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Can you iron wool? | Winter clothes care tips
Washing a wool jumper might cause novices a bit of a headache. We all worry about shrinking our favourite garment, especially if it was expensive! However, there are some tips that can help make this process a breeze. The main trick with washing wool is balancing the need for some heat to tackle stains, while making sure that the heat isn’t so intense that it damages the fabric. Here’s our advice on how to keep your woollens in great condition.

How to wash a wool jumper

If you choose to wash a wool jumper in the washing machine, remember to:
1
Use a maximum temperature of 30 degrees.
2
Check the label first for specific instructions from the manufacturer.
3
Use a mild detergent, ideally one designed for washing wool.
4
Consider putting your wool in a mesh laundry bag to protect it during the spin.
5
Leave it dry on a flat surface, making sure it’s completely dry before storing it in the closet to avoid musty smells.
Alternatively, you could try doing it the traditional way. If you’re wondering how to hand wash wool here are a few simple tips: 
1
Fill a plastic tub with lukewarm water.
2
Add a mild detergent and stir the water to produce a lather.
3
Add your wool garment, swirl it around, but try to avoid stretching the material.
4
Soak for 10-15 minutes.
5
Remove from the water and rinse in clean water of the same temperature.
6
Repeat until you’re sure all the detergent has been rinsed off.
7
Leave it to dry naturally to avoid the extra creases.

How to wash a wool blanket

Washing a wool blanket involves a similar process to the one above. You can use a machine or go for hand washing, but there are a few other things to keep in mind: 
1
Wool blankets tend to be larger than jumpers, so you’ll need to see if they fit into your washing machine drum.
2
If your blanket doesn’t fit, consider taking it to a launderette.
3
Or simply hand wash following the directions above.
4
You’ll need to make sure you have enough space for the blanket to be spread out so it can dry naturally.
5
Avoid leaving it in natural sunlight for too long as this can fade the colour.

How to wash merino wool

Some types of wool are more delicate than others so when it comes to washing merino wool you might want to take special care.
1
As with all wool, be sure to wash on a gentle spin at a low temperature.
2
Don’t tumble dry merino wool, always let it dry naturally.
3
Don’t wring garments to remove excess water.
4
Avoid using any additional detergents like fabric softener.

The big question: can you iron wool?

Yes, you can iron wool if you need to, it’s just important to take extra care.
1
If you’re going to use an iron, use a pressing cloth to avoid leaving marks on the fabric from overheating the wool. Put a piece of fabric between the iron and the wool to protect it – a piece of muslin or cotton is ideal.
2
Steam irons tend to get the best results, as long as you know all the steam ironing tips. Philips garment steamer garment steamer is the best option when it comes to removing creases without even touching the garment, for a gentle but effective ironing. As the steam kills bacteria and removes odours, you don’t even need to wash your favourite garment. You just pop it on a hanger and go over it with the steamer to freshen and de-wrinkle at the same time. And less washing also means wool lasts longer.

For a final touch, you can use a fabric shaver to keep wool looking as good as new, as it takes off the top layer of fuzz and bobbling that builds up over time and makes your favourite jumper look a little worn.

 

Regular upkeep using the guide above will help your wool garments look in great condition for longer, so you won’t need to say goodbye to your favourite jumper and consign it to the gardening sweater pile.

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