Wool is a natural fiber and must be cared for gently and regularly. Wool repels water but absorbs water vapor. Wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture in the form of vapor. Water in the form of rain is repelled, but water in the form of perspiration is wicked away from the body. This is why wool is a perfect material for clothing.
Commercially purchased woolens usually have a laundry label. Read the label before attempting to clean woolens in any way. Woolens marked “Superwash” may be washed and dried without the garment shrinking or felting. The Superwash label is a certification mark of the Wool Bureau, Inc.
If the label indicates that the garment should be dry-cleaned, then it is best not to attempt hand washing.
If the label is marked “Hand Wash”, you can follow these instructions. First, make a paper outline of the garment by laying the dry garment on newsprint or other large paper and drawing the outline of the garment on the paper.
Next, immerse the garment in cold or lukewarm water, depending on what the label indicates, along with some mild detergent or soap. Gently squeeze and press the suds through the garment without twisting or wringing the garment. Rinse the garment twice in water that is the same temperature as the wash water.
Squeeze out excess water, but don’t wring or twist the garment. Roll the garment in a towel and leave for a short time. Place the garment on a clean, dry towel. Pin the paper outline to the garment and gently smooth the garment to match the paper pattern. Unpin the paper and remove.
Allow the garment to dry out of sunlight and away from direct heat.
If your woolens do not have a care label, it is usually best to have them dry-cleaned.
Give wool garments a 24 hour rest between wearing. Hang woven wool garments on padded hangers. Fold knitted woolens for storage.
Dry wet woolens at room temperature away from sources of heat. Remove all belts, zip up all zippers and brush gently before storing woolens. If the woolen has a nap, brush in the direction of the nap.
When removing woolens from storage, hang up the garment in a steamy bathroom to refresh and remove wrinkles. Allow the garment to air dry completely before hanging in a closet or storing in a dresser.
Always remove stains and soil immediately.
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