The frequency of washing your woollen clothing depends on how often you wear the garment and your personal preference.
Frequent washing is usually not required
Wool garments often don’t require frequent washing because wool has natural antibacterial properties that help resist body odour. For minor stains or spots, spot cleaning with a mild detergent is often enough to refresh your clothing between washes.
Air your woollen pieces between wears
Hang your woollen clothing in a well-ventilated area in the home between wears to allow any moisture and odours to go. This means you won’t have to wash your items too frequently.
Rotate your clothing
Rotate your woollen clothing items to avoid excessive wear. This will prolong the time between washes. This also allows each garment to air out and regain its shape.
Sweaters last for years if cared for. According to the BBC, a 19th-century sweater, knitted in a traditional Faroese design, turned up at the National Archives, hidden among a stash of 200-year-old letters. If you want to add a mens Irish fisherman sweater to your wardrobe, try a specialist outlet like shoparan.com/mens-aran-sweaters.
Follow the instructions on the label
Always check the label on your woollen garments for washing instructions. Some wool garments may be machine washable, while others may require hand washing or dry cleaning. Following the manufacturer’s recommendations helps preserve the quality.
Can I hand wash?
When washing woollen clothing by hand, use a gentle detergent specifically for wool. Always use lukewarm water. Avoid hot water, as it can cause wool to shrink. Gently squeeze the garment without wringing it, then rinse thoroughly and lay it flat to dry.
What about machine washing?
If your wool garment is labelled as machine washable, use a gentle cycle with cold water and a wool-specific detergent. Always reshape the garment and lay it flat to dry. For wool garments that are labelled as dry clean only, dry cleaning is of course often the safest option. By following the care instructions and allowing your garments to air out between wears, you can help keep them fresh.
