Irrespective of which method you use to wash wool clothes, it is recommended that garments are turned inside out before washing wool. This will prolong the item’s ‘as new’ look and feel.
To avoid colour “bleeding”, separate dark and pale colours before laundering. Also keep dark and light colours separate when they are wet. Some other simple general care instructions should be followed when washing wool garments.
Caring for Wool
Before storing or washing, empty pockets and remove belts, jewellery and other accessories to avoid sagging and bulging. Store with closures zipped or buttoned.
Brushing
For woven garments only: Using a soft garment brush, brush garments lengthwise after wearing to remove surface soil that might become stains later on. Dust and dirt can dull the appearance of wool fabrics.
Airing
To remove cigarette or food odours, lay wool garments flat on a bed or towel for an hour. Woven garments may be hung in fresh air on a suitable hanger.
Hang wovens, fold knits
Woven wool garments should be hung on shaped or padded coat hangers. Knitted garments should be gently folded and stored in drawers.
Resting
Rest wool garments for 24 hours before wearing again. This gives the natural resilience and spring in the wool fibre time to recover and return to its original shape.
Refreshing
Wool garments can be refreshed after unpacking or wearing by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam will remove wrinkles.
Dry away from direct sunlight or heat
If wool gets wet, dry the garment at room temperature away from direct sunlight or heat.
Ironing
Many wool garments do not require ironing, but very smooth fabrics may look better if pressed. Always use steam when pressing wool. Set your iron on the wool setting and avoid ironing the fabric when it is totally dry.
Lightweight-fabric care
Lighter wool fabrics may take a little longer to shed their creases. Remove wrinkles by ironing with a damp cloth or steam iron on a warm iron/dot 2 setting.
Long-term storage
Since food stains and body oils attract moths, you should ensure your wool garment is clean before packing it away in airtight bags or containers. Ideally use a Woolmark-endorsed moth repellent but do not place directly on the garment.
MORE CARE TIPS
Wool care
What is pilling?
Pilling (sometimes referred to as bobbling) is the formation of fuzzy balls on the surface of wool clothing, and often results in an unsightly or worn out appearance.
Wool care
How to wash wool
Washing wool is easy. Wool is naturally stain resistant, odour resistant and also crease resistant, so actually requires less washing. This means that caring for wool is both easy and gentle on the planet. But when it is time to wash wool clothes, you can either wash them in a washing machine, or hand wash with ease.
Wool care
Removing stains from wool
We all have accidents, and sometimes, this involves spilling wine or coffee or butter on your favourite item of clothing. So how do you get rid of stains from clothes? Follow our step-by-step guide to remove stains from your favourite wool clothing.
Wool care
Cleaning wool shoes
Washing your wool shoes has never been easier. Follow this simple guide to wash your wool shoes to keep them looking and smelling clean.
Wool care
How to wash and dry wool blankets
Wool blankets are among the most durable and desirable of all bedding. They're soft and warm, and are very difficult to stain or damage. Wool blankets are also very easy to care for and you don’t need to wash them often, in fact, it’s best to wash them sparingly and some guidelines recommend washing wool blankets once every three months.
Wool care
How to repair wool
The art of repairing clothes may have declined with the rise of fast fashion, but here at The Woolmark Company we believe you should love your clothes for a lifetime. Not only will repairing your clothes allow you to get more use out of your favourite wool socks and sweaters, it also means less waste in landfill. Follow these simple steps to repair your wool garments.
Wool care
Washing wool pants
Merino wool is an excellent fibre for producing clothes, as it not only offers breathability, but has natural stretch and recovery, great drape and outstanding wear performance. Despite being a resilient fibre, a little bit of TLC will ensure your wool clothes will last for a very long time.
Wool care
Tumble drying wool
Good news! Certain wool garments can safely be dried in a tumble dryer without the item shrinking. Woolmark-approved garments that have a care claim that states ‘tumble dry’ can be tumble dried on a low heat setting or a setting for wool or delicates. It is advised to use a tumble dryer that has been approved by The Woolmark Company.
Wool care
How do I dry wool?
Drying your favourite wool sweater - or any other wool garment - is easy. Follow these simple steps and your clothes will look, feel and smell as good as new in no time.
Wool care
How to iron wool
Despite being crease resistant, some Merino wool garments may require a light iron, but only if the garment’s care claim advises so. Whether your Merino wool garment requires ironing after washing and drying will depend on the number of creases present and the overall appearance of the garment.
Wool care
How to wash a wool sweater
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.
Wool care
Washing Merino wool socks
Unlike other fibres, wool is odour resistant, so you wool socks will smell better than socks made from other fibres, meaning you can wear them multiple times before you start to get odd looks from people.
Wool care
How to dry a wool sweater
Drying your Merino wool sweater is just as important as washing it. A certain level of care must be taken when drying wool clothes, to ensure they retain their as-new look and feel.
After washing your wool sweater, it is recommended the sweater is carefully dried flat, unless your sweater’s care claim states it can be tumble dried.
Wool care
Best detergent to use when washing wool
What is the best wool wash detergent to use when washing your wool clothes? Follow the Woolmark guide to the best wool detergents to use to care for your wool clothes so that they last a lifetime.
Wool care
Can you dry clean Merino wool?
If the care claims on your Merino wool garment states the item can be dry cleaned, it is safe to take it to a professional dry cleaner.
Wool care
How to store wool clothes
The daily struggle of finding something to wear hidden amongst a year’s worth of garments is an unnecessary battle. But with a little forethought and some planning, your wardrobe can be transformed from garment jungle to serene oasis where everything has its place.
Wool care
Washing instruction symbols explained
Ever wonder what those washing tag symbols and instructions actually mean? Woolmark.com has created a video and guide so you can wash and dry your clothes safely.