Childhood is, and should be, messy, creative, joyful and most of all, loads of fun! Wool is an excellent companion to all of your little explorer’s adventures, spills and all. With our quick and easy guide to caring for and washing wool items, you can focus on the fun of childhood without the worry about keeping things clean.

AIRING WOOL

Wool has some pretty amazing antibacterial qualities and can be easily refreshed by hanging it outside for a few hours, which means it doesn’t need washing as often as other materials. Less washing means less water, making wool a sustainable option, as well as ensuring your knitwear stays in great condition for longer. 

SPOT CLEANING WOOL

For most marks and spills, spot cleaning should be enough to keep your wool jumpers clean. Gently dab the mark with a clean, damp cloth. The looser fibres in wool make it naturally stain resistant, so you should find that this should do the trick for most marks. Always spot clean before washing, as this is better for the environment and keeps your wool items looking their best. 

MACHINE WASHING WOOL

Wool items are machine washable on the correct settings. Most washing machines have a wool or delicate cycle that runs at 40 degrees or below - which is what you’ll need. I usually go for 30 degrees as it’s gentler and it works just fine.

Remember to turn it inside-out before washing.

Use a mild or neutral detergent, preferably liquid (Ecover Wool and Silk is Woolmark approved). If you are using a powdered detergent, make sure you dissolve it before use to avoid specks of detergent appearing on the garment.

Avoid fabric softeners if possible as they aren’t necessary for wool. If you do want to use them, please ensure you use as little as possible, as it can cause pilling (bobbling) during later washes.

HAND WASHING WOOL

If you want to hand wash your Talou jumper or cardigan, you can. Soak it  inside-out for 10 minutes in lukewarm water with wool appropriate detergent. To rinse, use lukewarm, clean water. Finally, rinse in cold water to finish.

DRYING WOOL

Wool dries quickly so lay it out flat (on the top bit of a clothes airer is best) and you’ll have it back on your little explorer in time for their next adventure. And the next, and the next, and the next…