Wool sweaters stay soft and keep their shape when washed gently in cool water and dried flat. This shows you how to hand wash a wool sweater without shrinking or felting it, and how to reshape it while it dries.
What you'll need
- A wool-safe or gentle detergent
- Cool water
- A clean basin or sink
- Two large towels
Step by step
- Read the care labelCheck whether the sweater is hand-wash or dry-clean only. Some wools such as superwash are machine safe, but most benefit from gentle hand washing.
- Fill a basin with cool waterUse cool or lukewarm water and mix in a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Sudden temperature changes and hot water cause wool to shrink and felt.
- Soak and press gentlyTurn the sweater inside out, submerge it, and press the soapy water through it for a few minutes. Do not rub, wring, or agitate the fibers.
- Rinse in cool waterDrain the basin and refill with clean cool water, pressing gently to rinse out the soap. Repeat until the water runs clear.
- Remove excess water in a towelLift the sweater supporting its weight, lay it on a towel, and roll the towel to squeeze out water. Never hang a wet wool sweater.
- Dry flat and reshapeLay the sweater flat on a dry towel, gently pat it back to its original shape, and let it air-dry away from heat and sunlight.
Handy tips
- Always dry wool flat, since hanging it wet stretches the shoulders and lengthens the body.
- Store sweaters folded rather than on hangers to keep their shape.
- If the sweater pills, remove the fuzz with a sweater comb or fabric shaver rather than pulling it off.
Heads up
- Hot water, machine agitation, and wringing can shrink and felt wool permanently. If that happens, the fibers cannot be fully restored to their original size.
FAQ
Can I machine wash a wool sweater?
Only if the label says it is machine washable or superwash. Even then, use a wool or delicate cycle with cool water and a gentle detergent.
My sweater shrank. Can I fix it?
Sometimes. Soak it in cool water with a little hair conditioner, gently stretch it back toward shape while damp, and dry it flat. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
How often should I wash a wool sweater?
Wool resists odor, so wash it only every few wears or when soiled. Airing it out between wears often refreshes it without a full wash.