How to Wash Wool Fabric

Wool fabric is commonly used to make coats, sweaters, skirts, pants and outerwear, due to its resilience. Wool can absorb a significant amount of moisture without feeling wet, making it ideal for cold and damp climates. Most wool fabrics should not be put in a washing machine as most machine's settings are too harsh on wool. Instead, you can wash wool fabric thoroughly and easily by hand. If you employ gentle care, you can keep your wool fabric looking good over time.

Things You'll Need

• Container
• Warm water
• Mild detergent

Instructions

1. Fill a container with warm water. Do not use hot water to wash wool. The heat can damage the wool fabric, causing it to lose its shape.

2. Add mild detergent to the water. Opt for a detergent that is designed for sensitive fabrics. There are even detergents available that are made to specifically wash wool fabrics.

3. Place the wool fabric in the container and allow it to soak in the solution for approximately five minutes.

4. Press the fabric with your hands, allowing the detergent solution to fully penetrate it.

5. Remove the wool fabric from the detergent mixture and rinse thoroughly with cool water. Continue rinsing until all traces of bubbles or detergent are no longer present.

6. Squeeze excess water from the fabric. Do not wring the wool fabric as doing so will cause it to lose its shape.

7. Lay the wool fabric on a flat surface to dry. Do not hang it as the weight of the wet fabric will stretch the wool fibers.

Tips & Warnings

• Never use bleach to wash wool fabric. It is too harsh and will damage the fabric's fibers.

References

• Wool Fabric Care
• Wool Blends