Complete Guide to Washing Wool Garments: How to Avoid Felting

Wool is a precious natural fiber, appreciated for its softness, warmth, and durability.

However, washing wool garments requires attention and care to avoid felting, thus losing their shape and softness.

In this guide, created with the support of Artificial Intelligence, we will explore the fundamental steps to properly wash wool garments, keeping them in perfect condition.

1. Know the Type of Wool

First of all, it is important to know the type of wool of the garment you want to wash. There are different varieties of wool, each with specific characteristics:

• Traditional Wool: Derived from sheep, it is durable and can tolerate a more robust wash.
• Merino Wool: Finer and more sensitive, requires gentle treatment.
• Angora and Mohair Wool: They have long and fine fibers, requiring very gentle treatment.
• Cashmere Wool: The most precious and delicate, requires special attention.

2. Preparation for Washing

Before starting the wash, it is essential to read the care labels on the garments. These provide specific instructions on the recommended washing method. In general, it is preferable to hand wash wool garments to avoid damage.

3. Hand Washing

Hand washing is the safest method for wool garments. Here's how to proceed:

1. Fill a Basin: Use cold or lukewarm water. Hot water can cause shrinking and felting of fibers.
2. Add a Gentle Detergent: Use a specific wool detergent or Marseille soap. Avoid harsh detergents. It is recommended to use our Lanaioli delicate garment detergent.
3. Soak the Garment: Leave the garment to soak for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid rubbing or twisting the fabric.
4. Rinse: Rinse thoroughly with cold water until all detergent is removed.
5. Excess Water Removal: Gently blot the garment with a towel to remove excess water. Do not wring.

4. Machine Washing

If you decide to use the washing machine, it is important to follow some precautions:

1. Use a Delicate Cycle: Select the cycle for delicate or wool garments.
2. Set the Temperature: Use cold or lukewarm water.
3. Specific Detergent: Use a gentle wool detergent.
4. Garment Protection: Place the garment in a washing bag to protect it during the cycle. It is recommended to use the soft cotton protective bags for your delicate garments provided by Lanaioli.

5. Drying

Drying is a crucial step to maintain the shape and softness of wool garments:

1. Do Not Use the Dryer: The dryer can damage wool fibers.
2. Flat Drying: Lay the garment on a clean, dry towel, in a flat position. Avoid hanging the garment, as the weight of the water can deform it.
3. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Dry the garment in a shaded place to prevent colors from fading.

6. Storage

To keep wool garments in excellent condition, it is important to store them properly:

1. Fold the Garments: Avoid hanging wool garments, as they can become misshapen. Fold and store in a drawer.
2. Use Protective Bags: Store garments in cotton or linen bags to protect them from dust and moths.
3. Add a Moth Repellent: Use natural products like lavender or cedar to keep moths away.

7. Remedies for Felted Wool

If a wool garment has felted, there are some remedies that can help recover it:

1. Baking Soda: Soak the garment in warm water with baking soda for a few hours. Gently massage the fibers.
2. Ammonia: Use a solution of water and ammonia to soften felted fibers.
3. Milk: Add milk to the soaking water for a softening effect.

And if there are wool pills, you can use our special Lanaioli comb to remove them, taking care to perform the correct movements and with the utmost gentleness on your wool sweater.

By following these tips, it is possible to wash wool garments effectively, preserving their quality and beauty over time. With a little attention and care, your wool garments will remain soft and comfortable for many years.