Wool Care Guide
Take care of your wool garments in the best possible way with the help of these practical washing tips. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your wool clothes remain in good condition for a longer period.
The 5 Most Important Tips for Washing Wool Garments
1. Use lukewarm water: When hand washing, use cold to lukewarm water (max 29-30 degrees) along with a gentle wool detergent.
2. Handle with care: Gently squeeze the water out of the garment without rubbing or twisting to preserve its shape. Similarly, avoid hanging your wool garments on hangers as it may risk damaging their shape.
3. Thorough rinsing: Rinse the garment in clean water without detergent to ensure that all traces of detergent are removed.
4. Air dry: Gently press out the water with a towel and dry the garment flat at room temperature.
5. Gentle machine wash: For bulky and heavy wool garments that are machine washable, use the wool wash program on the washing machine and avoid spinning to prevent deformation.
Hand Washing Wool Garments
Wool Garments Preparation:
Fill a tub or sink with lukewarm water (max 29-30 degrees) and add a mild wool detergent. It is better to use colder water than warmer, as high temperatures can damage wool fibers.
Gentle Washing:
Soak the garment for about 10-20 minutes. Gently squeeze the garment to help loosen dirt. Avoid rubbing, twisting, or squeezing the garment too hard to avoid losing its shape.
Change Water When Necessary:
If the water becomes dirty, replace it with clean water. Repeat the process until the water remains clear.
Thorough Rinsing:
Rinse the garment thoroughly in clean water without detergent to remove any detergent residue. Avoid fabric softeners as wool is better off without them.
Proper Drying:
Lift the garment gently and place it on a towel. Roll the towel with the garment inside to press out excess water. If the garment is very wet, gently press out the water over the sink before using the towel. Dry the garment flat at room temperature, in a well-ventilated area. Avoid using drying racks, tumble dryers, or high temperatures to preserve the garment's shape.
Machine Washing Wool Garments
Preparation:
Brush off visible dirt from the garment with a soft clothes brush. Place the garment in a laundry bag for extra protection during the wash cycle.
Check the Care Label:
Read the care label of the garment carefully. If machine washing is not recommended, avoid doing so.
Selecting the Wash Program:
Use a wool wash program on the washing machine with a low temperature, up to 30 degrees. Avoid spinning as mechanical impact can deform the garment.
Choosing the Right Detergent:
Use a gentle, liquid wool detergent and avoid fabric softeners as wool is better off without them.
5 Interesting Facts About Wool
1. Natural Temperature Regulation: Wool has unique properties that allow wool garments to regulate body temperature. It keeps you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot.
2. Moisture-wicking: Wool can absorb up to 30% of its own weight in moisture without feeling wet. It wicks moisture away from the skin and helps you stay dry and comfortable.
3. Reduced Odour: Wool's natural antimicrobial properties resist odour formation. This means that wool garments can often be worn several times before needing to be washed, and airing them out is often sufficient, reducing wear and tear.
4. Partially Self-cleaning: Wool contains the natural fat lanolin, which helps keep the material clean and fresh. Lanolin provides wool with water-repellent properties and prevents the accumulation of dirt and bacteria, contributing to wool's ability to be partially self-cleaning.
5. Biodegradable and Renewable: Wool is a natural fiber that is biodegradable and renewable.