Woolen clothes retain heat well and last for many years. However, they require special care. Especially when it comes to laundry. How to care for woolen clothes? Can it be machine washed? What detergents should be used? It is important to take into account that its proper drying is also important.
What are the properties of woolen clothes?
Wool is a natural fiber with unique properties. Thanks to them, it is highly valued in the production of clothes, especially winter clothes.
- It retains heat perfectly and at the same time allows the skin to breathe.
- It absorbs moisture but remains dry to the touch, which prevents the feeling of cold.
- Thanks to the natural fiber structure, wool is less susceptible to the absorption of dirt and odors.
- It does not wrinkle as easily as, for example, other popular fabrics.
Despite its many advantages, it is also a delicate material. He hates mistakes in care. In particular, deficiencies in washing can lead to wrinkling and damage to woolen garments.
Washing wool by hand requires care
Many people are still afraid to put woolen clothes in the washing machine and prefer to wash them by hand. Although it seems to be much gentler, you still need to be very careful when washing. Otherwise, the wool may become wrinkled or felty.
- Always use lukewarm water with a maximum temperature of 30 °C. Hot liquid is the shortest way to ruin your favorite sweater.
- Place clothes in the water carefully and avoid strong friction.
- Use special detergents intended for cleaning this material. A mild shampoo will also work.
- A good idea is to wash wool in vinegar by adding just a few drops of the product to the water. This home method protects the fibers from color loss.
Can wool be machine washed?
Some people are skeptical about this. Nevertheless, most modern washing machines have a program designed for washing wool. The latter is based on low temperatures and the lowest possible spin speeds.
- Also make sure that clothes with zippers and other objects, for example, do not enter the washing machine. They could then catch on the delicate material.
- However, it is also a good idea to use special protective bags for additional protection of your clothes.
Importantly, fabric softeners are not recommended for washing wool. Then they wrap the fibers unnecessarily. They then lose their fluffiness.
Avoid this when drying
The drying phase of a woolen garment is as important as the rules regarding the washing itself. Mistakes can lead to garment deformation. How to avoid it?
- First of all, avoid blow dryers. These can damage the structure of the fabric.
- Gently squeeze out excess water. Do not wring it out by force.
- Dry the wool flat. For this purpose, place a towel, for example, on the dryer. Then place the wet garment on top of it.
- Also avoid direct sunlight and heaters.
- Choose a place with good ventilation, but away from heat sources.
Washing down jackets has never been easier. All you have to do is throw a few pieces inside