Care Instructions for Your Natural Wool Garments
All of my yarns are 100% natural, plastic-free, and dyed with natural, sustainable materials. To maintain the quality and beauty of your wool garments, special care is essential. Wool naturally resists odours and dirt, so you may not need to wash your items often. Fresh air and a gentle clothes brush can work wonders to refresh them.
Color Considerations
Although I take great care to rinse the yarn thoroughly until the water runs clear, some color bleeding may still occur. When working with vibrant or intense colors—especially in colorwork—it can be a good idea to wash the skein before starting your project. This helps to ensure that any excess dye is removed, and your work stays as crisp and vibrant as possible. Cold water is always a better choice as warmer water causes bleeding more often.
Color Preservation
Natural dyes are long-lasting, and you can even find centuries-old textiles that have kept their original colors. However, wool and natural dyes are sensitive to UV light, which can cause fading. To protect the color of your garments, avoid exposing them to direct sunlight when not in use.
Washing Tips
Wool and natural dyes are sensitive to changes in pH, so following the right washing routine will help preserve the colors and fibers.
- Avoid unnecessary washing: Wool doesn’t need frequent washing. Often, airing out your garment or using a delicate clothes brush will refresh it.
- Handle stains carefully: If your garment gets stained, spot clean the affected area rather than washing the entire item. This helps to preserve the color and texture.
- Only wash at the end of the season: A wool sweater typically only needs to be washed once a year—at the end of the season.
Key Factors in Felting
Wool felts when exposed to:
- High temperatures combined with movement
- High pH (alkaline) combined with movement
- Radical temperature changes
- A combination of these three
To prevent felting, minimize movement during washing and use cold water.
Washing Instructions
- Hand wash or machine wash on a wool program: Use lukewarm or cold water. If using a washing machine, make sure the wool program is reliable with natural wool and has a gentle cycle.
- Use wool detergent: Regular detergents contain enzymes that can damage wool fibers. If you don’t have wool detergent, you can use mild shampoo or dishwashing liquid.
- Rinse with vinegar: Wool prefers an acidic environment. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to the rinse water to keep the fibers soft and prevent damage. (It’s great for your hair, too!)
- Dry gently: Wool can absorb up to 40% of its weight in water, so drying can be tricky. After washing, place your garment on a towel, roll it up, and gently press to squeeze out excess water (you can stand on it). This helps absorb moisture without damaging the fibers.
Revitalize with Lanolin
Wool contains natural lanolin, which makes it more durable and water-resistant. Over time, wool garments can become dry. To restore the lanolin, soak your wool in a solution made from ½ teaspoon of lanolin, 2 dl of boiling water, and a little dishwashing liquid. Stir, then add it to a bucket of lukewarm or cold water. Soak the garment for about 10 minutes, then dry as usual. The wool may feel sticky at first, but after a few days, it will absorb the lanolin and feel soft again. This treatment is recommended every couple of years or whenever your wool feels harsh.
Machine Washing Tips
- Test the wool program: Before washing a garment, test the wool program on something small, like a swatch.
- Temperature: Set your wool program to a cold wash (30°C or less).
- Centrifuge speed: Lower the spin speed to around 400 RPM to avoid stressing the fibers.
- Consistent temperature: Ensure that the rinsing water is the same temperature as the washing water to prevent shrinking. Wool programs usually work best with a load of no more than 1 kg.
By following these simple care guidelines, you’ll keep your wool garments looking beautiful and lasting for years to come.