How to wash and dry wool fabric properly

Wool is a natural fiber known for its softness, warmth, and durability, making it a popular choice for clothing, especially in colder weather. However, wool’s unique properties, such as its ability to retain heat and wick away moisture, also make it more delicate when it comes to washing and drying. Improper care can lead to shrinking, felting, or even damaging the fabric, which is why it's crucial to handle wool with care.

Learning how to wash and dry a wool sweater properly will help you maintain its softness and shape over time. Whether you choose to wash wool in a washing machine or by hand, following specific steps ensures your wool garments remain in top condition without losing their natural qualities.

In this guide, we'll walk you through the best practices for cleaning wool and keeping it soft, preserving their warmth and texture for years to come.

Prepare the wool clothes before washing

Before washing wool garments, it’s essential to take some preparatory steps to ensure they remain in excellent condition. Proper preparation will help prevent shrinking, felting, or damage, keeping your wool clothes soft and long-lasting.

Check the care label

Always start by checking the care label on your wool clothes. The label provides important washing instructions specific to each garment, such as the water temperature, washing method, and whether it can be machine washed or should be hand washed. Some wool garments might even require dry cleaning.

Understanding these symbols is key to avoiding damage. For a detailed guide on interpreting these symbols, read the care label.

Sort the wool clothes

Just like with other fabrics, it’s important to sort wool clothes by color before washing. Dark-colored wool items can bleed dye, which may transfer to lighter fabrics. Separating your wool garments by color helps prevent discoloration.

For additional tips on sorting colored clothing, you can refer to this guide on how to wash coloured clothes.

Treating stains or spots

Before washing, check your wool garments for any stains or spots. Wool can be delicate, so treating stains before washing is crucial. Use a gentle stain remover and carefully dab the stain without rubbing to prevent damaging the fibers.

For more detailed advice on stain removal, check out our guide on how to remove tough stains.

Turn wool clothes inside-out

Lastly, turn your wool garments inside-out before washing. This helps protect the outer surface of the fabric from friction and wear during the wash cycle. It also allows the detergent to penetrate deeper into the fibers, cleaning the fabric more effectively.

How to wash wool in a washing machine

Washing wool in a machine requires extra care to maintain the fabric’s natural softness and prevent shrinking or felting. By following the right steps, you can safely wash your wool garments in the washing machine without damaging them.

Step 1: Choosing a gentle detergent

Wool is a delicate fabric, so it’s important to choose a neutral, mild detergent that is specially formulated for wool or other delicate fabrics. Avoid detergents with enzymes or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the natural fibers and cause wool to lose its softness.

You can check out our article comparing different laundry detergents to find the best one for wool care.

Step 2: Use cold water

Always use cold water when washing wool clothes in the washing machine. Wool is highly sensitive to heat, and using warm or hot water can cause the fibers to shrink or become misshapen. Cold water helps to preserve the wool’s texture and maintain its original size and shape while ensuring it’s thoroughly cleaned.

Step 3: Choose the wool or delicate cycle

Most modern washing machines have a dedicated wool or delicate cycle designed to gently clean fragile fabrics like wool. If you’re using an Electrolux washing machine, the WoolMark Green and WoolMark Blue programs are excellent choices for washing wool garments.

These settings are certified by The Woolmark Company to ensure the highest care for wool items, helping to maintain their softness and prevent damage to the fibers.

How to wash wool by hand

For those who prefer a gentler approach or want to avoid using the washing machine, hand washing wool clothes is an excellent option. This method allows you to control the cleaning process, ensuring delicate fabrics are cared for properly.

Follow these steps to safely wash your wool garments by hand.

Step 1: Prepare the soap and water

Start by filling a sink or basin with lukewarm water, as wool is sensitive to both hot and cold temperatures. Use a mild, wool-friendly detergent, ideally one designed specifically for delicate fabrics. Stir the water gently to dissolve the detergent fully before adding your wool garments.

Step 2: Wash and soak the wool clothes

Submerge your wool clothes in the soapy water, and gently agitate them by swirling the water with your hands. Avoid scrubbing or twisting the fabric, as this can damage the fibers. Allow the clothes to soak for about 10 minutes, which will help loosen dirt and oils without stressing the wool.

Step 3: Rinse the clothes properly

After soaking, drain the soapy water and refill the basin with cool, clean water. Gently press the clothes to release the soapy residue without wringing or stretching the fabric. You may need to rinse a few times to ensure all the detergent is removed. Once rinsed, press out the excess water by rolling the wool garment in a clean towel.

This method helps preserve the softness and integrity of your wool items while ensuring they stay clean and well-maintained.

How to dry wool properly

Drying wool is just as important as washing, as improper drying can lead to shrinkage or damage to the fibers. Follow these tips to ensure your wool garments retain their shape and softness when using dryers.

For more information on choosing the right Electrolux dryer for your needs, check out our dryer buying guide.

Extra tips on protecting your wool clothes

Wool is a delicate fabric that requires careful handling to maintain its softness, shape, and longevity. Here are some key tips to help protect your wool garments:

• Use cold water and gentle handling: When washing wool, always use cold water to prevent shrinking and damage to the fibers. Gentle handling is essential—avoid wringing or scrubbing the fabric, which can lead to felting or loss of shape.
• Avoid agitation, excessive spinning, and direct heat: Wool is highly sensitive to friction, heat, and vigorous spinning. Use a gentle cycle and low spin speeds to protect the integrity of the fibers. Direct heat, whether from hot water or a dryer, can cause wool to shrink, so stick to air drying or a wool-friendly dryer cycle.
• Store wool in a cool, dry place: To prevent moth damage, store wool garments in a cool, dry place. Using breathable cotton storage bags can help keep them fresh while protecting them from pests. Avoid storing wool in plastic, as it traps moisture and may encourage mildew growth.
• Remove pilling gently: Over time, wool garments can develop pilling, which are small balls of fabric that form due to friction. Use a fabric shaver or de-pilling comb to gently remove pills without damaging the fabric.
• Air out wool garments between uses: To reduce the need for frequent washing, air out wool garments between uses. Hanging them in a well-ventilated space can help refresh the fibers and eliminate odors, reducing wear from over-washing.

Protect your wool garments with Electrolux

Caring for wool requires the right washing and drying techniques, and Electrolux makes it easier with advanced technology designed to protect delicate fabrics.

From using cold water and gentle cycles to air drying or selecting the Woolmark Blue certified dryer programs, Electrolux washing machines and dryers offer solutions that help maintain the quality and softness of wool garments. These features not only ensure thorough cleaning but also contribute to sustainability by extending the life of your clothes.

For those looking to prioritize eco-friendly options, Electrolux’s new Ultimate Care products offer a smart way to reduce environmental impact. Explore our sustainability initiatives to learn how we are committed to creating better solutions for you and the planet.