Wool is a very delicate textile fiber that tends to shrink, but this does not mean that you are not allowed to wash garments made with this material from time to time. If you prefer hand washing, soak them in water and detergent, then rinse and air dry. You can also put them in the washing machine and hang them outside. After that, you should gently stretch them to bring them back to their original size and prevent them from shrinking.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Hand Wash
Step 1. Fill a container with water and detergent
Fill a clean basin or tub with slightly warm water, then add a liquid detergent for delicate fabrics and fibers. Read the instructions to find out how much product you need to use or pour about 120ml.
Step 2. Add the garment
Dip it into the bowl filled with soapy water and squeeze it to get completely wet. Then, gently twist with your hands for about a minute.
The light movements simulate those of the washing machine and allow the detergent to penetrate the fibers and remove dirt and impurities
Step 3. Leave the garment to soak for 10 minutes
After stirring for about a minute, leave the garment in the water for about ten minutes.
Step 4. Take off the sweater and compress it
After 10 minutes, remove the garment from the water. Roll it up from one corner to a ball and squeeze it to get rid of excess water, then set it aside.
Step 5. Empty the container and fill it with water
Run all the soapy water, then fill the tub or basin with more lukewarm water to rinse the garment.
Step 6. Put the garment in clean water
Submerge it in the water again, then spin it as you did before. This will remove the last traces of detergent from the fibers.
Step 7. Repeat rinsing if necessary
A single rinse should be enough to remove all residual detergent. However, if you see traces of foam and you feel like there is still soap on your garment, empty the container, fill it with more clean water, and squeeze the garment lightly.
Method 2 of 3: Machine Wash
Step 1. Read the label
If you use the washing machine, the garment is much more likely to shrink, so it is best to check the washing instructions before proceeding.
If hand washing is recommended, you should follow this instead of arbitrarily putting the garment in the washing machine. The latter is used only if the appropriate symbol is shown on the label
Step 2. Put the garment in a mesh bag
Use this protection to prevent the wool from getting caught in the basket. While it is not mandatory to use a net, it will help protect the fibers from damage.
Step 3. Choose the program for delicates
Almost all washing machines have this function, specially designed for woolen clothes. If not, adjust the temperature to the coldest setting to prevent the garment from felting.
Some washing machines have the "Hand wash" program. Select it, as it is designed for the most delicate fabrics
Step 4. Add the detergent
Choose one for wool and delicates. Read the instructions to know how much product you need to use.
Step 5. Put the garment in the basket
After selecting the program and adding the detergent, transfer the garment to the washing machine. Close the door and wait for the wash to finish before removing it.
Method 3 of 3: Dry and Stretch the Wool Cape
Step 1. Absorb excess water
Spread a clean, dry towel on a table or other flat surface, then lay the garment on top of it. Roll it up starting from one corner by wrapping the garment inside.
The towel will absorb excess water, reducing air drying times
Step 2. Compress the cloth
Once it's fully rolled up, gently press it from one end to the other. Do not twist or squeeze, otherwise you risk ruining the fibers.
Step 3. Let the garment air dry
Unroll the towel and remove the garment. Spread out another clean cloth, then lay the dress down to air dry. To reduce drying times, turn on a fan or dehumidifier.
Do not hang the garment on a hanger, it could deform
Step 4. Stretch the fabric if it has shrunk
Sometimes water has the effect of shrinking the wool. If you feel that your garment is smaller than when you washed it, stretch it while it is still wet, first from top to bottom and then horizontally. Stretch the sleeves, too, if it's a sweater.
You can also use a few pins to pin it to the towel so that it stretches as it dries, but consider this as a last resort as there is a risk that the garment will warp where you pinned it
Advice
- Try hand washing the garment before putting it in the washing machine.
- Never put woolen items in the dryer because they will fel.
