How to Clean Lamb's Wool

Shape wool while it is wet so it doesn't become misshapen.

Cleaning lamb's wool can be nerveracking because so much can go wrong if you don't know what you are doing. Wool can pill, shrink or become misshapen when improper cleaning techniques are used. In most cases, it is advisable to hand-wash your wool items. Hand-washing gives you more control over the cleaning process, making damage less likely.

Things You'll Need

• Mild detergent
• Bath towels
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Blot as much of a stain as possible with a clean paper towel. Dab the stain with soapy water. Blot the soapy water up. Dab and blot until the stain is removed. Use a detergent with a pH lower than 7.

2. Fill your bathtub with enough lukewarm water to cover your wool item. Add a few drops of a laundry detergent with a pH lower than 7.

3. Submerge your wool item in the soapy water. If you are washing a garment, turn it inside-out before putting it in the tub. Allow the item to soak for about 20 minutes. Do not agitate the wool item or the soapy water. This may cause your item to become pilled or misshapen.

4. Add more water to the tub until the water stops bubbling. Let the item soak for another 20 minutes.

5. Drain the water from the tub. Add more water until again the item is covered by water. Add a few drops of detergent. Allow the wool item to soak for another 20 minutes.

6. Add more water until the water no longer bubbles. Let the item soak for another 20 minutes.

7. Drain the water from the tub. Fill the tub with lukewarm water. Allow the item to soak in the rinse water for 20 minutes, then drain the tub.

8. Remove the item from the tub after all the water has drained. When lifting the item, support it carefully so it does not become stretched or misshapen. Lay the item flat on a clean, dry bath towel.

9. Roll the item up in the bath towel to remove excess moisture. Transfer it to another dry bath towel and lay it flat. Gently shape the item, so it dries in shape it should. Leave it to air-dry away from direct sunlight for 12 to 72 hours.

References

• Organic Authority: How to Care for Your Organic Wool Sweater or Any Wool Sweater
• Lambswwoolsweater.co.uk: How to Clean a Lamb's Wool Sweater