How to wash wool
Wool shrinks when exposed to heat and agitation together. Cold water and a gentle wash cycle prevent this. Most wool — including blankets, sweaters, and socks — can be washed at home without dry cleaning.
How do you wash a wool blanket?
Check the care label. Most wool blankets can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle with cold water. Use a wool-safe detergent. For large blankets, use a front-loading machine — top-loaders with a central agitator are too rough on wool. Lay flat to dry, or use a tumble dryer on the lowest heat setting only if the label says machine washable.
Does wool shrink?
Wool shrinks when exposed to heat and agitation at the same time. Cold water alone does not cause shrinking. Hot water alone does not cause significant shrinking. It is the combination of heat and mechanical action — like a hot wash cycle — that causes the fiber scales to interlock and felt. Wash wool in cold water on a gentle cycle and it will not shrink.
Does wool shrink in the dryer?
Yes, if heat is applied. Never put wool in a dryer on a high heat setting. If a wool care label says machine washable, it may tolerate a tumble dry on the lowest heat or air-only setting — but flat drying is always the safer choice. When in doubt, lay flat.
How do you unshrink a wool sweater?
Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of hair conditioner or a wool wash with conditioner. Submerge the sweater and let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes — the conditioner relaxes the fiber. Gently stretch the garment back to its original dimensions while wet and lay flat to dry in the stretched position. Repeat if needed. This works best on mildly shrunk items; severe felting is irreversible.
How do you wash wool socks?
Wool socks — including merino — can usually be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle in cold water. Turn them inside out to reduce pilling on the outer surface. Use a wool-safe detergent. Air dry flat or hang — avoid the dryer unless the label specifically says tumble dry.
How do you wash a wool sweater by hand?
Fill a basin with cold water and add a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Submerge and gently press the water through — no rubbing or twisting. Soak for 10 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in cold water. Press out excess water gently and lay flat to dry on a clean towel, reshaping to the original dimensions.
How do you clean a wool blanket without washing?
Spot clean with a damp cloth and a small amount of diluted wool detergent for small marks. Air the blanket outside on a dry day to freshen it — wool releases odors well with airing. Use a fabric brush to remove surface dirt. For significant soil, washing is the most effective option.
How do you store wool sweaters?
Store folded, never hung — hanging stretches the shoulders over time. Clean before storage; soil and oils attract moths. Use cedar blocks, cedar sachets, or lavender in your storage space to deter moths. For long-term storage, a sealed bag with cedar is most effective.
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