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, when it is safe to use a machine, 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.
How to hand wash a wool sweater
Hand washing is the safest method for most wool. Fill a clean basin or sink with cool water and add a small amount of wool-safe or gentle detergent, swishing it in before the sweater goes in.
Turn the sweater inside out and lower it into the water, gently pressing so the water moves through the fibers. Let it soak for a few minutes rather than scrubbing. Wool does not need agitation to come clean, and rubbing is what causes felting.
Rinse by draining the soapy water and refilling with clean cool water, then pressing again until the water runs clear. Keep the rinse water close to the same temperature as the wash water, since a sudden change can shock the fibers.
Can you machine wash a wool sweater?
Only wash a wool sweater in a machine if the care label specifically says it is machine washable, or if it is labeled superwash. Untreated wool can shrink and felt in the wash, and that change usually cannot be undone.
When the label allows it, use the wool or delicate cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent. Place the sweater in a mesh laundry bag to reduce stretching and rubbing against other items.
Skip the regular spin and heat settings where you can. High spin speeds and warm water add the agitation and temperature swings that damage wool, so a short, cool, low-spin cycle is safer.
Never wring or twist a wool sweater
Wringing and twisting force the fibers to rub against each other while they are wet and soft, which stretches the knit out of shape and can cause permanent felting.
Instead, lift the sweater out of the water with both hands so its weight is supported, then lay it flat on a dry towel. Roll the towel and sweater together and press down to push out the extra water. Unroll, move to a fresh dry towel, and repeat if it is still very wet.
How to dry a wool sweater flat and reshape it
Always dry wool flat. Hanging a wet sweater lets gravity pull it downward, which stretches the shoulders and lengthens the body. Tumble drying adds heat and tumbling, the two things most likely to shrink and felt it.
Lay the damp sweater on a dry towel or a mesh drying rack and gently pat it back toward its original measurements, smoothing the cuffs, hem, and neckline. Let it air-dry away from direct heat, radiators, and strong sunlight.
To dry it faster, swap the towel underneath for a fresh dry one once the first towel feels damp, and turn the sweater over partway through. Good airflow, such as a nearby fan set on low, speeds drying without adding heat.
What to do if your wool sweater shrank
If a sweater has shrunk, you can sometimes relax the fibers enough to stretch it back. Soak it in cool water with a small amount of hair conditioner or a wool-relaxing soak for about 10 to 15 minutes, which helps soften the fibers.
Drain the water and gently press out the excess in a towel without wringing. Lay the sweater flat and slowly stretch it back toward its original shape a little at a time, then hold the edges in place while it dries flat.
This works best on mild shrinkage and is not guaranteed. Wool that has fully felted, meaning the stitches have matted together into a dense fabric, generally cannot be returned to its original size.
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.
- Check the care label before every wash, since wool blends and treated wools have different requirements.
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.
- Heat is the main enemy of wool. Keep it away from hot water, tumble dryers, radiators, and direct sun, all of which can cause shrinkage and felting.
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 cold water and a gentle detergent, and place the sweater in a mesh bag.
How do I hand wash a wool sweater?
Soak it in cool water with a little wool-safe detergent, gently press the water through for a few minutes, then rinse in clean cool water. Do not rub, wring, or agitate it.
Why should I never wring or twist a wool sweater?
Wringing rubs and stretches the wet fibers, which can pull the knit out of shape and cause permanent felting. Press the water out in a towel instead.
How do I dry a wool sweater?
Dry it flat on a towel or rack and reshape it while damp. Do not hang it, since that stretches it, and do not tumble dry it, since the heat can shrink it.
How can I dry a wool sweater faster?
Roll it in a dry towel to press out water, then lay it flat and replace the towel with a fresh dry one when it gets damp. A fan on low and turning the sweater over help, but avoid direct heat.
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, especially if the wool has felted.
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.
Do I really need to check the care label first?
Yes. The label tells you whether the sweater is hand-wash, machine washable, or dry-clean only, and wool blends can behave differently. Checking it first is the best way to avoid shrinking it.