Washing wool clothing
It is well known that wool is a special product. One of wool's most remarkable properties is its natural self-cleaning ability. But how does that actually work?
A wool fiber has a unique structure. Under a microscope, you can see that the outside consists of small scales, which can be compared to roof tiles on a roof. Due to the friction of the tile-like scales of the wool hair, dirt is, as it were, pushed to the surface. This means that dirt penetrates less quickly deep into the wool.
In addition, wool naturally contains lanolin (wool grease). Lanolin is produced by the sebaceous glands of the sheep and is a greasy substance. This natural wool fat forms a thin protective layer around the fiber, making it more difficult for water and dirt to be absorbed. This keeps wool clean and fresh longer than many other materials.
Wool keeps unpleasant odors at bay.
When you sweat, it quickly gets an unpleasant smell.
Strange but true: sweat itself does not stink. It gets an unpleasant smell because it comes into contact with the bacteria on our skin. The proteins naturally present in wool hairs break down these bacteria. As a result, wool clothing takes on unpleasant odors less quickly.
Airing is often enough
In many cases, airing overnight is all your wool clothing needs.
After wearing, hang a sweater or cardigan outside on a dry day or in a well-ventilated room. During airing, many odors disappear on their own, and the fibers release the absorbed moisture.
By airing more often and washing less often, you extend the life of your wool clothing. In addition, you save water, energy, and detergent.
A stain does not automatically mean that the entire garment needs to be washed. In many cases, local treatment is sufficient. That is even better for the wool because you avoid unnecessary washes.
Dab instead of rub Spilled something? Gently dab the stain dry as quickly as possible with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub hard. Rubbing can damage or felt the wool fibers, which can push the stain deeper into the fiber.
Use lukewarm water Many small stains can be removed with a damp cloth and a little lukewarm water. Does the stain remain visible? Then use a small amount of wool detergent and treat only the area where the stain is. Then rinse carefully with clean water and let the garment dry flat.
Washing wool clothing in the washing machine
Many people think that wool clothing can only be hand-washed. That is no longer always the case.
Many wool clothes, especially merino wool clothes, can simply be machine-washed.
Then follow these steps.
Step 1. Check the washing label The washing label indicates exactly whether the garment is suitable for machine washing or should only be hand-washed. In doubt? Then opt for hand washing. That is always the most cautious option.
Step 2. Turn the garment inside out By washing a sweater or cardigan inside out, you prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the outside. Also, close zippers and button buttons. This prevents other clothing or the zipper itself from damaging the wool.
Step 3. Use a laundry bag (optional) For delicate merino wool clothing or thin knits, a laundry bag can provide extra protection. This reduces friction against the drum, preserving the garment's appearance longer.
Step 4. Choose the right program
Always use:
- the wool program;
- or a delicate wash program if your washing machine does not have a wool program.
Set the temperature to a maximum of 30°C and choose a low spin speed.
Step 5. Remove clothing immediately from the machine Never leave wet wool clothing in the washing machine for hours. The longer wool remains folded wet, the greater the chance of wrinkling and deformation. Therefore, remove the garment immediately from the machine as soon as the program is finished.
Washing wool clothing by hand
Some wool garments are more delicate or have a looser knit. In that case, hand washing is the safest choice. Fortunately, this only takes a few minutes.
Step 1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water Use water of about 30°C. Make sure the water is not too hot. Large temperature differences can cause the wool fibers to felt.
Step 2. Add a small amount of wool detergent Dissolve the wool detergent in the water first before adding the garment. This ensures even distribution of the detergent.
Step 3. Gently move the clothing through the water Do not rub or scrub the wool. Gently press the garment underwater and move it carefully back and forth. Then let it soak for about five to ten minutes.
Step 4. Rinse thoroughly Rinse the wool with clean water of approximately the same temperature. This prevents sudden temperature differences that can damage the fibers.
Step 5. Do not wring This is perhaps the most important step. Never wring a wool sweater or cardigan. Wringing stretches the fibers, and the garment can lose its original shape. Gently squeeze out excess water or roll the garment in a clean towel. The towel absorbs much of the moisture without damaging the wool.
Machine wash or hand wash: which is better?
That depends on the garment. For most modern merino wool clothing, the wool program of a good washing machine is at least as safe as hand washing.
Hand washing is especially recommended for:
- hand-knitted wool clothing;
- clothing with a loose structure;
- garments whose washing label prescribes hand washing.
Always check the washing label and follow the manufacturer's advice.
What detergent do you use for wool?
Not every detergent is suitable for wool clothing.
A standard detergent often contains enzymes designed to break down proteins. This is ideal for food stains, for example, but less suitable for wool. Wool consists largely of keratin, a natural protein.
Regularly using a normal detergent can damage the fibers. This makes the wool feel less soft and can shorten the lifespan of the garment.
Therefore, always choose a wool detergent
A good wool detergent:
- cleans the fibers gently;
- helps maintain the natural softness of wool;
- is adapted to the properties of wool and merino wool.
- preferably use a wool detergent with lanolin so that the special properties of wool are not lost.
Also, try not to use too much detergent. More detergent does not result in a cleaner result but can remain in the fibers.
Tip: Always follow the dosage on the packaging of the wool detergent.
Texelana wool detergent is highly concentrated, so you only need a small amount per wash. Suitable for both machine and hand washing. Shake briefly before use.
Tip: Due to its mild nature, Texelana wool detergent can also be used very well for washing your dog.
Do you need fabric softener?
No! Even better: it's better not to use fabric softener for wool clothing.
Wool is naturally supple and soft. Fabric softener adds little and can leave a layer on the fibers. This can reduce the natural moisture-regulating and breathable properties of wool.
A good wool detergent is all you need.
Drying wool clothing: how to keep the fit nice
After washing, drying is at least as important as washing itself. Even if you have washed a wool sweater correctly, it can still stretch or deform if you let it dry incorrectly. Fortunately, this is easy to prevent.
Always lay wool flat to dry A wet wool sweater is much heavier than a dry sweater. If you hang a wet garment on a hanger or over a clothesline, the weight pulls on the fibers. This can stretch the sweater, especially at the shoulders and sleeves.
Therefore, always lay wool clothing flat on a drying rack or a clean, dry towel. Gently pull the garment back into its original shape and then let it air dry calmly.
This way, the fit remains the best.
Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources
Preferably let wool dry in a well-ventilated place, but not in direct sunlight or right next to a radiator, wood stove, or other heat source. Drying too quickly can harden or shrink the fibers. Gentle drying gives the best result.
Can wool clothing go in the dryer?
The short answer is: no
For almost all wool clothing, a dryer is not recommended. The combination of heat and movement causes the scales on the outside of the wool fiber to interlock. This felts the wool and can significantly shrink a garment.
Always check the washing label. Only if it explicitly states that the garment is suitable for the dryer can you deviate from this. However, this is not the case for most wool clothing.
Why does wool actually shrink?
Wool shrinks not only due to the use of too hot water but due to a combination of heat, movement, and temperature differences.
As you read earlier, the outside of a wool fiber consists of small scales. When wool is exposed to too hot water or a lot of friction, these scales open up and interlock. This causes the fibers to contract and felt.
Once felted, this process is almost impossible to reverse.
Help! My sweater has shrunk...
A frequently asked question is whether a shrunk wool sweater can still be restored.
The honest answer is: sometimes, but not always.
When a sweater is truly felted, the wool fibers are permanently interlocked. Unfortunately, that process can no longer be fully reversed.
If the sweater has only shrunk a little and is not felted? Then you can try to gently make the fibers a little more supple again.
How to approach this
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water.
- Add a small amount of wool detergent or a special wool conditioner.
- Let the sweater soak for about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Gently squeeze out excess water (do not wring).
- Lay the sweater flat on a towel.
- Gently stretch the garment back to its original dimensions.
This does not always work, but for slight shrinkage, it can sometimes help surprisingly well. Here too, it is best to let it dry lying outside.
Why does wool pill?
Many people think that pilling means that the quality of wool is inferior. That is a misconception. Pilling is a normal phenomenon with almost all natural fibers.
How does pilling occur?
Friction occurs during wear. Think of a shoulder bag, a seat belt, or the movement of your arms along your body. This causes loose fibers to come to the surface of the fabric. These fibers twist together and form small balls, also known as pills. You often see this a little more in the first few months. After that, it usually decreases on its own because the loose fibers have disappeared from the yarn.
Does pilling mean the quality is poor?
No. Even high-quality merino wool can pill. So it says little about the quality of the material. In fact, soft wool types, such as fine merino wool, can be somewhat more susceptible to pilling at first. This is because the fibers are thin and supple. After a few wears and washes, this usually stabilizes on its own.
How do you remove pills? Pills are easy to remove.
For example, use:
- a wool comb;
- a special lint shaver;
- or a clothes brush.
Always work carefully and apply little pressure. This way, you only remove loose fibers and the fabric remains beautiful. It is better not to use a razor blade, as this can damage the fibers more quickly.
How do you store wool clothing?
Even when you're not wearing a wool sweater for a while, proper storage is important.
Fold wool clothing Always store wool sweaters and cardigans flat in the closet. It's better not to hang them on a hanger for long periods. The weight of the wool can cause shoulders and sleeves to stretch out over time.
Store wool clean Only store wool clothing when it's clean. Any food residues or perspiration can attract moths. A clean garment is much less likely to attract them.
Protect against moths Moths are not interested in wool itself, but in the keratin and small skin fats that can be present on worn clothing.
You can help prevent moths by:
- storing clothes clean;
- regularly airing out the closet;
- occasionally taking wool clothing out of the closet;
- possibly using natural moth repellents, such as cedar wood or lavender.
Maintaining wool clothing is easier than many people think. By not washing wool unnecessarily often, using a special wool detergent, and allowing clothes to dry flat, the natural resilience of the fibers is preserved.
With the right care, a wool sweater, cardigan, or T-shirt will remain beautiful and comfortable to wear for years.
View our collection of wool clothing
Are you looking for a new wool sweater, a comfortable cardigan, or a breathable merino wool T-shirt? At Texelana, you will find an extensive collection of high-quality wool clothing. Made to last and designed to keep you comfortable all year round.
Also, read our other blogs about wool care and discover how to keep your wool clothing, slippers, and sheepskins beautiful for as long as possible.
