Product Care: How to Wash Wool

How to Wash Wool: The Ultimate Care Guide for Long-Lasting Softness

Wool is a wonder fibre—soft, breathable, resilient, and, if treated well, capable of lasting a lifetime. At The Wool Company, we know how important it is to properly care for your wool, so we’ve put together this expert washing and care guide.

Follow these carefully tested steps to keep your wool garments, blankets, and throws in perfect condition.

Wool Cellular Baby Blanket

Before Washing: Caring for Your Wool Items

On Receiving Your Wool Product

Your new item has been folded carefully and may have been packed for some time. Wool does not readily hold onto its creases but will thank you for releasing it from confinement sooner rather than later.

What to Do Immediately:

  • Unpack promptly – If your item arrives in plastic packaging, remove it immediately to allow air circulation.
  • Shake out loose fibres – A gentle shake outdoors helps remove excess fibres.
  • Allow creases to drop out naturally – Wool naturally sheds creases in use.

Storage Warning

Never store wool in direct sunlight or sealed plastic, as temperature changes may cause condensation. We have prepared and packed your item with care, but if it hasn’t arrived in perfect condition, please contact us.

Removing Wrinkles & Creases from Wool & Cashmere

Wool usually sheds its creases naturally with wear and air circulation, but if stubborn wrinkles persist:

  • Hang the item in a steamy bathroom for 10-20 minutes.
  • Use a padded hanger to prevent stretching.
  • Lay large wool items over a shower rail.

Avoid overcrowding — ensure the fabric can relax. Do not get the item wet—excess moisture can cause stretching.

Pro Tip: Avoid ironing wool unless you are experienced with pressing wool garments.

How to Wash Wool: Step-by-Step Guide

Hand Washing Wool (Recommended for Most Wool Items)

Hand washing is the safest way to clean delicate wool garments, cashmere, and throws. Always read the care label!

What You Need:

  • Cool or tepid water (up to 30°C)
  • Wool-approved detergent (non-bio, no bleach, no enzymes)
  • Clean towel for drying

Hand Washing Steps:

  1. Turn the garment inside out.
  2. Submerge in cool water with the correct amount of wool-safe detergent.
  3. Gently press the fabric—avoid rubbing.
  4. Leave to soak for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Rinse thoroughly until water runs clear.
  6. Do not wring—press out excess water gently instead.

Machine Washing Wool (Only for Approved Items!)

Some wool products are machine washable, but always check the care label first.

Machine Washing Steps:

  • Use a wool cycle at 30°C or lower.
  • Add the recommended amount of wool-safe detergent.
  • Select low spin speed (or no spin for delicate items).
  • Remove the item immediately after the cycle finishes.

Do Not:

❌ Use biological detergents
❌ Wash at high temperatures
❌ Overload the machine

Drying Wool Correctly

Best Practices for Drying Wool:

  • ✅ Lay flat on a clean towel and reshape while damp.
  • ✅ Dry away from direct sunlight and radiators.
  • ✅ Ensure good air circulation to prevent dampness.

What to Avoid:

❌ Hanging wet wool
❌ Tumble drying (unless a wool-safe setting is used)
❌ Direct heat sources

Daily Wool Care Tips

  • Storage: Fold wool garments instead of hanging (except coats).
  • Stain Removal: Blot stains with cold water immediately.
  • Airing: Wool refreshes naturally with airflow.

Pro Tip: Moths love soiled wool—air and shake regularly.

How to Wash Sheepskin Rugs

Machine-Washing Sheepskin Rugs

  • Use a wool cycle (max 30°C).
  • Add a wool-safe detergent (lanolin-based recommended).
  • Spin lightly and dry naturally.

Hand Washing Sheepskin Rugs

Steps:

  • Use lukewarm water (20-30°C) and wool detergent.
  • Gently agitate, then rinse thoroughly.
  • Gently squeeze out water and reshape.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I machine wash a sheepskin rug?

Yes, but only if the care label specifically states it is machine-washable. If in doubt, hand wash instead.

Machine Washing Guide:

  • Use a **large-capacity washing machine**—sheepskin needs space.
  • Select a **wool cycle** at **30°C (86°F) max**.
  • Add **lanolin-based wool detergent**.
  • Use a **low spin speed**.
  • Remove **immediately** after washing.

Pro Tip: If your sheepskin is **high-quality or thick**, hand washing is the safest option.

What detergent should I use to wash sheepskin?

Use a wool-safe detergent that contains **no enzymes, bleach, or brighteners**.

  • ✅ **Lanolin-based wool detergent**
  • ✅ **Mild baby shampoo** (if no wool detergent is available)
  • ❌ Avoid regular non-bio detergents (some contain bleaching agents)

Pro Tip: If your sheepskin feels rough, it may be detergent residue—rinse again in lukewarm water.

How do you dry a sheepskin rug after washing?

Drying Steps:

  • Lay flat in a **well-ventilated** area.
  • Keep away from **direct sunlight & heat sources**.
  • Stretch & flex the rug every few hours.

What to Avoid: ❌ Tumble drying ❌ Hanging while wet ❌ Direct sunlight

Pro Tip: Brush with a sheepskin comb once almost dry to restore fluffiness.

 

 

Final Thoughts

Proper wool care extends the lifespan and softness of your garments, blankets, and rugs. Follow these expert tips, and your wool items will stay luxurious for years to come!