setting meant for delicate fabrics to maintain the quality of wool items. This cycle often has a slower spin speed, which treats your garments with the respect they deserve. If your washing machine doesn’t have a dedicated wool or delicate cycle, go for the shortest, most gentle one available.

Your choice of detergent makes a significant difference in safely washing wool in a machine. Wool-friendly detergents work best as they are often pH-neutral and contain no bleach. These features are critical in preserving the color and softness of your wool items.

Avoid using fabric softeners on wool; instead, turn to white vinegar! It sounds daunting, but it’s effective. Adding half a cup of white vinegar to the final rinse cycle will soften your wool while maintaining its natural, vibrant colors.

Just remember, every wool item is unique. What works for one might not work for another. The above approach provides a way to work around the potential difficulties of machine-washing wool. There’s no fixed rule in the book of wool washing, only guidelines to keep your garments looking fresh and enduring.

Having tackled the washing process, let’s unravel the mystery of drying and storing your wool items. These steps are vital to keep your garments in tip-top shape and extend their lifespan.

Drying wool is an art in itself. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which you can toss into the dryer, wools need extra care. Remember: heat and agitation are wool’s enemies, causing shrinkage and felting. After washing, lay your wool items flat in their natural shape on a clean, dry towel. Roll up the towel and press to remove excess water. Unroll and repeat if necessary. Then, leave them to air dry away from direct sunlight and radiators.

Let’s get your wool ready for storage! After drying your wool items properly, inspect them for any dirt, stains, or odors. Insects, particularly moths, are attracted to fibers that contain human oils or food particles. Hence, it’s critical to store only clean garments.

Proper folding of wool garments is of paramount importance. Never hang your wool sweaters; they may get shoulder dimples or be stretched out of shape. Folding them neatly prevents any unwanted creases or distortion.

Regarding storage, remember that wool needs to breathe, so avoiding plastic bins, bags, or vacuum-sealed spaces is best. Use breathable cotton bags or acid-free paper boxes. Storing wool with cedar balls or lavender sachets can deter those pesky moths while giving a pleasant scent.

With a bit of care and attention to the drying and storage processes, you can maintain the longevity, appearance, and texture of your wool garments, keeping them looking as good as new. These methods have been tried and tested by numerous wool owners just like you.