How to Clean the Collar on a Wool Jacket

Hand-washing wool is a delicate and gentle process. Often wool garments are labeled "dry clean only," but you can hand-wash the garment if you are careful. Sudden change in water temperature along with agitation will shock the wool fibers, causing them to felt. It is important to use lukewarm to cool water when washing wool to keep the fibers from felting together.

Things You'll Need

• Lukewarm water
• Shampoo
• Dry towel

Instructions

1. Wash out a sink thoroughly, and rinse any cleaners out of the sink well. Cleaning solutions could damage the wool and interfere in the laundering process.

2. Fill the sink with lukewarm water. Lay your wool sweater on the counter with the collar in the sink full of water. Make sure the entire collar is submerged into the water.

3. Pull the collar out of the water and lay it on the counter. Place a dry towel under the collar to prevent water from spilling off the counter.

4. Put a small amount of shampoo into the sink and agitate the water until the soap has been dissolved and is bubbly. Put the collar back into the sink. Gently move the collar around the water while being careful not to agitate it. Lift the collar out of the water to see if the area you are cleaning is clean.

5. Rub your hands together with a little water and shampoo until the shampoo starts to bubble if there is still a soiled area. Put the bubbles onto the soiled areas and gently press the soiled areas of the collar. Do not rub the collar. This will agitate the material and cause it to felt.

6. Empty the soapy water from the sink. Rinse out the sink to make sure all the shampoo has been washed out. Fill the sink with clean lukewarm water.

7. Place the collar back into the sink full of clean water. Gently move the collar around the water of the sink to rinse out the shampoo. If there is still shampoo empty the sink and repeat the rinsing process.

8. Place the collar onto a dry towel. Fold another part of the towel onto the top of the collar. Gently blot the collar to remove excess water. Lay the sweater on a dry towel flat to dry.

Tips & Warnings

• Shampoo is used rather than detergent because it is created for human hair which has the same PH as wool. This prevents the wool from drying out.

• Do not agitate or rub the wool while washing it.

References

• Wool crafting: Want to Wash Wool?
• Denver Fabrics: Wool Fabric Care