Wool felts rather than shrinks. Heat, agitation and alkalinity make the scales on each fibre interlock, and once they have, nothing reverses it.
How to wash wool
| Garment | Wash | Dry | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | 20°C (68°F) on a wool cycle, or hand wash | flat, out of direct sun | wool-specific, pH neutral — never biological |
Use a wool or hand-wash, low spin cycle and wool-specific, pH neutral — never biological. Biological detergents contain protease enzymes that digest protein. Wool is a protein fibre, so a biological detergent literally dissolves it.
Drying and ironing
Dry flat, out of direct sun. For ironing: steam only, never press directly.
Wool is naturally odour-resistant and releases smell when aired. Most wool garments need washing every five to ten wears, not every wear.
How long it should last
Five to fifteen years if washed rarely and stored clean.
Quick reference
Wool at a glance
- Wash: 20°C (68°F) on a wool cycle, or hand wash
- Cycle: wool or hand-wash, low spin
- Detergent: wool-specific, pH neutral — never biological
- Dry: flat, out of direct sun
- Iron: steam only, never press directly