Quick answer
Wash wool sweaters in cool water with a wool wash, press rather than wring, roll in a towel and dry flat in shade. Never hang them wet or tumble dry. Structured knits, coats and anything labelled dry clean are better cleaned professionally.
Key takeaways
- Use cool water and a wool wash; hot water and agitation cause felting and shrinkage.
- Press out water, never wring.
- Dry flat in shade; hanging stretches the shoulders.
- Fold woollens, do not hang them.
Check the label first
Many sweaters are machine washable on a wool cycle, some are hand wash only, and structured knits and coats are dry clean only. If the label says dry clean, follow it. See care label symbols.
Hand washing step by step
- Fill a basin with cool water and a little wool wash.
- Turn the sweater inside out and press it into the water.
- Soak for ten to fifteen minutes, without rubbing.
- Rinse in cool water until clear.
- Press out water gently.
Drying without losing shape
Roll the sweater in a clean towel to take up water, then lay it flat on a dry towel in shade, reshaping the sleeves and body. Direct sun and radiators can fade and shrink wool.
Pilling and storage
Remove pills with a fabric comb or shaver. Fold woollens for storage, clean before packing and protect from moths. Read wool and pashmina care for storage tips.
Why wool shrinks
Wool fibres have tiny scales. Heat, water and rubbing make the scales lock together, which is called felting. Once felted, the garment shrinks and cannot be restored. That is why cool water and gentle handling matter so much.
Merino, lambswool, cashmere and blends
Merino and lambswool handle a gentle wash well. Cashmere is softer and needs extra care; see wool and pashmina care. Acrylic blends are more forgiving but can pill and stretch. Always follow the label.
Odours and Chandigarh winters
Woollens pick up smoke, kitchen smells and bonfire smoke. Air them in shade, and wash or dry clean at the end of the season, not after every wear. See bonfire smoke smell after Lohri.
Keeping woollens fresh between washes
Wool needs less washing than most fabrics. After wearing, air the sweater on a hanger or flat for a few hours and spot clean marks with a damp cloth. Its natural fibres resist odour, so many sweaters can be worn several times before they need a proper wash. This protects the fibre, reduces pilling and keeps colour.
For the end-of-season clean, wash or dry clean before storing, so stains do not set and moths are not attracted to body oils. See winter wardrobe prep.
When to leave it to us
For coats, blazers, cashmere, pashmina and anything you cannot risk, use our woollen and winter wear service. We collect from your door.
