Washing Wool – Ultimate Guide

Do you feel scared whenever the idea of washing wool garments strike in your mind? Because it will damage the wool. But, in actual, washing wool is not so difficult!

Many times the reason of damaging the wool is that we wash it by adopting the wrong procedure and using harsh methods. Because wool is delicate, and the fiber of wool can quickly get twisted.

Furthermore, there is another type of wool called fleece which has to be handled differently.

So, here we will provide you with complete detail on how to wash them.

Difference between the Wool and Fleece

Wool

Wool is a naturally occurring  fabric that can be sheered from the sheep or any furred animal. The main quality with the wool is that it not need frequent washing because its fibers absorb less amount of smell. Moreover, it is very durable and ideal for the long run.

Fleece

Fleece is an imitation of wool, it is made up of polyester or polyester blend. The quality of the fleece is that it absorbs less moisture and will dry quickly as compared to wool. However, it is less expensive than wool and much more affordable.

 Comparison between the Fleece and Wool

Wool is much better in terms of regulating temperature then fleece as it insulates better. On the other hand, the drying process of the fleece is much quicker than wool. Wool can take a long time for drying. They are both waterproof and weather resistance. However, wool is more weather resistant than the other.

The wool is heavier as compared to fleece, and if you have a low budget, then you should have to go with fleece as it is more affordable.

When it comes on the purchasing, it all varies upon your need. If you want something casual and in rough use, then the fleece is better, but if you want something everlasting, durable and want to give a premium touch to your clothing, then wool is best.

Washing Wool

Here is the complete detail about the wool products.

Washing wool sweater

Supplies

1. Mild Wool detergent
2. Tub
3. Cold water

 Hand Washing

Add a little bit of shampoo or a mild detergent in the tub and mix it well. You can also adjust the quantity of the detergent according to the size of the sweater. To eliminate the dirt and debris particles soak it for five to 10 minutes.

After that move the sweater gently in the water so that the mixture is fully absorbed in it, but avoid any wringing or twirling as it can damage the sweater. Thus make a ball to remove excess water.

The next step is that rinse your sweater from the clean water to remove the soap residues from the sweater.

Machine Washing

For automatic machine, you have to set the on delicate, or wool cycle/hand wash. Add the detergent into it. But it is advisable to place the sweater into the laundry mesh before putting in the machine

But if you do not have an automatic washing machine, then fill the device with cold water. Pre soak the sweater and also keep the agitation speed very low wash it twice so that residue can be gone completely.

Absorb the excess water by the hand don’t use spin.

Drying Process

Never use the dryer as it will damage the sweater. Spread the towel on the flat surface then lay your sweater on it. Then starting rolling it with the towel when it has completely rolled starting pressing the towel to get off excess water.

After that bring the sweater back to its shape, then lay on the drying rack in a well-ventilated place. But don’t give direct exposure to sunlight.

Washing Wool Blankets

Supplies

1. Tub
2. Wool detergent

Quick Ways

Before starting to wash, you need to remove any dirt, debris and stains. For eliminating the dirt and debris spread the blanket on the flat surface. Then take the bristled brush and remove the excess of the dirt but make sure to brush in the vertical direction. Because the threads of wool are week.

You can also hang the blanket and open the fans so that the dirt and dust can be removed.

Removing the Stains

Sometimes the stains are in the small area and you not need to wash the entire blanket.

Take one part of vinegar, and two-part of water fill it in your spray bottle. Spray on stain area but if it is not effective then add some amount of detergent into it. Before applying the whole solution, check it on the small area of the blanket.

You check it by applying it on the white cloth then wipe the small part of the blanket with a cloth and see if any color is fading on the cloth then don’t continue with this method.

Washing

But before that read, the instruction first, is the washing is appropriate or not. For pre-treating the stains, you can apply the above procedure.

After that for hand wash take the half detergent in the cold water. The water is enough that the entire blanket is cover with it. Don’t let the detergent form any lather because it can make blanket rough.

That’s why keep the detergent in little quantity. However, avoid any scrubbing because wool threads are so delicate that it can be damaged so just have to place in the mixture for 15 minutes so that blanket can be clean.

For machine wash sock it for 15 minutes. Then run the delicate cycle for only two minutes. Then run rinse cycle full.

Drying

For removing excess water, you can lay it on the large towel to get rid of excess water. then hang on the area where there is enough ventilation

Washing wool items

Slippers

You have to take the cold water up to 30 centigrade. Then add the baby shampoo or mild detergent into it and mix it well. Then dip your slippers for soaking in it  and gently move in the solution when the solution is completely absorbed.

Rinse the slipper again by the same temperature of the water and then again rinse by 15 centigrade of temperature. Take out slipper from the water and wipe out the excess of water by the towel and then shake to further prevent it from dripping.

You can also machine wash it in the wool or delicate cycle.

The last step is to place it in a well-ventilated area.

Pants

First of all, you have to remove the excess dirt for this take a soft-bristled brush and brush the whole pant with it. Then to remove the odor steam iron it starting from the top then coming to the down to remove the wrinkle.

For hand washing take Luke warm water to add a small amount of woolen detergent. Now place your pant inside it gently move it in the solution so that it is absorbed. Leave it for 30 minutes for soaking after that rinse the pant.

If it is mention that you can machine. put it laundry mesh bag and run wool cycle or gentle/ delicate cycle.

Don’t use dryer for drying always hang your pant in the airy area but not directly under the sun.

For treating the stains, you can create a mixture of lemon and vinegar and apply it to the area where the spot is. But first, pretest it on the small portion.

Gloves/ Scarf

Take the warm water in a bowl or sink add a small amount of woolen detergent in it. Now put the gloves/Scarf in it and leave it for soaking. After soaking move your piece in the mixture so that dirt can be removed

After a few minutes take it out and rinse the gloves with water until the soap residues are gone

You can also machine wash your Scarf by putting it on the delicate cycle and placing in the laundry mash bag,

For drying, roll  the towel and press it gently to remove excess water and place it on the flat surface.

Storing

Never hang your wool pieces always store it by folding because hanging causes wool to be stretched, so it’s better to keep it folded.

Always use linen and cotton bags with zipper for keeping the woolen piece,  you can also keep cedar balls for preventing moths.

Washing Fleece

Following is the detail of washing fleece.

 Jacket

It does not need frequent washing, so wash your jacket after every six to eight wear.

Supplies

1. Mild detergent
2. Scribbled brush
3. Tub

Hand washing

First of all, take the cold water as warm water can damage the jacket. The quantity that has recommended 2 oz you can also increase the quantity if you are washing more than two jackets. You can also add the baking soda in it for removing odors

After that put your jacket in solution and scrub it with the bristled brush so that the dirt residue can be wiped off.

When it has done, rinse your jacket with clean water until the residue has been wiped off.

Machine washing

For machine wash you need to set your machine at cold temperature with a gentle cycle, also add small amount of detergent and baking soda. Then start the cycle of machine wash.

It’s better to wash your jacket separately as washing with other fabrics can damage it.

Air drying

Get your jacket back in shape and place your jacket on the hanger. Hang your jacket in the airy place where there is enough ventilation.

Washing fleece sheets

Supplies

1. Paper towel
2. Stain remover/ dish washing liquid

Pre-treat Stains

You have first to remove the stains of food or any dirt mark. For this, you have to pour a dish-washing liquid or stain remover where the spots are. Leave it for the 10 minutes so that it can be soaked thoroughly and stains can be removed.

After that, absorb the liquid with a paper towel as much as you can. But   don’t rub as rubbing can ruin the fabric.

Washing

It is more convenient to wash your fleece in the washing machine. For this, it is advised to wash all fleece items together or if you are washing only one item of fleece, then do it in a separate cycle. Furthermore, always wash like -colored articles together.

Set your machine on gentle/ delicate cycle as harsh chemicals can damage the fleece. Moreover, always take the warm water as hot water can twist the fleece and have a tendency for causing the knots.

Always take the detergent, which is mild and not contain any harsh chemical such as bleach also avoid the softener.

Drying

The ideal condition is to hang the fleece outdoor on the clothesline as when you are not using any fabric softener it helps to absorb any odors.

But, if it is not available then use a dryer but on very low heat and get done with it quickly.

Last step is to smooth it up by your hand and fold it properly to avoid any wrinkles.

Washing Fleece Other Items

Leggings

Leggings are small item which can easily be washed in the sink. Fill up your sink with the cold water dip soak your leggings in it for a while, take it out and repeat the process.

Then rinse with cold water. You can also wash your leggings in the washing machine in the gentle cycle.

Storing

Pilling can occur overtime to remove it you can use a lint roller to overcome the fleece.

Moreover, you can store it in a folded way and keep it along dryer sheets in the drawer.

Conclusion

The most important thing that one should remember to achieve the effective results is that by taking water at right temperatures such as always cold or warm water and the right amount of mild detergent that is not so harsh, you can work in a better way.

We are sure that after reading this article you have got comprehensive information about washing wool or fleece. We hope so that it will make washing experience more easy and convenient.