Wool is one of the most versatile and high-quality materials that nature has to offer. From cosy favourite jumpers to elegant coats and warm socks - wool clothing combines closeness to nature with comfort, style and functionality. Proper care is crucial to prolong the life of woollen garments and maintain their quality. This article is dedicated to aspects worth knowing about the gentle and sustainable washing of woollen clothing.
What makes wool care so special
Wool is a natural fibre that impresses with its unique structure. It consists of keratin, a protein that is also found in our hair. The structure of wool makes it elastic, temperature-regulating and dirt-repellent. Wool is less resistant to heat, increased friction and aggressive chemicals.
Laundry care for woollen clothing is characterised by particularly careful handling. As wool naturally has a protective layer of grease, it has an antibacterial and odour-neutralising effect. The big advantage is that washing is rarely necessary. In many cases, it is sufficient to air your woollen clothing extensively instead of washing it.
Heat and mechanical influences, such as those found in washing machines, can irreparably damage natural fibres and lead to matting. It is therefore very important that you choose a mild cleaning method for your woollen products and only wash them when it is really necessary.
Types of wool and their special features
However, wool is not always the same and the different types of wool in this natural fibre have different characteristics and properties. Conversely, these also affect the durability and care of your woollen clothing. Popular types of new wool include the following two:
- Alpaca wool is fluffy and supple, hypoallergenic, warmer than sheep's wool and water-repellent. Apart from its sensitivity to mechanical stress, this natural fibre is also very strong and hard-wearing. Hand washing is usually recommended for alpaca wool in order to avoid strong friction and to preserve the advantages of the natural fibre structure as much as possible.
- Merino wool from the merino sheep of the same name is fine, soft and breathable - making it ideal for functional clothing. Merino wool is also very easy to care for. Even though it is always advisable to check the label on woollen clothing, merino wool can usually be washed in the washing machine - gently, of course.
In addition to many other types of wool, natural fibres have one thing in common: they serve as the basis for beautiful and functional favourite clothing. If it also comes from sustainable brands such as APU KUNTUR, you are choosing wool jumpers and other great pieces that treat people, animals and nature with respect.
The basics of wool washing
The top rule for the number of washes is: less is more. Due to the self-cleaning properties of wool, it should by no means be washed after every wear. If a wash cycle is required due to stains or significant soiling, hand washing is usually the best choice. Another option are adapted washing machine programmes. It is important to avoid rubbing the woollen items too much. In other words, no high spin cycles or vigorous wringing. This damages the fibres and can cause the natural product to become matted or lose its shape.
The right detergent is also crucial. There are products available that are not only gentle on the fibres, but also on the environment. Wool detergents are specially tailored to the needs of wool. Fabric softeners, on the other hand, are not recommended for wool. They do not make woollen clothing fluffy and soft. On the contrary: their use can cause the wool fibres to swell and destroy their natural structure.
Tips for washing wool by hand
- Use lukewarm water. If the water is too hot, the wool will shrink, while cold water cleans less well.
- Use a special detergent for wool or mild soap. Both should first be dissolved in the water before the woollen items are added
- Gently move the garments through the water to loosen the dirt. No vigorous rubbing or rubbing!
- Thorough rinsing with clear, lukewarm water prevents the wool from drying out or becoming stiff due to any detergent residue.
- To remove excess water afterwards, woollen jumpers and the like should never be wrung out! Gentle pressing also helps to remove water from woollen items. Sometimes it is also a good idea to place the items on a towel and carefully roll them up.
Tips for machine washing woollen clothing
- Use the wool wash cycle on your washing machine. It works with low temperatures and gentle movements of the washing drum.
- Plenty of water and few items in the drum or a laundry bag provide additional protection against roughening or matting.
- High spin speeds are taboo. Either spin-drying is avoided altogether or a low number of revolutions is selected
Drying and shaping woollen garments
Once the woollen items have been gently washed, it's time to dry them. Here, too, you should bear in mind the good properties of natural fibres. Wool is elastic - especially when it is wet. For this reason, woollen products should not be hung up to dry in many cases. The weight of the water can wear out the wool fibres. Instead, it is advisable to spread high-quality woollen clothing out flat on a towel to dry. In this position, the clothing can also be easily pulled into shape. It is best to leave them to dry in well-ventilated rooms, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
Sustainable wool care
If sustainability and resource conservation in the sense of slow fashion are important to you, you can ensure that you can enjoy your woollen clothing for a long time by caring for it properly. In addition to a thorough look at the care label, special wool combs or gentle lint shavers can be used to remove light pilling, for example. At the same time, minor damage to woollen products can also be repaired in an attractive, inconspicuous and high-quality manner.</p>
Well-maintained, high-quality woollen clothing can remain in excellent condition for many years. The traditional natural fibre thus reduces the need to constantly buy new items of clothing. Take care of your wool and enjoy the good feeling of looking after your clothes and the planet. Values that are very important to us and the products in the Faedah Collection.