Washing wool can be a nightmare, with many of us fearing shrinkage – but one YouTuber has shared a simple hack that will make the process ‘effortless’
Washing woollens can often be a daunting task, with many of us having experienced the horror of shrinkage after a wool wash.
The ethical and natural material is incredibly warm and cosy, and its environmental friendliness has led to a resurgence in popularity, but cleaning it can be a bit tricky.
However, there’s good news – woollens generally require less washing than synthetic materials, and a YouTuber has shed light on a common ingredient that can aid in the washing process.
Organising TV, a channel with thousands of followers, has shared tips on how to clean wool ‘without ruining it’.
One intriguing tip is that wool jumpers and outer layers need less washing as the lanolin in the natural fibre neutralises odours initially, reports the Express.
But once you’ve determined your item does indeed need a wash, Organizing TV offers excellent advice to ensure you don’t ruin it.
Firstly, check the label – they suggest if it says ‘hand wash only’, you can usually run the item on a hand wash cycle in your machine, but you must ‘be careful’.
If your wool garment has any stains, Organizing TV recommends using a wool detergent on these areas first, pre machine wash, soaking in cold water in a sink until the stains are ‘completely removed’.
The YouTuber advised: “If you are scared that your wools are going to shrink, such as a handmade sweater, you can put it in a sink full of cold water for half an hour.”
Then, before proceeding to the washing machine cycle, they recommend turning the clothes inside out.
For added protection, you can use mesh bags. Simply place each garment in a bag and avoid mixing other materials with a wool wash, advises the YouTuber.
Choose a wool or hand wash cycle.
Avoid overloading the machine, Organizing TV warns, as it causes extra friction. Before starting the cycle, add some ‘super gentle detergent’, specifically designed for wool.
The channel recommends Wool Light, a highly popular brand, but also shares another hack involving a simple household ingredient that can be used during the cycle.
Never use fabric softener, Organizing TV advises. Instead, ‘add a little vinegar’ – 40ml is sufficient.
This will help to soften the wool and make it ‘less itchy’.
For the washing programme, the advice is to ‘turn down spin as much as possible’ and choose a hand wash, delicates or wool cycle.
Don’t use a dryer or drying cycle either, he suggests. It’s best to ‘hang it up to dry’.
Another handy tip is to ‘squeeze out excess water with a towel’ before hanging your woollens to dry.
