Washing sweaters and wool garments: do it properly using these tips

March 06, 2022

During the coldest days of the year there is nothing like a comfortable wool sweater to keep us warm, or a fluffy scarf and various types of softer, warmer clothing to cope with the plummeting temperatures. When they are new there is no problem, but what can we do when time passes and wash after wash the texture of the wool is compromised? In reality, it is possible to prevent woolen garments from hardening or felting, or in any case from wearing out too quickly: they must be taken care of, especially when washing and also when drying them.

Temperatures, additives and the way woolen garments are hang out affect the efficacy of each laundry wash, and therefore it is worth paying attention to a number of measures, which we detail below:

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Although wool can often be washed in the washing machine, this is not true for all garments. So take note of clothing labels, which may indicate hand washing only and prohibit using high temperatures or other steps one may normally do when doing the laundry.

For everything you can wash in the washing machine:

Avoid sudden changes in temperature: wool suffers a lot, and between the washing and rinsing cycles in our washing machines, the temperature can change a lot. This is why specific washing cycles for wool or for washing such as hand washing are often at very low temperatures. So wash them cold or at maximum 20°C.
Use washing cycles that leave the garments to soak in the water for long periods. Alternatively, you can carry out a pre-wash phase by hand, dipping the garments in lukewarm water (definitely not hot), perhaps also adding a product to soften.
To spin or not? It is better not to overdo the spin cycles: the idea is to replicate the movements that we do by hand, so it is generally recommended not to exceed 600 revolutions (or perhaps even 800 rpm). This will obviously mean that the garments will come out of the washing machine a lot more water, so you will have to press them gently (do not twist them) to get the excess water drain out before spreading them out to dry.
Add a little vinegar (small quantities, depending on the size of the load) in the detergent compartment. This works to counteract any accumulation of detergent between the fibers.

If, on the other hand, you must or prefer to wash by hand:

Fill a basin (or kitchen sink or bathtub) with warm water and pour 1 tablespoon of a mild soap or Castile soap for every two liters of water. Also add a tablespoon of white vinegar.
Leave to soak for an hour.
Remove the water and then refill with more lukewarm water, put your soapy clothes back in and move around delicately to rinse them off. Repeat this operation until there is no more soap.
When removing the items from the water, press them without wringing them to release the excess water.

How to dry woolen garments:

Never use the dryer.
Lay them flat on the clothesline, and you can also put a clean cloth or sheet on them so that they don't take on the shape of the rails of the drying rack, OR;
Place a clean towel on a table and place your item on it, always laid flat, and then cover it with another towel and gently roll everything together to let any excess water drain. Then spread out a new clean towel and place the sweater / garment on it, and let it dry.

Great job!