A good quality wool jumper can last you for decades, a wardrobe staple for everyone, they never go out of style. But to make a wool jumper last for years, they require special care to keep them looking and feeling their best.
Wool is a delicate fabric that can be easily damaged by harsh detergents or improper washing techniques. But the good news is, with a few simple care techniques, you can significantly increase the amount of years your wool looks and feels great for. In this blog post, we'll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to wash a wool jumper to keep it refreshed and looking and smelling great.
Step 1: Fill a Basin with Lukewarm Water
Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as it can shrink or damage the wool fibres. You should also avoid using a washing machine to wash wool jumpers, as the agitation and spinning can cause the fibres to become misshapen.
Step 2: Add Wool Laundry Detergent
Add 2 capfuls of wool laundry detergent to the water. Our specialist Cashmere and Wool laundry detergent is specially formulated to be gentle on wool fibres and prevent shrinking and stretching. Plus, it is stunningly scented with Himalayan Cedarwood and Orange Oil that provides a natural moth defence. Avoid using regular laundry detergent, as it can be too harsh for wool.
Step 3: Soak your Wool Jumper
Submerge the wool jumper in the water and gently move it around so it distributes the detergent. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the wool fibres, as this can cause them to stretch and lose their shape. Leave the jumper to soak in the wool detergent and the water for about 30 minutes to make sure it is really clean.
Step 4: Rinse
Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water. Gently agitate the jumper in the clean water to remove any remaining soap. Repeat this step until the water runs clear so you know that all the detergent has been removed.
Step 5: Squeeze out Excess Water
Once the jumper is clean, gently squeeze out the excess water - remember to avoid wringing or twisting the wool, as this can cause them to become misshapen!
Lay your woollen jumper flat on a clean dry towel, place another one over it and gently press between two clean towels to remove excess water.
Step 6: Dry Flat
Now you can lay the jumper flat on another clean towel and gently reshape it to its original shape.
Try to avoid hanging the jumper to dry, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape, and leave it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Step 7: Store
Once the jumper is dry, you can store it in a cool, dry place until you're ready to wear it again. To keep your wool protected from any moth attacks, store them with a moth repellent scent bag either hanging in the wardrobe or popped in a drawer, and give them a couple spritzes a week of our instant moth repellent Knitwear Mists.
So there you have it! We appreciate that washing a wool jumper requires a bit of extra care to ensure that it remains in excellent condition. Just remember to use wool laundry detergent and avoid using hot water or a standard washing machine. By following these steps, you can keep your staple woolly jumper looking great for more years to come.
For more clothing care tips explore more of our blogs, such as our how to hand wash a wool blanket, or how to hand wash a merino wool jumper. For complete moth protection, then explore our collection of natural moth repellents.
For our whole range of detergents, mists, tools and accessories that extend the life and improve the look, feel and smell, of your wardrobe favourites, explore our whole range.
