Care

How to wash wool

Washing wool is easy. Wool is naturally stain resistant, odour resistant and also crease resistant, so actually requires less washing. This means that caring for wool is both easy and gentle on the planet. But when it is time to wash wool clothes, you can either wash them in a washing machine, or hand wash with ease.

How to wash wool in a washing machine

Can I wash wool in a washing machine? The answer is yes. Washing wool is really easy and many wool garments can be machine washed, meaning more time to do the things you enjoy. If your Woolmark-approved garment’s care claim says that you can machine wash your piece of wool clothing, then it means it can safely be machine washed in a washing machine multiple times, without shrinkage taking place.

Wool garments should be washed on the wool setting (usually gentle action at 40°C). If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates.
Use a neutral, mild detergent that is preferably Woolmark recommended (look for the Woolmark symbol on the packet).
It is recommended that garments are flat dried after washing.

You may even notice that your washing machine or tumble dryer has the Woolmark Apparel Care symbol on it, which means that your machine has passed rigorous and independent testing and has been approved by The Woolmark Company.

How to hand wash wool clothes

If your Woolmark-approved garment’s care claim says Hand Wash Only, never fear. Hand washing wool is really quick and easy. Follow these simple steps and you'll be out of the laundry in no time.

Turn your wool garment inside out, then hand wash in clean, lukewarm water, approximately 30°C, using a mild and gentle detergent. Allow to soak for a period of 10 minutes before rinsing thoroughly firstly in lukewarm water, then finally in cold water.

How to wash specific wool items

Wool care

How to wash a wool sweater

You’ve bought it, bagged it, and worn it: now it’s time to wash your favourite wool sweater, but you think you don't know how. Never fear, washing wool has never been as easy if you follow our go-to guide to washing wool.

Wool care

Washing wool pants

Merino wool is an excellent fibre for producing clothes, as it not only offers breathability, but has natural stretch and recovery, great drape and outstanding wear performance. Despite being a resilient fibre, a little bit of TLC will ensure your wool clothes will last for a very long time.

Wool care

How to wash and dry wool blankets

Wool blankets are among the most durable and desirable of all bedding. They're soft and warm, and are very difficult to stain or damage. Wool blankets are also very easy to care for and you don’t need to wash them often, in fact, it’s best to wash them sparingly and some guidelines recommend washing wool blankets once every three months.

Wool care

Washing Merino wool socks

Unlike other fibres, wool resists odour, meaning you don't need to wash wool socks as often as other socks. But in case you do, be sure to follow these helpful tips.

Keep reading

How to dry wool

Drying your favourite wool garment is easy. Follow these simple steps and your clothes will look, feel and smell as good as new in no time.

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WASHING TAG INSTRUCTIONS EXPLAINED

You’ve bought it, bagged it, worn it and now it’s time to wash it. Whilst many people assume wool must be hand-washed or dry-cleaned, many pieces of wool clothing can actually be put in the washing machine and even in the tumble dryer too. We explain washing instructions and what laundry care symbols mean.

MORE CARE TIPS

Wool care

Best detergent to use when washing wool

What is the best wool wash detergent to use when washing your wool clothes? Follow the Woolmark guide to the best wool detergents to use to care for your wool clothes so that they last a lifetime.

Wool care

Can you dry clean Merino wool?

If the care claims on your Merino wool garment states the item can be dry cleaned, it is safe to take it to a professional dry cleaner.

Wool care

What is pilling?

Pilling (sometimes referred to as bobbling) is the formation of fuzzy balls on the surface of wool clothing, and often results in an unsightly or worn out appearance.