You’ve bought it, bagged it, and worn it: now it’s time to wash your favourite wool sweater, but you think you don't know how. Never fear, washing wool has never been as easy if you follow our go-to guide to washing wool.
Merino wool is one of the most versatile, resilient fibres known to man. No other fibre can mimic its natural benefits – many have tried, many have failed. Natural, renewable, biodegradable; resistant to odour, stain and UV; breathable, elastic and soft next to skin; the list goes one when you think of Merino wool.
Can I wash a wool sweater in the washing machine?
Wool can safely be washed in a washing machine in the comfort of your own home. This includes sweaters, pants, socks and blankets.
- Check your garment's care claim says that you can machine wash your wool sweater, then it means it can safely be machine washed in a washing machine multiple times, without shrinkage taking place.
- Turn your wool sweater inside out, or use a laundry bag
- Add a wool detergent, preferably a Woolmark-approved detergent.
- Set your cycle to the wool setting. If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, then it is recommended to use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates.
How to hand wash wool sweaters?
- Fill a tub with clean, lukewarm water
- Add a wool detergent, preferably a Woolmark-approved detergent.
- Soak wool garment for 10 minutes
- Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water
- Rinse again in cold water.
How to dry wool sweaters
- Knitwear - such as sweaters - should be flat-dried in the shade.
- Wovenwear - such as jackets and suits - can be hung on hangers, but again should be dried out of direct sunlight.
- More tips on how to dry wool can be found here.