Best Laundry Methods to Clean Wool Jumpers & Blankets

Honey, I've shrunk the woolens!

Willow Harper

Ecoconcious Homemaker

24 August 2024

Hey, beautiful souls! It’s Willow here, and today we’re diving into the cozy, warm world of wool. Whether it’s your favorite wool jumper that keeps you snug all winter long or the soft wool blanket you cuddle up with on chilly nights, wool is one of those natural fibers we just can’t live without. But, as wonderful as wool is, it also needs some special care to keep it looking and feeling its best.

Now, if you’re like me and love taking a natural approach to everything (yes, even laundry), I’m here to help you navigate the world of wool care without the need for dry cleaning or harsh chemicals. With just the right laundry settings and a few simple tips, you can clean your wool jumpers and blankets at home and keep them in beautiful condition—naturally, of course!

1. The Magic of the Wool Setting

First things first—let’s talk about that precious “wool” setting on your washing machine. Many modern machines have a specific wool cycle designed for delicate fibers. This setting is gentle, using cool water and slow spin speeds to prevent shrinking or damaging your wool garments. Always, always use this setting when washing wool! If your machine doesn’t have one, don’t worry—I’ll share some tips on how to wash wool manually later.

Key settings for wool jumpers and blankets:

  • Water temperature: Cold or lukewarm (never hot! Wool shrinks in heat like nobody’s business).

  • Spin speed: Low. High spin speeds can stretch wool out of shape.

  • Detergent: Use a gentle, wool-specific detergent (I love using natural, plant-based detergents that are biodegradable and free of harsh chemicals).

2. Hand Washing for Extra Care

Sometimes, especially with older or more delicate wool pieces, I like to give them a little extra love by hand washing. It’s super simple and really doesn’t take that much time! Plus, hand washing is a great way to maintain the softness and shape of your wool jumpers and blankets.

How to hand wash wool:

  1. Fill a basin : Start by filling a basin (or your sink) with cool to lukewarm water.

  2. Add natural detergent : Add a small amount of wool-friendly detergent. I personally love using castile soap or a mild, plant-based detergent that’s gentle on fibers but tough on dirt.

  3. Submerge the wool : Gently submerge your jumper or blanket into the soapy water. Lightly press down to ensure the water soaks through the fibers. Avoid scrubbing or wringing—wool is delicate and doesn’t like rough handling!

  4. Let it soak : Let the wool sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the detergent time to do its job without agitation.

  5. Rinse : Drain the soapy water and refill the basin with clean, cool water. Gently swirl the wool around to rinse out any detergent, then press the fabric (don’t wring it) to remove excess water.

3. Drying Wool the Right Way

Drying wool is where a lot of people trip up, but it’s super easy once you know how. Never, ever toss wool in the dryer—that’s a recipe for shrunken, felted mess! Wool needs to be dried flat and out of direct sunlight to maintain its shape and softness.

Here’s how to dry wool jumpers and blankets:

  1. Lay flat : After washing, lay your wool item flat on a clean towel. Gently reshape it to its original size and form (this is important, as wool can stretch out when wet).

  2. Roll it up : Roll the towel up with the wool inside, pressing down lightly to absorb excess water.

  3. Air dry : Unroll the towel and lay the wool flat on a drying rack or a fresh, dry towel in a well-ventilated area. Make sure it’s out of direct sunlight, which can cause fading.

4. Avoid Over-Washing

One of the best things about wool is that it’s naturally dirt- and odor-resistant. This means you really don’t have to wash wool too often. Over-washing can wear down the fibers over time, so unless your jumper or blanket has a noticeable stain or odor, you can usually get away with spot cleaning or airing it out between wears.

For quick refreshes, I love hanging my wool pieces outside on a cool, breezy day. The fresh air works wonders to keep wool smelling clean without needing a full wash!

5. Spot Cleaning Stains Naturally

If you do end up with a small stain on your wool (because, let’s face it, life happens), you can easily spot clean it with natural ingredients.

Here’s a simple method I use:

  • For food or drink stains : Dab the area gently with a cloth soaked in cool water and a little white vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes, then dab it again with clean water.

  • For grease stains : Sprinkle a bit of cornstarch or baking soda onto the stain to absorb the grease. Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then brush it off and spot clean with cool water and a gentle detergent.

6. Storing Wool Items

Lastly, when you’re not using your wool jumpers or blankets, storing them properly is key to keeping them looking fresh. Wool is prone to moth damage, so always store your wool items in a breathable cotton bag or box, and throw in a few cedar balls or lavender sachets as a natural moth repellent. I love using lavender—keeps the moths away and makes everything smell divine!

Taking care of wool doesn’t have to be intimidating, friends. With the right settings and a little extra TLC, you can keep your wool jumpers and blankets looking beautiful and lasting for years to come. Remember, wool is a natural fiber, so treating it gently and using natural cleaners is the best way to honor its eco-friendly properties.

Happy washing, and until next time, stay cozy, stay green, and keep spreading that love for all things natural!