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How to care for your wool

Washing wool is easy

Merino wool clothes are easy to care for and you don’t need to wash them often. Which is better for the environment and better for you.

How to wash wool

How to wash wool

Washing wool is easy. Wool is naturally stain resistant, odour resistant and also crease resistant, so actually requires less washing than other fibres.

LEARN HOW

How to dry wool

How to dry wool

Drying your favourite wool sweater - or any other wool garment - is easy. Follow these simple steps and your clothes will look, feel and smell as good as new in no time.

LEARN HOW

How to mend wool

How to mend wool

The art of repairing clothes may have declined with the rise of fast fashion, but we believe you should love your clothes for a lifetime. Learn how to mend your favourite wool garment here.

LEARN HOW

Needs less washing
Needs less washing

Merino wool clothes are naturally odour resistant, so require less washing, saving you time and money on water and energy bills.

Stain resistant
Stain resistant

Merino wool fibres have a natural protective outer layer that helps prevent stains from being absorbed.

Wrinkle resistant
Wrinkle resistant

At microscopic level, each Merino wool fibre is like a coiled spring that returns to its natural shape after being bent. This gives Merino wool garments a natural resistance to wrinkles.

Careculator

Use our handy tool below to answer any questions you have about wool care.
Careculator steps
Step 1 Select Garment
Step 2 Choose Challenge
Step 3 Find Solution
Step 2. Choose a care challenge
Step 3. Choose a stain to remove

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1
For ballpoint pen stains, gently dab the stain with a lint-free cloth (not paper towel) soaked in surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol.
2
Next, press gently with an absorbent cloth or towel to soak up excess solvent. Do not allow to dry.
 
3
Wash, according to your garment’s care claim, with a Woolmark-approved detergent.
 

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1
Dab gently around the edge of the stain with a lint-free cloth soaked in a dilute solution of Woolmark-approved detergent in tepid water. Blot gently with an absorbent cloth or towel.

2
If an oily stain persists after drying, then dab gently from the edge of the stain with a cloth soaked with white spirit.
 
3
Finally, press gently with an absorbent cloth or towel to soak up excess solvent then allow to dry.
 

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1
Remove excess blood immediately with absorbent towel.
2
Gently dab the area using undiluted white vinegar
 
3
Finally, gently dab the stain with cold water.
 

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1
Dab gently with an absorbent, lint-free cloth to remove as much excess liquid as possible.
2
Sponge the area sparingly with a mixture of warm water and surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol in equal parts.
 
 

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1
Carefully apply some mild tablet soap to the stained area.

2
Next, soak a lint-free cloth (not a paper towel) in rubbing alcohol.
 
3
Then dab the remaining stain with the wet cloth.
 

grease_butter_stains.jpg

1
If a greasy mark forms, firstly scrape the surface of the stain with a spoon or blunt knife to remove any excess oil.

2
Use a hot iron over layers of tissue to soak up the excess oil/grease.
 
3
If required, soak a lint-free cloth in proprietary grease remover or white spirit. Gently dab the area, blotting the solvent as much as possible. Repeat if necessary, then allow to dry.
 

How to remove lipstick, makeup or shoe polish stains from wool

 

1
Gently dab from the edge of the stain with a cloth soaked with white spirit or spot-cleaning spray.

2
Press gently with an absorbent cloth or towel to soak up excess solvent then allow to dry.
 
 
 
The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to remove lipstick, makeup or shoe polish stains from wool

How to remove red wine, fruit or fruit juice stains from wool

1
Rinse as much of the drink as possible with clean water then apply a dilute solution of Woolmark-approved detergent in tepid water.

2
If the stain persists create a mixture of 3 parts surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol, plus 1 part of cold water and dab the stain with the mixture. Blot excess liquid.
 
 
 
The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to remove red wine, fruit or fruit juice stains from wool

How to remove egg or milk stains from wool

 

1
Mix half a teaspoon of salt into one cup tepid water and dab the stain with the solution. Rinse well and blot up excess water.

2
If stain persists then add one teaspoon of biological detergent to a cup of warm water and apply this solution to the stain, then wait for 15 minutes. Rinse well with clean water
 
3
Repeat the action with a cloth soaked in diluted white vinegar to neutralise the biological detergent.
 

How to remove black coffee stains from wool

 

1
Ideally immediately, rinse under cold running water to dilute the coffee.

2
If the coffee stain has already dried, then make a mix of 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda with 1 cup tepid water. Soak a lint-free cloth in the solution and lightly dab the stained area. Press gently with an absorbent cloth.
 
3
If the stain persists, apply a solution of 3 parts surgical spirit or rubbing alcohol, plus 1 part cold water. Press gently with an absorbent cloth.
 
 
 
The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to remove black coffee stains from wool

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to store wool

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to dry wool

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How to wash wool

Washing wool is easy. Wool is naturally stain resistant, odour resistant and also crease resistant, so actually requires less washing. This means that caring for wool is both easy and gentle on the planet. But when it is time to wash wool clothes, you can either wash them in a washing machine, or hand wash with ease.

Read more

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to wash a wool blanket

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to hand and machine wash wool

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to wash wool socks

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to wash a wool suit

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The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances
How to wash a wool sweater

The Wake Up and Care for Wool Show with Frances

 

It’s never too early to learn how to care for wool clothes. Join Frances as she explores the simple and easy steps of wool care. Watch the full series here or chose a video below.

HOW TO STORE WOOL CLOTHES

The daily struggle of finding something to wear hidden amongst a year’s worth of garments is an unnecessary battle. But with a little forethought and some planning, your wardrobe can be transformed from garment jungle to serene oasis where everything has its place.

read more

best detergents for wool

It’s time to wash your favourite item of Merino wool clothing. But which detergent should you use when machine washing or hand washing wool? A neutral, mild wool detergent will help to prolong the lifespan of your favourite wool sweater or any other piece of clothing.

read more
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How do I dry wool?

After washing your wool clothes, it is recommended the garments are carefully dried flat, unless your garment’s care claim states it can be tumble dried.
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What is pilling?

What is pilling? These fuzzy balls on the surface of clothing often result in an unsightly or worn out appearance. Learn more about where they come from.