How to Clean Wool Sweater

What You'll Need

• Mild detergent or wool wash
• Cool water
• Clean dry towel
• Flat drying rack

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. 1

   Fill a basin with cool water

   Use cool water only. Hot water causes wool to felt and shrink irreversibly. Add a small amount of wool wash or mild detergent.

2. 2

   Submerge and soak

   Gently press the sweater into the water and let it soak for 10-15 minutes. Do not agitate, wring, or rub the fabric.

3. 3

   Gently squeeze out water

   Lift the sweater out supporting its full weight (do not let it stretch). Gently press water out -- never wring or twist.

4. 4

   Roll in a towel

   Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel, roll the towel up with the sweater inside, and press to absorb excess water.

5. 5

   Reshape and dry flat

   Unroll and lay the sweater flat on a clean dry surface or drying rack. Reshape it to its original dimensions. Flip after 12 hours.

Pro Tips

• TIPStore wool sweaters folded, never on hangers, which cause shoulder bumps and stretching.
• TIPCedar blocks or lavender sachets in your storage area naturally repel moths without chemicals.
• TIPRemove pills with a sweater stone or fabric shaver to keep wool looking fresh between washes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• XUsing hot water or the dryer, which causes wool to felt (fibers lock together permanently) and shrink dramatically.
• XHanging a wet wool sweater, which stretches it out of shape from the water weight pulling the fibers.
• XUsing regular laundry detergent, which strips natural lanolin oils that keep wool soft and water-resistant.

Frequently Asked Questions