Wool is not just clothing - it's an investment in comfort, style and warmth. Wool is a fantastic natural fibre that requires a little extra care to keep it beautiful and functional for years. Here are some tips on how to best care for your wool.
Wash with care
One of the most important things to remember when it comes to wool is to wash it with care. Wool is delicate and reacts poorly to harsh treatment. In the worst case, you risk the wool fraying. It is recommended to wash wool in a maximum of 30 degrees of warm water and with a mild wool detergent. You can use this soap bar with lanolin for hand washing wool. Enriched with the natural properties of lanolin, this soap is specifically created to revive and care for wool fibres. The gentle, cold-pressed manufacturing process preserves the nourishing properties of lanolin, providing a deep-acting cleanse and care that not only removes dirt and odours, but also restores the softness and suppleness of the wool. Hand washing is often preferable, but if you wash it in the machine, make sure to choose a gentle hand wash programme with a maximum spin speed of 800 rpm.
Avoid tumble drying and wringing
Wool cannot be wrung or dried in a tumble dryer. After washing, gently squeeze excess water out of the garment - avoid twisting or forceful movements that can distort the fibers. You can roll your wool into a towel and press it lightly to squeeze out the excess water. Then lay the garment flat on a towel and let it dry flat. If woolen clothing is hung up wet, either on a drying rack or a hanger, it will come out of shape, and it can be difficult to straighten it once the garment is dry. Should the accident happen, you can easily wash the garment again to lay it flat to dry flat.
Store with care
When the season is over and you need to store your woollens, it is important to do so properly. Use breathable storage bags or boxes to protect against dust and insects. Avoid hanging woollens on hangers as they can stretch. Fold them carefully and store them in a cool, dry place.
Beware of moths
Moths love wool, so it's important to protect your clothes from these little pests. To keep moths away from your wool, you can place cedar balls or small sachets of dried lavender with your wool. Make it a regular routine to inspect your wool clothes for signs of moths, and if you spot any, air the clothes or wash them immediately to remove the moths or larvae.
Peeling
Peeling is when the wool settles into small knots. This happens due to friction of the wool, and therefore often around armholes and other places where there is more movement. Some types of wool have a greater tendency to peel than others. Cashmere is a wool fiber that can peel a lot. And that is why a small wool comb is often included when you buy a piece of clothing made of cashmere wool. Fortunately, you can easily remove the small knots by either brushing your wool with a wool comb, or carefully with a razor blade.
By following these simple but important care tips, you can extend the life and beauty of your beloved wool clothing. Remember, wool is an investment that will reward you with warmth, style and comfort - so take good care of it and it will pamper you for many years to come.