Washing woolen clothes
, by Maike Bouwman , 2 min reading time
Wool products must be washed carefully because there is a risk of shrinkage. So follow the washing instructions below to keep your wool products in the best possible condition so they can last for generations!
Our wool clothing can be washed both by hand and in the washing machine. Do bear in mind that you need a fairly modern washing machine with a setting specially for wool.
Wool clothing in the washing machine
If you have a modern washing machine, washing wool in the machine is the safest choice. The washing machine changes the temperature slowly and adds the detergent gradually too. The machine does not wring the wool but turns it over.
- Only wash wool products together with other wool products.
- Make sure there is not too much wool in the machine. One to two kilograms is the maximum. Wool needs room in the machine to move around.
- Wash wool in the machine on a special wool programme.
- Use a special natural wool detergent.
- Never use fabric softener, bleach or a synthetic detergent.
- Spin the wool at a low speed (600 rpm).
- Do not put merino wool in the dryer; lay it flat to air dry.
- You could iron merino wool at a low temperature, but this isn't really necessary. Merino wool is naturally almost crease-free.
Hand-washing wool clothing
When washing by hand you quickly start kneading, which can damage the fibres. So always be careful when washing by hand.
- Do not wash warmer than 30 degrees or your wool may shrink. You can use a baby bath thermometer to keep an eye on the temperature.
- Make sure the temperature change is gradual.
- Use a natural wool detergent, but not too much, as it is hard to rinse out again.
- Do not wring or rub the wool, as this damages the fabric. It is best to squeeze the wool to keep the garment looking nice.
- Rinse out the detergent with water of the same (cold/lukewarm) temperature.
- Do not put merino wool in the dryer; lay it flat to air dry.
- You could iron merino wool at a low temperature, but this isn't really necessary. Merino wool is naturally almost crease-free.
Yellow stains, what now?
For the more stubborn stains I use a little ox gall soap, which I let work briefly on the stain. Gently massage it in and rinse out with lukewarm water. If yellow stains are still visible after washing, give the garment some sunshine by laying it outside in the sun. Nature does it…
