Take care of your woolen garments

Wool clothes are soft, warm and comfortable, but they can be delicate and require a little extra care when it comes to washing, drying and repairing. Taking care of your woolen clothes properly can extend their life and help them look and feel like new for longer. In this guide, we will go through how to wash, dry, store and repair wool clothing in a way that is gentle on both the clothes and the environment. We will give you tips and advice to help you take the best care of your woolen clothes, so that you can continue to use and enjoy them for many years to come.

How do I wash wool?

Before washing the clothes, you should consider whether the clothes really need to be washed – often airing them is enough to get rid of smells. Wool is a self-cleaning material that can be used many times before you need to wash it, if you air it after each use. Washing clothes consumes a lot of water and energy, if you air your woolen garments instead you save nature's resources and your money, and the garments will last longer.

If there are stains on your woolen clothes, it may be enough to remove them without soaking the entire garment. It is best to treat stains as soon as possible. Use a soft brush or cloth to gently wipe away the stain with a mixture of water and mild soap. Remember that you should never use chlorine-based stain removers on wool clothing. Avoid rubbing or scrubbing hard on the wool to avoid damaging the fibers.

Can I wash wool in the washing machine?

If you wash woolen clothes in a machine, choose the wool program on the washing machine, alternatively wash with a short spin cycle at a cold temperature. It is not suitable to wash wool in hot water as high temperatures can damage and shrink the wool. Instead, use cool or lukewarm water when you wash woolen clothes, the properties of wool mean that they will get clean even when washed at 30 °C.

Also make sure to use a special wool detergent or a mild and gentle detergent that is free of enzymes and bleach. This is to avoid the wool losing its softness and shape. You can also choose a detergent with lanolin, which is a natural fatty substance found in sheep's wool. Lanolin helps to moisturize and protect the wool, helping to preserve its natural properties. Another tip is not to fill the machine completely, fill it halfway to get everything completely clean and avoid wear and tear on the clothes.

How do I hand wash wool?

If hand washing is recommended for your wool garments, it is important to wash in lukewarm water (30–40 °C). The best detergent for washing wool clothes is a mild and gentle detergent that is free of enzymes and bleaches, preferably one that is specifically designed for washing wool. You can also choose a detergent with lanolin, which helps to moisturize and protect the wool. Use plenty of water, be careful and do not pinch, twist or rub the garment. Instead, keep the wash water moving and let the water flow through the garment. If it is necessary to lift woolen garments in a wet state, then lift from the underside with both hands and spreading fingers wide. Rinse three times in lukewarm water (20–30 °C); very gently gently squeeze out the water between each rinse.

Finish by spinning in a machine (max 800-900 rpm) – if you have one close at hand. It removes more water and makes drying easier and faster, which also helps to maintain the shape of the garment. If you don't have a centrifuge, or if you've become soaked while hiking – make your own centrifuge: put the garment in a loose net and go outside and spin the clothes in the net until you've gotten most of the water out.

Can I tumble dry woolen clothes?

It is not suitable to tumble dry wool clothes as high temperatures and the friction of the dryer can damage the wool and cause it to shrink. Instead, lay the garment on a flat towel and squeeze out the excess water carefully, if the garment has shrunk, you can gently pull it diagonally to regain its shape. It is important to avoid squeezing or twisting the garment, as this can deform the wool. Then lay the garment flat on a new dry towel in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight until completely dry. Be careful not to hang wet woolen clothes on a hanger, as the wool can stretch and lose its shape.

Why do woolen clothes get holes?

Clothe moths and the larvae of fur mites can attack wool clothing because they feed on the keratin found in the wool. They can cause damage to woolen clothing by creating holes and destroying the fabric. If you discover that your woolen clothes have been infested by clothes moths, it is important to take steps to eliminate the insects and protect your clothes from further damage. To get rid of them, you should start by removing all clothes and cleaning the entire space thoroughly. Vacuum the floor, shelves and cupboards, and wipe all surfaces clean with a damp cloth. Wash all clothes in as hot water as they can withstand and preferably dry warm in the dryer – woolen clothes are of course the exception, but drying cupboards at a low temperature can be an alternative.

To prevent pests, you can use scented bags or lavender sacks in the closet, the scent of lavender can deter bedbugs and clothes moths. You can also use cedar wood or a special fabric softener spray that contains cedar oil. Knitted woolen garments should be folded and stored lying down, while other woolen garments are preferably stored hanging on padded hangers to best preserve their shape.

By cleaning the wardrobe and washing or airing woolen clothes regularly, you can prevent and get rid of pests, which means that your woolen clothes can stay beautiful and well-maintained for longer.

How do I repare woolen garments?

It is important to take good care of clothes and repair them when they break, then you save both money and nature's resources. There are several different ways to repair wool clothes, choose the method that is easiest and most suitable for the hole in your garment.

One of the most common methods of repairing small holes and tears is to sew them by hand with a needle and thread. It is important to use a thread that matches the wool in color and quality to avoid damaging the fabric. Smaller holes can be covered with a layer of ironing paper to strengthen the fabric before being sewn back up.

For major damage, such as a torn seam, it may be necessary to take the garment apart and resew it. This requires a little more skill and patience, but it can give your clothes a whole new lease of life. If you don't feel comfortable mending the wool yourself or if a more advanced repair is required, you can always take the garment to a professional tailor or specialist wool repair service. These can often repair damage that is difficult to repair yourself, such as large holes or stains.

Repairing your woolen clothes instead of throwing them away is a sustainable choice as it reduces the amount of clothes you need to buy. By taking care of your woolen clothes and repairing them when they break, you can extend their life and save both money and the environment.

Enjoy your wool garments for a long time

Washing and storing wool clothes in a gentle way preserves the wool's natural properties, such as keeping us warm and dry. You can read more about the wool's properties in our Merino wool guide. By taking good care of your wool clothing, you show love and care for both your garments and our planet – and best of all, you can continue to use and love your favorite wool garments for years to come!