Washing wool without shrinking: how to do it safely

Washing wool requires a gentle approach. Too much heat, friction, or the wrong detergent can cause a wool sweater to shrink, felt, or lose its soft texture. Fortunately, you don't need to wash wool often. Regular airing and treating stains immediately are usually sufficient. If washing is necessary? Always follow the care label first and choose a gentle program, low temperature, and special wool detergent.

Whether you want to wash a wool sweater, merino wool, cashmere, alpaca wool, or a wool blanket: with the right preparation, your clothes will stay beautiful and comfortable for longer.

You need to wash wool less often than other clothes

Wool naturally has properties that retain odors and dirt less readily. That's why a wool sweater is often fresh again after a night of airing by an open window or under a roof outdoors. Preferably hang the garment on a wide hanger so that the shoulders do not stretch. It's better to lay heavy wool garments flat.

Only wash wool when there is a clear stain, perspiration odor, or when the garment is really dirty. Washing less often limits wear and tear and helps keep the fibers supple. Store delicate laundry, such as wool, silk, and fine blouses, separately from towels and heavy cotton clothing. Learn how to sort laundry correctly, so your wool clothes don't accidentally end up in a wash that is too full or too rough.

Washing wool in the washing machine

Many wool garments can be machine washed, provided the care label allows it. A modern wool wash program moves more gently than a normal program and is designed to limit friction between fibers. Always check the label: if it only says hand wash or professional cleaning, follow that instruction.

1. Sort wool separately from jeans, towels, cotton, and clothing with zippers or Velcro.
2. Turn a wool sweater or cardigan inside out.
3. Close buttons and zippers and use a laundry bag if necessary for extra protection.
4. Fill the drum loosely. Wool needs space and should not be compressed.
5. Select the wool wash program or delicate program according to the care label.
6. Use a small amount of wool detergent.

If you want to wash a wool sweater in the washing machine, don't automatically choose a regular short program. Even a short program can cause too much movement if it's not a wool or delicate program.

At what temperature can you wash wool?

You usually wash wool at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. Temperature differences are a major cause of shrinkage and felting, especially when a cold garment suddenly ends up in warmer water or vice versa. Therefore, not only wash at a low temperature, but also ensure that rinsing occurs at a comparable temperature. The washing machine's wool program usually handles this automatically. Want to reduce your energy bill and protect the fibers at the same time? Read more about energy-efficient washing.

Washing wool at 40 degrees Celsius is only advisable when the care label explicitly permits it. This is more common for certain blankets or sturdy wool, but rarely for a wool sweater, merino wool, angora, mohair, alpaca, or cashmere.

What detergent should you use for wool?

Preferably use a mild wool detergent. This type of detergent is formulated for delicate fibers and typically does not contain harsh bleaches or strong enzymes that can damage wool. Dose carefully: too much detergent is harder to rinse out and can make the fabric feel stiff.

Avoid using regular detergent, fabric softener, soda, or green soap for a wool sweater. These agents can leave a residue or unnecessarily stress the fibers. Washing wool with vinegar is also usually unnecessary. If you want to remove an odor, first air the garment thoroughly or wash it according to the label with a suitable wool detergent.

Hand washing wool

Does your garment have a hand wash symbol, or do you want to be extra careful with, for example, a cashmere sweater, alpaca scarf, or merino wool item? Then you can hand wash wool. Hand washing is only safe when you do not rub, wring, or soak for extended periods.

1. Fill a clean basin with lukewarm water, no warmer than 30 degrees Celsius.
2. Add a small amount of wool detergent and mix it into the water first.
3. Place the garment in the water and gently press it down.
4. Gently move the wool back and forth, without rubbing or kneading.
5. Rinse with water at approximately the same temperature.
6. Gently press out the water. Never wring the wool.

Drying wool garments without losing shape

Drying wool in a tumble dryer is usually not a good idea, unless the care label explicitly states that it is allowed. The combination of heat and movement increases the risk of shrinkage. After washing, lay a wool sweater flat on a clean, dry towel. Gently reshape the sleeves, cuffs, and hem before the garment dries.

Is the wool very wet? Then roll the garment in a towel and press gently. This way, the towel absorbs moisture without pulling on the fibers. Do not dry wool on a radiator, in direct sunlight, or on a thin hanger. Heat can cause the fabric to shrink, and drying while hanging can stretch a wet garment.

Removing stains from wool

Treat stains as quickly as possible, but remain gentle. Blot a fresh stain with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not rub, as this will push the stain deeper into the fibers and can cause the wool to pill or felt. Use cold to lukewarm water and always test a stain remover on an inconspicuous area first. Read more about removing stains before treating a wool garment locally.

For a red wine stain on a wool sweater, you can gently blot with cold water and a little mild wool detergent. For step-by-step instructions, see red wine from clothing. Is it a greasy stain? Follow the tips in grease stains from clothing. For paint or old stains, professional cleaning is often safer than trying multiple agents yourself.

Storing wool and protecting it from moths

Store wool garments clean and completely dry. Moths are particularly attracted to skin oils, food residues, and other contaminants in textiles. It's better to fold wool sweaters and cardigans rather than hanging them for extended periods. Store seasonal clothing in a well-sealed storage box or bag.

A tidy laundry room helps to keep delicate laundry separate. For example, use a separate basket or storage compartment for wool, laundry bags, and delicate items. This prevents you from accidentally sorting your merino wool, cashmere, or other delicate clothing with heavy laundry.

Frequently asked questions about washing wool

Can you wash 100% wool?

Yes, you can often wash 100% wool, but only according to the care label. Many garments can be washed on the wool program at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius. If the label says hand wash or dry clean, follow that advice.

What is the best way to wash wool?

The best way depends on the label, but usually, you wash wool separately on a wool program, at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius, with wool detergent and a low spin speed. Then dry the garment flat on a towel.

Can you wash merino wool in the washing machine?

Merino wool can often be machine washed on the wool program, as long as the care label allows it. Wash merino separately, use little wool detergent, and avoid high temperatures, a full drum, and fabric softener.

How many RPM can wool be spun at?

Choose a low spin speed, preferably the speed that automatically comes with the wool wash program. This is often around 400 to 600 RPM. If in doubt, follow the garment's care label.

Can a wool duvet be machine washed?

A wool duvet can only be machine washed if the care label permits it and your washing machine has sufficient drum capacity. Many wool duvets require professional cleaning or just regular airing. Therefore, always check the duvet's label.

Why did my wool shrink after washing?

Wool usually shrinks due to heat, sudden temperature changes, too much friction, or an overly aggressive program. Wringing, rubbing, and drying on a radiator can also cause felting and loss of shape.