How to Keep Your Wool Jumpers Soft, Fresh, and Long-Lasting
Wool jumpers are winter essentials, known for their warmth and comforting softness. But, as anyone who owns them knows, they require some extra TLC to keep them in top condition. Wool jumpers often face issues like shrinkage, losing their softness, and the dreaded bobbling or “pilling.” Don’t worry, though – with a few care tips and the right products from JML, you can keep your knitwear looking and feeling as good as new!
Here are some practical ways to wash, dry, and restore your wool clothing, so you can extend its life and avoid those annoying signs of wear and tear:
How to Wash a Wool Jumper
The best way to keep your wool jumpers in great condition is by hand washing them with lukewarm water and a gentle wool detergent. Wool is a delicate fabric, so if you’re going for a machine wash, make sure to use cold water, select the delicate or wool cycle, and pop your jumper into a mesh laundry bag. This extra protection goes a long way in preserving the quality of your knitwear.
Avoid Excessive Washing
And here’s an important tip – avoid fabric softeners! They can leave a residue that clings to the fibres and might even make them feel stiff. Wool is naturally resistant to odours, so there’s no need for excessive washing either. Instead, wear a thin layer underneath to keep it fresh and air it out between wears. If you notice any small stains or spills, spot clean with a mild wool detergent and a damp cloth. This reduces the need for full washes, helping maintain the jumper’s shape and softness.
Maintaining Softness
To keep that warm, comforting softness, always use wool-friendly detergents. For an extra boost, try giving your jumpers an occasional “conditioning” treatment – a cold rinse with a touch of white vinegar or a specialised wool conditioner. This method keeps the wool fibres soft and lovely, giving you that cosy feel every time.
How to Dry a Wool Jumper
Drying is just as important as washing when it comes to wool. Never, ever put a wool jumper in the tumble dryer! It can shrink your wool clothing faster than you can say “shrinkage.” Also, avoid hanging your jumper to dry, as this can cause the fabric to stretch and lose its shape.
Instead, lay your wool jumper flat on a towel and gently roll it up to remove excess water. This method not only maintains the shape but helps dry the wool naturally. For quicker, gentler drying, an indoor heated clothes airer can be a fantastic option – no shrinkage, just a gradual, even drying process that’s gentle on the wool.
How to Iron a Wool Jumper
While it’s usually best to avoid ironing wool jumpers, sometimes they can do with a bit of smoothing out. Always check the care label first, and remember that low heat is the way to go. Set your iron to the wool or medium heat setting, and use a pressing cloth – a simple cotton cloth will work – to protect the wool from direct heat.
A touch of steam is great for wool, as it helps relax the fibres without direct contact. A steam iron is ideal, but you can also mist the jumper with a little water before ironing. Once done, lay it flat on a hard surface to cool for about five minutes, helping the wool settle back into its shape.
How to Restore a Wool Jumper That Has Shrunk
Shrinkage can happen, even when you’re being careful. But if your wool jumper does shrink, you don’t have to give up on it just yet! Start by soaking it in lukewarm water with a bit of baby shampoo or wool conditioner – this helps to relax the fibres. Next, gently stretch the jumper back to shape and pin it to a towel or drying mat to hold it in place while it dries. Severe shrinkage may need a couple of tries, but you’ll be surprised at how much you can restore.
Removing Bobbles, Dust, and Stains
Pilling, or bobbling, is a common issue for wool. Using a fabric shaver or bobble remover can help you remove these bobbles and restore the jumper’s smooth texture. A lint brush is ideal for picking up dust, hair, and crumbs without harming the fibres, and for a quick fix, a sticky lint roller can be great, too—just be gentle to avoid pulling on the fabric.
What’s the Best Way to Store Wool Jumpers?
For storage, always fold your wool jumpers instead of hanging them. Hanging can stretch out the shoulders and ruin the shape. Keep your jumpers safe from moths by using cedar blocks or lavender sachets as natural moth repellents. For seasonal storage, pack them away in zip-lock storage bags to keep out dust and moths, so they’ll be fresh and ready for the next season.
With these easy care tips and the right JML products, you’ll have everything you need to keep your wool jumpers looking great. Ready to keep your favourite wool clothes in top shape? Check out JML’s fabric care collection for even more ways to protect and revive your wardrobe essentials!