Washing wool in the washing machine doesn't have to be difficult at all. You can safely wash most wool sweaters, cardigans and merino items, as long as you limit heat, friction and a high spin speed. That's exactly where things often go wrong: an overfull drum, regular detergent or hanging items up wet quickly leads to shrinking, felting and stretching. With the right wool setting on your washing machine, wool stays soft, clean and in shape. Below you'll find out exactly how to wash wool in the washing machine, which detergent to use and what to look out for with a wool sweater or merino wool. Want to go over the basics first? Then take a look at washing wool (steps and tips).
Check the care label and the fibers first
Always start with the care label. If it says wool program, hand wash or a maximum of 30°C, a gentle machine program is usually fine. If it shows a crossed-out wash tub or dry cleaning only, don't put the garment in the washing machine.
Also look at the composition. A 100% wool sweater calls for the most careful approach, but the same goes for wool blends with silk or cashmere, for example. With blended materials, always go by the most delicate fiber. Many people think hand washing is safer, but a modern wool program or a wool/hand wash machine program is often more consistent than washing by hand with water that's too warm, lots of movement or wringing.
How to set your washing machine safely for wool
The safest way to wash wool is a small load on a program specially designed for delicate fibers. That limits friction in the drum and helps a wool sweater keep its shape better in the washing machine.
Before you start
- Wash wool with wool, not together with jeans, towels or clothes with zippers; read more about sorting laundry.
- Turn a wool sweater inside out.
- Use a laundry bag for fine knitwear if you like.
- Load the drum lightly. For wool, 1 to 2 kilos is usually plenty.
Recommended settings
| Type of clothing | Program | Temperature | Spin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool sweater or 100% wool | Wool program or wool setting | 20-30°C | 400-600 rpm |
| Merino wool | Short wool program | 20-30°C | 400-600 rpm |
| Wool blend | Program for the most delicate fiber | Maximum 30°C | Low spin speed |
Torn between cold, 20 or 30 degrees? Opt for a low, stable temperature rather than an intensive program. For most wool, a maximum of 30°C is the safe limit. Set the spin speed low too. Whereas a standard program often spins too hard, the wool setting on the washing machine moves much more gently. That's exactly why washing wool in the machine is often safer than a quick hand wash in the sink.
Which detergent should you use for wool?
Always use a special wool detergent. It's milder than regular detergent, contains no harsh bleaching agents and is better suited to the natural properties of wool. Many wool detergents help keep the fibers supple and support the wool's natural grease layer, also known as lanolin.
Use too little rather than too much. Excess detergent is hard to rinse out and can make wool stiff. Fabric softener is usually not a good idea, as it leaves a coating on the fiber. You're better off skipping regular detergent, washing soda and other strong home remedies. So if you're wondering what's best for washing wool, the short answer is: a mild wool detergent at a low dose.
Wool needs washing less often
Wool absorbs odors less quickly than many other fabrics. That means wool doesn't need to go in the wash after every wear. Often, hanging the garment by an open window overnight is enough to freshen it up again. That's especially true for merino.
Do wash wool if it has stains, if the garment smells genuinely musty or before you put it away for a longer period. Storing it clean is also smarter, because otherwise dirt and traces of sweat can settle into the fibers.
After washing: drying without losing shape
Take wool out of the machine as soon as the program has finished. Gently ease the garment back into shape and lay it flat on a dry towel. If it's still very wet, first roll it up in a towel to press the moisture out. Never wring out a wool sweater.
Let wool dry lying flat, out of the sun and away from the heating. Don't hang up a wet sweater, as it can stretch. The dryer is usually not a good idea, unless the label explicitly says it's allowed. If you have light creases after drying, use a little steam or a warm iron setting.
Wool sweaters, 100% wool and merino wool in the washing machine
So washing a wool sweater in the washing machine is perfectly possible, but the label always has the final say. For 100% wool, choose the gentlest setting, little movement and a low spin speed. When washing a wool sweater in the machine, friction is the big risk factor, not just the temperature.
Washing merino wool in the washing machine, or washing merino wool in general, usually goes well on a short wool program. Merino is fine and supple, but also sensitive to rubbing. So choose a light load, a wool detergent and a maximum of 30°C. If your washing machine doesn't have a wool program, a gentle hand wash program is the best alternative.
Frequently asked questions about washing wool in the washing machine
How should you wash 100% wool?
Only wash 100% wool if the care label allows it. Choose a wool program, 20-30°C, a low spin speed and a mild wool detergent. Then dry the garment flat on a towel so it doesn't stretch.
What's the best way to wash a wool sweater?
The best approach is to wash a wool sweater inside out on the wool setting of your washing machine, with a small load and little detergent. Don't wash the sweater together with rough fabrics and don't hang it up wet. That way you prevent it from losing its shape.
What's best for washing wool?
Wool is best washed with a special wool detergent. It's milder than regular detergent and better suited to delicate fibers. Don't use fabric softener and dose sparingly, because too much product is more likely to stay behind in the wool.
Is a wool/hand wash machine program safe?
Yes, usually it is. On many modern machines, the wool/hand wash program is actually very gentle. The temperature stays stable and the drum moves more gently than on a normal program. Do always check the care label first.
Can wool be washed at 40 degrees or spun at 1200 rpm?
For most wool clothing, that's too high. A maximum of 30°C and around 400 to 600 rpm is usually safer. Higher temperatures and a hard spin increase the risk of shrinking, felting and loss of shape.
Can wool go in the dryer?
Usually not. The combination of heat and movement is risky for wool. Only if the label explicitly states that machine drying is allowed can you make an exception. In most cases, drying flat remains the safest choice.
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