How to wash wool and save money

Many merino wool clothing companies are making wool that is machine washable and very easy to care for, especially children’s clothing or activewear. Whether you have a cashmere sweater or merino base layer the care principles are generally the same. You could take them to the dry cleaner, however, it is not practical for often used items, it is expensive, and it puts chemicals into your garment.

This is how I wash my wool garments by hand. The basics to remember is to use a wool safe ‘detergent’, lukewarm water, and do not scrub or agitate the fibers together. Extreme temperature changes in water and rubbing the fibers together will cause the wool to felt.

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1. Wash similar colors together. For example, I do not mix my cream colors with navy in case of any bleeding. Turn garment inside out.
2. Fill the basin with lukewarm water and add your detergent of choice (See below for recommendations).
3. Pre-treat any stains, neckline or cuffs. (see The 5 best ways to remove stains from wool)
4. Submerge wool and let sit for a few minutes.
5. Gently swish the garment around with your hand.
6. Remove from the basin and dump the dirty water. Some detergents are ‘no rinse’. However, when I am washing my toddlers clothing often the detergent water turns brown from dirt. One benefit of wool is that it hides grime very well, however you want to make sure you get it clean. I will repeat the process of filling the basin with lukewarm water and gently swish the wool until the water is clear.
7. You may want to use a wool conditioner such as Unicorn Beyond Soft, but it is optional.
8. Squeeze the water out (do not wring) and lay on a white towel. Roll it up and press on it so the towel absorbs extra moisture. Or if you have a helpful toddler you can put it on the floor so they can step on it. The end result is the same.
9. Hang garment flat on a drying rack and let air dry. Avoid sunlight to prevent fading. Check periodically and flip wool to help it dry faster.
10. Use the money you saved at the dry cleaners to invest in more wool!

Here are some wool detergent options:

1. The Unicorn brand has a few, each one cleans but one may suit your needs better. Unicorn Beyond Fibre Wash, Unicorn Beyond Clean, and Unicorn Power Scour
2. The Laundress Wool and Cashmere Shampoo – this does have a cedar scent in case you have a sensitive nose
3. Soak Wash Rinse – this comes in several scents as well as a scentless version.
4. Eucalan Fine Fabric Wash – also comes in several scents and a scentless version.
5. I’ve even been using this liquid BioKleen unscented laundry detergent lately and it works well for machine washable merino