How to wash woolen clothes

CHECK THE LABEL

Keeping a sweater or wool garment beautiful and soft, perhaps handmade with a lot of patience, is not impossible. The important thing is to understand how to wash wool properly so as not to create felting and pilling. The care instructions indicated on the label of your garment or ball may vary depending on the type of wool. Consequently, the processes and technical treatments that you apply will be able to provide further benefits to your clothes which will therefore last longer.

HANDWASH

If the label of your clothes bears the hand wash symbol, follow these instructions carefully. Hand wash in warm water (max 40°C) using a mild detergent, preferably Woolmark approved. Turn the garment inside out to protect the surface fibres. Make sure the powder or liquid is completely dissolved before submerging the garment. A short soak of about 5 minutes will help remove dirt.

Never rub your head! Rinse first in warm water, then in cold water. When washing an item of knitwear, remove excess water by rolling it up in a towel, or spin it using the washing machine's short spin cycle. Never twist! Reshape the garment while it is still damp.

MACHINE WASHABLE

Set the wool or delicates program with a maximum temperature of 30° or proceed with the cold wash. Always use a delicate detergent, specific for wool, and fabric softener. You can also use DIY fabric softeners such as vinegar.

One of the main causes behind felting is the change in temperature: make sure it remains constant both during the washing and rinsing phases.

Important! Remove the items from the washing machine as soon as the wash is finished.

DRY CLEANING OR HOME

Most wool items should be dry cleaned. Always report the presence of stubborn stains to the laundry before washing.

EVERY DAY CARE

Always empty your pockets and hang woolen items after wearing them, preferably in a cool environment. Never cram them into a limited space. Choose hangers suitable for the shoulders of jackets, and those that support skirts and trousers for the belt. This helps smooth out the creases.

HOW TO ELIMINATE CREASES

Clothes, especially those produced with quality Woolmark or Woolmark Blend fabric, lose creases if left hanging in a humid environment for a short time (you can also use the humid environment of the shower) and left to rest overnight.

In the morning you will find them in perfect condition.

THE CARE OF YOUR LIGHTWEIGHT WOOL CLOTHING

Wrinkling can be eliminated by dry or steam ironing at a temperature not exceeding 150°C, placing a damp cloth between the iron and the garment. For dry ironing, cover the surface with a damp cloth to avoid the shiny effect.

CARE… AFTER THE RAIN

If your woolen garment gets wet, it must be dried away from direct heat sources and never in front of a fire, nor on a radiator or exposed to the sun's rays.

USE THE BRUSH FREQUENTLY

Brush jackets, dresses, skirts and trousers often to avoid pilling.

Use a brush with fine, stiff bristles to remove dust that can make fine woolen fabrics dull and a lint-removing brush to combat the unsightly formation of lint on garments.

LET IT REST

Try to avoid wearing the same wool suit for two consecutive days, this will allow the wool fibers to recover their natural elasticity.

Treating stains on woolen garments requires particular care. In this case there are two possibilities: treat the stain at home or take the item to a specialized laundry. Whatever solution is chosen, action must be taken promptly. Wool, as a natural fibre, has a natural protective coating which makes it more resistant to dust and dirt.

WHAT TO DO NOW

Whether you choose to treat the stain at home or decide to take the item to the cleaners, when you stain a wool item, the first thing to do is place a clean absorbent cloth on the affected area to absorb any residue.

If you then decide to treat the problem without resorting to a paid service, follow the specific instructions provided here for the different types of stains.

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS (NOT RED WINE)

Dab lightly with an absorbent cloth to remove as much liquid as possible. Sponge with hot water and denatured alcohol in equal parts.

BLACK COFFEE

Mix alcohol and white vinegar in equal parts, then dab the stained area with a cloth soaked in the solution before pressing lightly with an absorbent cloth.

BLOOD

Quickly dab the stain with a damp sponge to remove excess blood. Scrub lightly with undiluted vinegar, then dab with cold water.

BUTTER / FAT / SAUCES

If a grease stain forms, immediately scrape the surface with a spoon or knife to remove the excess, then dab the area with a cloth soaked in a liquid suitable for dry cleaning. Never use hot water on grease stains.

CHOCOLATE / COFFEE / TEA

Dab the outline of the stain with a cloth soaked in ethyl alcohol, then follow the instructions for black coffee.

EGGS / MILK

Rub gently with a cloth soaked in ethyl alcohol. Repeat the operation with a cloth soaked in diluted white vinegar.

FRUIT / FRUIT JUICE / RED WINE

Dab the stain with denatured alcohol and water (three parts to one).

GRASS

Apply soap (soap bar or flakes) or rub gently with a cloth soaked in denatured alcohol.

INK / PEN-BRO

Rub gently with a cloth soaked in ethyl alcohol. Repeat the operation with a cloth soaked in white vinegar or denatured alcohol.

LIPSTICK / FOUNDATION / NAIL POLISH

Rub gently with a cloth soaked in turpentine or denatured alcohol.

THERE WAS

Scrape off as much wax as you can from the garment with a spoon or dull knife. Place absorbent paper on the stain and iron gently with a hot iron. Do not wash.

Now that treating stains and caring for wool has become a little easier thanks to these small tricks, you can give vent to your imagination by creating fine handmade garments. On our site you can find balls of yarn and patterns to create wonderful works.