Washing and caring for wool garments
Soft and flexible, wool provides good insulation and absorbs moisture. Wool repels dirt and is therefore easy to clean. With proper care, a wool jumper will keep you warm for years. The same care instructions also apply to wool base layers, beanies, mittens and wool socks.
The natural properties of wool
Wool fibre cleans itself: it absorbs and neutralises odours exceptionally well compared with other fibres. This makes wool products easy to care for and self-cleaning, and stops them from smelling. In addition, the keratin in wool breaks down odour-causing bacteria on the skin.
The core of a wool fibre consists of two types of cells that absorb different amounts of moisture. One type swells, creating continuous friction between the two cell types as they move. This property gives wool its self-cleaning ability.
Surface moisture supports bacterial growth, but the outer surface of wool fibre stays relatively dry. The fibre’s surface repels moisture, which prevents bacterial growth and the unpleasant odour it causes.
Wool garment care
If your wool garment needs washing, always read the washing instructions on the care label first. Knitwear is usually washed by hand in a shallow basin or in a washing machine on a wool cycle. Always use a liquid detergent designed for wool garments.
Here is how to keep your quality wool knitwear looking good and well cared for:
- Brushing wool garments and removing pilling
- Removing pulled loops
- Steaming wool garments
- Airing
- Washing wool garments by hand or machine
Removing pulled loops
Occasionally, something sharp, such as a fingernail, watch clasp or belt buckle, catches on the garment and pulls a loop of yarn out of the knit. If the loop is not broken, there is no cause for concern, as there is no hole in the garment and no risk of unravelling.
Pulled loops can usually be repaired in moments. Firmly stretching the knit around the loop in different directions with both hands gradually returns the yarn to its original position. If the loop does not disappear completely, you can pull it through to the inside of the garment using a small crochet hook, for example.
Steaming wool garments smooths the fibres
Steaming is another way to extend the time between washes for knitwear.
- Steaming cleans knitwear and smooths its fibres, so steaming extends the time between washes for wool garments.
- Steaming also restores a slightly stretched garment to its original size and shape.
- Steam knitwear using the steam function on an iron or a garment steamer. Avoid bringing the iron close to the surface of the knitwear: hold it approximately 2–5 cm away or protect the garment with a muslin cloth.
- Knitwear can be ironed on the reverse side at a maximum of 110 °C through a damp cloth, using gentle steam or a steam iron.
- Steaming may temporarily intensify the smell of knitwear. Leave the garment to dry after steaming.
Airing
Airing is an easy, free way to freshen up wool garments and remove odours, often leaving knitwear fresh and ready to wear again. Airing does not remove stains or actual dirt, but it neutralises odours. Moisture in the outdoor air also smooths out creases in knitwear, and airing in freezing temperatures drives dust mites out of wool knitwear. You can air garments in any season and almost any weather, provided the airing area is sheltered from rain and direct sunlight.
Hang your knitwear outside on a washing line or a hanger so that it cannot fall. A suitable airing time is usually at least two hours, but you can also leave the garment to air overnight, for example. Make sure the garment is not exposed to direct sunlight, to prevent fading or weakening of the fibres.
Washing wool garments by hand or machine
Remove individual stains with a damp cloth, for example. If the knitwear needs washing, always check the washing instructions on the care label. Knitwear is generally washed at low temperatures, either by hand or on a washing machine’s wool cycle. Use a mild detergent designed for wool.
Hand wash
Even wool garments need washing occasionally. The gentlest method for both the garment and the environment is hand washing in lukewarm water with a mild detergent.
- If the garment has stains, treat them first with a mild cleaning agent (e.g. gall soap or Marseille soap). Dampen the stained area and apply the cleaning agent. Dab with a slightly rough towel, for example, or work gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse the treated areas with cool water.
- Fill a shallow washbasin with plenty of cool water (max. 30 °C) and dissolve a little liquid wool detergent in it. Do not use chlorine bleach – it damages the structure of the wool yarn.
- Turn the wool garment inside out and place it in the water. Leave to soak for about 10 minutes.
- Gently squeeze the garment under water so that the wash water flows through it and releases the dirt.
- Avoid rubbing and wringing to prevent the garment from felting and losing its shape.
- Pour away the wash water and refill the basin with water at the same temperature. Squeeze the knitwear as you did during washing, then pour away the water. Repeat the rinse at least three times, until the rinse water stays clear. The rinse water should be as close as possible to the temperature of the wash water, as large temperature changes cause wool to felt.
- Squeeze out the water and spread the garment on a dry towel. Briefly roll the knitwear inside the towel so that the towel absorbs the water.
- Finally, lay the knitwear flat to dry, for example on a clean towel on a drying rack. Reshape the knitwear to its original dimensions while damp.
- Avoid direct sunlight when drying.
Remember: keep the temperature low and consistent, treat stains first, avoid rubbing and wringing, and dry carefully on a flat surface.
Machine wash
- Wool garments can also be washed using the washing machine’s wool cycle.
- Use a wool detergent.
- A laundry bag protects knitwear from pilling and abrasion during machine washing. Use a sufficiently large bag, as knitwear should not be crammed into a tight bag.
- First, read the washing machine’s operating instructions and wash programme descriptions carefully. The instructions can often be found online by searching for the washing machine model.
- Set the wash temperature as low as possible and select a low spin speed.
- Load the machine loosely – for wool knitwear, two garments at a time is usually appropriate, depending on the size of the machine.
- Dry knitwear flat, as after hand washing. You may also use a gentle spin cycle, but do not tumble dry.
Always wash Svala products with similar colours and do not use fabric softener. However, always check the garment’s own care label, as care instructions vary between collections:
Svala Merino Extreme 40 °C and Svala Signature Pääsky collection 30 °C, very gentle machine wash with wool detergent. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Iron at a maximum of 110 °C if necessary. Dry cleaning with tetrachloroethylene or professional wet cleaning is also possible. Reshape while damp and dry flat.
Merino Tee: machine wash inside out on a gentle wool cycle at 30 °C. Do not bleach, dry clean or tumble dry. Iron at a maximum of 110 °C if necessary. Care for it mainly by airing and wash only when necessary. Reshape while damp.
Jumpers: hand wash in lukewarm water, do not machine wash. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Iron at a maximum of 110 °C if necessary. Gentle dry cleaning with tetrachloroethylene is permitted. Reshape while damp and dry flat.
Freebird scarves and beanies: hand wash in lukewarm water, do not machine wash. Do not bleach or tumble dry. Iron at a maximum of 110 °C if necessary. Gentle dry cleaning with tetrachloroethylene is permitted. Reshape while damp and, if necessary, steam back into shape. Dry flat.
How to prevent wool garments from shrinking
A wool garment will not shrink if washed and dried correctly. Most so-called shrinkage is actually temporary contraction of the wool fibres, which is reversed when the garment is reshaped correctly for drying.
- Always wash at the temperature specified in the care instructions. Water that is too hot and sudden temperature changes cause wool fibres to felt and cling together, making the garment shrink permanently.
- Avoid rubbing, wringing and excessive agitation during washing. Always handle the garment gently, using a squeezing motion.
- Immediately after washing, while the garment is still damp, reshape it to its original shape and measurements, and leave it to dry flat.
- If the garment feels slightly smaller after washing, it will usually return to its original measurements when you put it on, if not before, as the fibres warm up and stretch.
When should you take a wool garment to a professional cleaner?
Some wool garments are best left to a professional, particularly when their construction or material requires special care.
- Garments made from woven wool fabric, such as men's suits, women's skirt suits and wool dresses, should be professionally cleaned.
- Wool-polyester blend trousers and skirts can usually be washed in water at home; their care instructions often recommend washing at 40 °C.
- If a garment has stubborn stains or you are unsure how well the material will withstand washing, it is safest to take it to a professional cleaner rather than try to wash it yourself.
How should wool garments be stored?
Proper storage extends the life of wool garments and helps them keep their shape between wears.
- Always store wool garments clean and dry. Dirty or damp wool attracts moths and may develop mould.
- Fold knitwear. Do not hang it on a hanger, as its weight stretches the knit and alters its shape.
- Store wool garments in a well-ventilated, cool and dark place, for example in a breathable fabric bag or box. Avoid airtight plastic bags, which prevent the fibres from breathing.
- Protect against moths with lavender sachets or cedar blocks, for example, which are natural repellents.
- Air wool garments before storing them to remove any odours and moisture.
- After airing outdoors, allow the garment to dry briefly indoors before storing it.
Explore Svala’s merino wool products
The Svala range includes merino wool clothing for every need, from lightweight base layers for active pursuits to warm winter clothing and everyday essentials.
