Wondering how to care for your wool jumpers? It’s easier than you think. With a little TLC, discover how to ensure your wool knit will last you for seasons to come.
Cosy, stylish and always on trend, a wool jumper is a timeless piece you’ll always look to once the temperature starts to drop. As wool is a natural fibre, it’s wonderfully warming, stylish, and with the right care, incredibly durable. With just a few simple tricks, your wool jumper will essentially look after itself. Preserve the life of your new favourite knit with these simple tips for caring for and cleaning a wool jumper throughout the year and beyond.
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Our 8 Expert Tips On Caring For Your Wool Jumper
1. Invest in Pure Wool:
When shopping for a new jumper, always prioritise quality by choosing pure wool options. It’s a little pricier, but a high-quality knit like a pure merino wool jumper will always outshine a cheaper blend, both aesthetically and in terms of durability. Warmer and crafted to love for seasons to come, a pure wool jumper will be one of the smartest investments you’ll make.
2. Limit Washing Frequency:
Did you know that certain natural fibres like merino wool have odour, stain and crease-resistant properties? Incredibly, wool does not require frequent washing to help keep it fresh. In fact, washing your wool jumper too often can lead to shrinkage, pilling, and loss of shape. Often when we notice our go-to favourite jumper has become a little misshapen or lumpy, it’s because it’s been overwashed. Instead, adopt a less-is-more approach when it comes to caring for your wool jumper. Spot-clean where possible, and aim to wash your wool jumper no more than once a year.
You can also simply air out your knit in between washes to help leave it smelling fresh. Leave them lying flat or on a hanger for an hour or so to help air the fabric out a bit. You can also hang your knit in a high-humidity room, like the bathroom while you’re showering. Not only does this help to air out the jumper, but the steam can also remove any wrinkles (plus, it’s a great timesaver). Reducing the number of times you wash your knit will not only help to prolong its life but also reduce water waste. It’s a win-win.
3. Gentle Hand Washing:
Sometimes, life happens, and your favourite wool jumper is in desperate need of a good clean. When it’s time to wash your wool jumper, opt for hand washing over machine washing. Fill a basin with warm water and add a small amount of mild wool detergent. Turn your jumper inside out to protect the outside surface, then gently submerge it in the water. Avoid rubbing the fabric too much as this is where most of the damage to the jumper occurs. After washing, rinse the jumper thoroughly with clean water.
4. Proper Drying Techniques:
After washing, avoid hanging your wool jumper to dry, as this can cause it to stretch out of shape. If you have space, lay the jumper on top of a towel on your floor, roll it up inside the towel, and then gently press or kneel on the rolled-up towel to help remove as much water as possible. After you have wrung out the jumper, lay it flat and gently reshape it to its original dimensions. Allow it to air dry away from direct heat or sunlight, flipping it occasionally to ensure even drying.
5. Storage Matters:
How you store your beloved wool jumper is critical in preserving it, especially during the warmer months when you don’t need your knit. Store your clean and dry jumpers by folding them neatly in a drawer or on a shelf, rather than hanging them. Folding helps maintain the garment’s shape and prevents stretching across the shoulders from the hanger.
6. Tackle Pilling with Care:
Despite your best efforts, over time, wool jumpers may develop pills or fuzz balls on the surface due to friction and wear. To address pilling, invest in a fabric shaver or a pilling comb designed specifically for delicate fabrics like wool. Gently run the shaver or comb over the surface of the jumper to remove pills and restore its smooth texture. Be sure to work slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the fabric.
7. Moth Prevention:
There’s nothing moths love more than tucking into a treasured wool jumper. Wool is a natural fibre, and without proper storage, these pests can quickly reduce your favourite knit to a moth mess. To protect your wool jumpers from moth infestation, store them in airtight containers or garment bags when not in use. Consider placing moth repellents such as cedar balls, lavender-scented drawer liners or moth traps in your storage space to deter these pesky pests.
8. Professional Care:
For stubborn stains, or if your jumper has intricate designs or is crafted from delicate fabrics, it may be time to call in the professionals. Rather than running the risk of damaging your wool jumper, take it to a professional dry cleaner or launderer who is experienced in handling wool garments. Professional cleaning ensures thorough removal of dirt and stains while minimising the risk of damage to the fabric.
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