Wool works excellent for garments and accessories; it can also compete with other textile fibres in terms of sustainability and durability. However, it is not simple to take care of and can be pretty costly. So here are some recommendations on how to care for your wool products to ensure they stay clean, soft, and free from odour-causing bacteria for as long as possible.
WASHING
Wool products do not need regular washing; they just need to be aired often. However, it is best to exercise caution when your wool needs washing, as atrocities are commonly committed against woollen garments during washing. Therefore, consider the following:
A. Machine wash
Set the machine to its wool cycle; this setting is especially for wool garments, with a gentle action at 40°C. You could also use a cold-water or delicate wash cycle if there is no wool cycle setting on your machine.
Use detergents specifically for wool products; they bear a Woolmark symbol for easy identification. The same goes for your washing machine, which is given a rating as its stamp of approval after independent testing.
B. Hand washing
Your wool product also comes with instructions from the manufacturer, and if it says to hand wash only, do so. Use lukewarm water with a mild and gentle wool-friendly detergent. Soak the garment before rinsing. Ten minutes should be enough when soaking, and you should do a final rinse in cold water.
Related Article: New Zealand Wool is Amazing: Here's Why
DRYING
Your wool product also comes with instructions from the manufacturer, and if it says to hand wash only, do so. Use lukewarm water with a mild and gentle wool-friendly detergent. Soak the garment before rinsing. Ten minutes should be enough when soaking, and you should do a final rinse in cold water.
What follows after washing? That would be drying, and immediately do so after washing your wool product. Do not store it away, especially not in a plastic bag, while it is still damp. Do not tumble dry your wool products. Another no is drying using direct heat or radiator.
Note that most of these reminders involve drying using direct heat. Wool, as a material, does not react well to heat. Hence, it is advisable to dry it in a well-ventilated area far from direct sunlight.
STEAMING
Smoothing out wrinkles is not only applicable to skincare; the same should be accorded to your clothes. However, ironing is dangerous to some fabrics due to the intense and direct heat. Therefore, steaming is preferred for wool, cashmere, and other wool-like synthetics. Steaming also smooths any wrinkles on your wool products after a good wash.
AIRING
We have already mentioned that wool products do not need frequent washing. However, airing is the best option for removing smells of being stored or removing any unwanted odours stuck to your woollen garments. Use a hanger or lay them flat on the bed.
Try hanging your wool item in a steam bathroom. As discussed, steam helps remove wrinkles or creases in your wool products.
STORAGE
Storing your wool garments is equally important as keeping them clean. Before storing your wool products, ensure they are cleaned and fully dry. Do not store them in a plastic bag while still wet or damp from the cleaning. In addition, choose an excellent place to store it and ensure it does not get damp or exposed to high moisture.
DO NOT HANG. Fold your wool products instead. If you plan to store your products for a long time, ensure they are placed (entirely dry) inside plastic bags to protect them from dust, dirt, and moisture.
Your wool product can be notoriously difficult to maintain. However, it will last longer and allow maximum enjoyment with the proper care. Keep your wool products looking their best year after year by following the five care tips above.
If you want superior quality and eco-friendly wool products made from natural cloud wool, you can find them at Kind Face. So head over to our wool pillows to learn more.
Related Article: Pillows NZ: Why Wool?
