Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Wool
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning Wool
Wool is a truly remarkable material—treasured for its warmth, natural softness, and enduring beauty. However, maintaining its luxurious condition takes more than just a quick wash. At Woollando, we understand the intricacies of wool care and want to ensure that every piece—from bed linen to sheepskins—remains pristine for years to come.
Below, we reveal the most common cleaning mistakes people make when handling wool products—and how you can avoid them.
Mistake #1: Using Harsh Detergents
Why It’s Harmful:Conventional or strong detergents can strip wool of its natural oils, leaving fibres dry, brittle, and prone to damage. These oils are essential for maintaining wool’s softness and elasticity.
What to Do Instead:Choose a gentle, wool-safe detergent specifically designed to preserve natural fibres. Always follow the care label, especially for items like our bed linen or throws. If handwashing, use cool water and avoid any product containing bleach or enzymes.Mistake #2: Ignoring Stain Removal Guidelines
Why It Matters: Using the wrong method to treat a stain can cause it to set permanently or spread further across the fibres, especially with delicate wool items.What to Do Instead:Always blot stains—never rub. Use a clean, damp cloth and act quickly. For stubborn marks, consult the care instructions or consider professional cleaning. Our clothing and plaid collections come with detailed care guidance to help you maintain their pristine appearance.
Mistake #3: Over-agitating Wool During Washing
The Consequences: Agitation causes wool fibres to tangle and felt together, resulting in shrinkage and a rough texture. This process, called “felting,” permanently changes the structure of the fabric.How To Clean Correctly:If machine washing is permitted, always use a gentle or wool cycle. When washing by hand, gently swish the item in cool water and avoid twisting or wringing. Lay flat to dry, especially for larger pieces like blankets and throws, to preserve their shape and feel.
Mistake #4: Exposing Wool to High Heat
The Danger:High temperatures—whether from hot water, tumble dryers, or even direct sunlight—can cause wool to shrink, lose shape, or become stiff and faded.
Preventive Measures:Always wash in cool or lukewarm water, and air dry woollen items flat and out of direct sunlight. Avoid tumble drying altogether. If you need to iron, use the lowest setting, and always place a damp cloth between the iron and the wool to avoid scorching.
Mistake #5: Skipping Maintenance Routine
Why It’s Key: Neglecting your wool products allows dust, dirt, and oils to accumulate, which can dull their natural lustre and weaken fibres over time.Maintenance Tips:Shake out and air wool items regularly.
Brush gently with a soft-bristled brush to remove surface dust.
For items like sheepskins, a light vacuum using a low-suction setting can refresh the pile without damaging the fibres.
Mistake #6: Storing Wool Incorrectly
What could go wrong:Improper storage can lead to musty odours, moth infestations, or permanent creasing.
How to store wool properly:Always clean items before storing.
Use breathable cotton or linen storage bags, never plastic.
Add natural moth repellents such as cedar blocks or lavender sachets.
For bulky items like blankets or pillows, fold loosely and store in a dry, shaded cupboard.
Why Woollando Wool Deserves Special Care
At Woollando, we offer an array of luxurious wool products, including bed linen, blankets, clothes, pillows, plaids, sheepskins, and threads. Each item is crafted with premium materials such as alpaca wool, bamboo, camel wool, cotton, dog wool, down/feathers, elastane, lamb wool, leather, merino wool, microfibre, modacrylic, natural fur, polyamide, polyester, sheep wool, and silk.We pride ourselves on offering products that embody warmth, coziness, naturalness, and quality. Proper care ensures that you can enjoy the longevity and performance of these exceptional items.Conclusion
Caring for wool is less about complication and more about intention. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can extend the life of your favourite wool items, preserve their softness, and maintain their beautiful, natural finish.
Explore more expert care tips—or discover our curated range of premium woollen products—by visiting Woollando. Your commitment to high-quality wool deserves results that last.
Feel the warmth. Embrace the natural. Care the Woollando way.