How To Handwash Woollen Items

Hello! Last Friday I shared a tip with my newsletter subsribers about how to handwash woollen items to ensure they last for many, many years to come. I had a few replies to my email asking for more info about exactly how I wash mine, so I thought I would expand on my quick tip further and write it up as a blog post.

Wool is a natural fibre which can react badly when handled wrongly, and we want to avoid using harsh detergents or high heat when washing it. Here are more thorough instructions on hand washing because it's the gentlest way to wash handmade woollen clothing.

To hand wash your woollen items, follow these steps:

1. Fill a basin with lukewarm water (approximately 30°C, not much hotter!)
2. Add a small amount of no-rinse wool detergent.
3. Stir the water to mix the detergent through. 
4. Turn your woollen items inside out if you can.
5. Place your items in the basin.
6. Soak them for 10-15 minutes.
7. Gently squeeze the items to remove excess water. Do not wring!
8. Use a large towel and wrap your items in it, squeezing out even more liquid.

If you're wondering which no-rinse wool detergent I use, it's Soak and my favourite scent is Celebration.

Drying your woollen items

It's best not to machine dry woollen clothing. To dry your woollen items, lay them flat on a dry towel or drying rack in a warm (but not hot!), well-ventilated area. If you have blockers, go ahead and use them. You can dry outside but avoid placing your items in direct sunlight because this can cause unexpected colour changes.

By following my tips, you can help to keep your handmade woollen clothing looking and feeling its best for many years to come.

I hope this post was useful for you. If you liked it, please subscribe to my mailing list to receive posts like these straight to your inbox.

Until next time, happy crocheting,

Marta xx