A wool sweater is one of the most comfy and practical pieces of clothing you will ever own, providing warmth, breathability and a level of durability that’s hard to beat. But despite its many virtues, many folks are put off washing a wool sweater because they’ve heard horror stories about it shrinking, stretching or losing its softness.
The good news is that all it really takes is the right approach and your wool sweater will be clean, fresh and looking its best for years to come.
In this guide, you’ll learn the safest way to wash a wool sweater, whether by hand or in a washing machine, as well as some essential tips on drying, storing and generally taking care of your woolly friend.
Why Wool Sweaters Need to be Handled with Care
Wool is a natural fibre, and as such it’s a lot more delicate than a lot of the synthetic fabrics that dominate the high street. If you expose it to hot water, harsh detergents or rough handling it will soon start to show signs of distress – think shrinkage, misshapen, or just generally looking a bit worse for wear.
Some of the common problems that can occur as a result of improper washing include:
- Shrinkage
- Stretching
- Fading
- Pilling
- Loss of that lovely softness that you fell in love with in the first place
So, doing a little bit of homework on how to properly care for your wool sweaters is well worth the effort, not just for the sake of the garment itself, but also for your wallet – which is essentially what it is when you consider the long-term benefits of a well-maintained wool sweater.
Before You Start – Check That Care Label
Before you even think about washing any wool sweater, it’s always a good idea to check the care label inside the garment. These labels can give you some vital information about the best way to care for your wool, including:
- Hand wash only
- Machine washable wool
- Dry clean only
- Any specific temperature recommendations for washing or drying
If your care label says “Dry Clean Only” then it’s usually best to err on the side of caution and go down to your local dry cleaner.
The Supplies You’ll Need
Before you begin, make sure you have all the right gear:
- A mild wool detergent – avoid regular detergents that can be too harsh
- A clean sink, basin or bucket
- Cool or lukewarm water
- Clean towels
- A drying rack or flat surface to lay your sweater out on
Method 1: Washing a Wool Sweater by Hand
Hand washing is generally considered the safest way to go – it’s less likely to cause any damage to the fibres, and it allows you to check on the sweater as you go along to make sure it’s not getting any worse for wear.
Step 1: Fill a Basin with Cool Water
Fill a sink or basin with some cool or lukewarm water – make sure it’s not too hot, as this can cause the wool to shrink.
Step 2: Add Your Detergent
Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent according to the product instructions. Mix the water gently to distribute the detergent evenly.
Step 3: Submerge the Sweater
Submerge your sweater into the water and gently press it down to make sure it’s fully saturated.
Step 4: Let it Soak
Allow the sweater to soak for around 10 to 15 minutes. Don’t try to scrub or rub it – just let it sit there and relax.
Step 5: Rinse it Gently
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with some clean cool water. Rinse the sweater gently, checking to make sure all the soap is out before moving on to the next step.
Method 2: Washing a Wool Sweater in a Washing Machine
Not all wool sweaters can be machine washed – but if the care label says it’s okay, then here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Turn the Sweater Inside Out
First things first, turn the sweater inside out to prevent any friction from causing damage to the outer surface.
Step 2: Use a Mesh Laundry Bag
Place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag – this will help to prevent any snagging or snagging during the wash cycle.
Step 3: Wash in Cold Water
Select the wool or delicate cycle on your washing machine, and use cold water. Avoid regular wash cycles.
Step 4: Add Wool-Safe Detergent
Use a detergent that’s specifically designed for wool or delicate fabrics.
Removing Excess Water
The last thing you want to do when washing a wool sweater is to wring it out – this can cause the fibres to become damaged and lead to all sorts of problems. So instead, use the following technique:
- Lay the sweater flat on a clean towel.
- Roll the towel and sweater together.
- Gently press to absorb excess moisture.
Drying a Wool Sweater Properly
Proper drying is just as important as proper washing when it comes to keeping your wool sweater looking its best.
Lay it Flat to Dry
Always dry your wool sweaters flat – this will prevent them from becoming misshapen. Lay the sweater on a clean towel or drying rack and shape it back to its original size while it’s still damp.
Avoid Hanging
Never hang a wet wool sweater, as this can cause the weight of the water to stretch the fabric and permanently alter its shape.
Keep it Away from Heat
Finally, make sure your wool sweater doesn’t get anywhere near any heat sources – whether that’s a radiator, space heater, direct sunlight or clothes dryer.All right let the sweater air dry if you want it to last.
How Often Should You Wash a Wool Sweater
To be honest, the fact that wool doesn’t smell like other fabrics is pretty nice – but dont get the idea that you can just leave it to rot
Generally speaking, you dont need to be washing your wool sweaters all the time
Here are a few rules of thumb:
- 4 to 6 wears in between washes is about right
- If its got stains on it you need to get it cleaned sooner
- And just give it a sniff between uses if it smells a bit funky
Washing it too much (or using the wrong stuff) can actually shorten the life of it.
How to Remove Stains from Wool
The sooner you treat a stain the better. No use leaving it to sit there and get all set in
For Food or Drink Stains
Just gently blot the stain with some paper towels to get rid of the excess and take a look at it.
- use cold water to clean it (you dont want to set the stain
- use a tiny bit of special wool detergent, just a tiny bit
- dab at it gently
- and just let it sit for a bit before rinsing
Just be careful not to rub too hard, that can damage the fabric.
For Grease Stains
If its a grease stain you need to use a little bit of mild dish soap, the kind that says ‘delicate fabrics’ on the packaging
- let it sit for a bit then rinse it really carefully
- always test any cleaning solutions on a bit of the sweater first, dont just go for it without checking
Preventing Wool Sweaters from Shrinking
People get really worried about how to wash wool sweater because they dont want it to shrink
Here are some super simple rules to follow:
- Use cold water – hot water is the enemy
- Be gentle with it dont twist or pull the fabric
- Never put it in the dryer – just dry it flat
- And only use cold water – no hot temperatures
By following these rules you can make sure it stays nice and big for years to come.
How to Store Wool Sweaters
Youd be amazed at how much better a wool sweater will keep if you store it properly
Fold it, dont hang it
You should fold your wool sweaters rather than hang them. Hanging it up can cause the shoulders and neckline to get all wonky.
Store it somewhere cool dry
Just put it in a clean dry place away from any dampness.
Protect it from Moths
If you got moths you probably going to want to use some moth deterrent
- Cedar is a great option – you can get cedar blocks or put some on a hanger
- or maybe a bunch of lavender sachets
- all kinds of natural stuff that will keep them at bay.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using Hot Water
Youd be surprised how quickly hot water can shrink a sweater
Using Regular Detergent
Most cleaning products are way too harsh for wool fibers
Wringing out the Sweater
This will just cause damage – you have to treat the sweater like its a delicate little flower
Using a Dryer
Dont do this. Seriously.
Hanging it up Wet
This is a bad idea – you dont want to stretch the sweater out of shape.
Can You Fix a Shrunken Wool Sweater
If its just a tiny bit shrunk you can try soaking it in some cool water with some conditioner or baby shampoo to loosen the fibers
After that, just gently stretch the sweater and lay it flat to dry. But be warned – results arent always good so its always best to try and avoid the problem in the first place.
Conclusion
If you take a little bit of care with your wool sweaters, they can look great for years to come. The safest way to wash them is by hand with cold water and some gentle wool detergent – but if you need to use a machine just use a delicate wash and cold water.
Dont use hot water, or wring the sweater or put it in the dryer. Just be gentle with it, and lay it flat to dry, and your wool sweaters will be looking good for a long time.