Wool Week 2018: Georgia's Wool Care Tips

It’s Wool Week and with autumn in full swing, it’s time to start pulling out our much-loved woolly knits. Sheep's wool has so many amazing qualities that distinguish it from other fabrics: it's natural, renewable, biodegradable, breathable, versatile and resilient. In the upcoming months our wool garments will be our best friends, so it’s essential they’re given some TLC. So here are my top wool care tips; find out how to make your woolly clothing last through this winter and many winters to come.

Wool Week 2018: Georgia's Wool Care Tips

Washing your wool garments

It is vital to follow the instructions on the item’s care label. If something is marked as hand wash only, add a small amount of mild detergent (we love Kinn Living’s plant based, vegan Laundry Detergent) to a sink filled with lukewarm water. Place your garment in the sink, inside out and press gently until the garment is immersed in the water. Put your hands under the garment when lifting it out of the water to support the weight of the item and prevent stretching. Empty the sink and refill with clean, lukewarm water and rinse. For items where the care label states machine-washable, use the ‘wool’ or ‘delicate’ cycle with a gentle detergent.

Dry your items with care

Squeeze out any excess water after being washed, however do not twist or wring. To remove excess water, roll your garment in a towel. If your garment is a sweater or something similar, lay it flat to dry. Firmly woven fabrics can be hung on a shaped or padded hanger to drip dry.

Removing stains from wool

Spot clean as soon as possible using a small amount of wool detergent, cold water or seltzer, working inwards so you don’t spread the stain. Then dab dry with a clean cloth. For more stubborn stains try a slight touch of eucalyptus oil.

Use a garment brush

Even though it sounds simple, a garment brush will work well to remove any dirt and dust. Make sure you brush length-ways and gently, so that you don’t wear down or damage the fibres.

Store your woollen items in a sealed bag

This will prevent any moths or silverfish feeding on stains and sweat, ruining your beloved wool pieces. Adding a lavender or herbal bag will also keep these beasties away. Discover how to craft your very own moth repelling wardrobe freshener here.

Dry clean your garments

If the care label on your item states it can be dry cleaned, then doing this once a season is generally sufficient to keep wool garments in good shape. We are forever considerate about our practices and the wool we produce. If you'd like to read more about our animal welfare policy, click here. Take your pick of our new woolly pieces here to keep you toasty warm throughout winter. What are your top wool care tips? We’d love to hear them! Let us know in the comments below or tweet us @thoughtclothing. You might also like this post on our organic cotton.