Can I wash wool?

Yes, you can wash wool, even in the washing machine. Use a wool wash cycle (max 30 degrees), a wool detergent with lanolin such as Lanalicious and avoid temperature fluctuations. Wool often doesn't need to be washed; airing it out is usually enough.

The short answer? Yes. Absolutely. You can wash wool. Even at home. Even in the washing machine. Just not the way you wash a pair of jeans or a sports shirt. And that is exactly where it often goes wrong.

In the shop, I hear it almost daily: "I’m actually afraid to wash wool." Or even better: "Wool shouldn't go in the wash, right?" Time to calmly and honestly explain that myth.

Why wool actually doesn't need to be washed often

Wool is a natural fiber with a superpower: it is self-cleaning. Because of lanolin (the natural wool grease), wool is naturally antibacterial. As a result, odors linger much less than with synthetic fabrics.

It’s not for nothing that we often (well, let's say every day) advise: hang your wool clothing out to air after wearing it. Hang your wool sweater (or socks) outside or in the bathroom overnight after taking a shower. In many cases, that is more than enough.

But can I really wash wool?

And by that, I mean: washing wool clothing in the washing machine? Yes. If necessary, you can perfectly well wash your wool clothing, sweaters, blankets, or socks in your washing machine. Provided you do it gently and with care.

Important to know: at Natur-el, we deliberately do not sell superwash wool. Our wool is untreated and organic. This means that the natural properties of wool are still present. Why do we very explicitly choose wool without superwash? Read about it here!

Those properties ensure that wool can shrink if washed incorrectly, but also that wool cleans itself and therefore needs to be washed much less frequently. The great advantage is that you almost never need to wash wool, but you can, provided you do it with care. That is why we wrote this blog, with tips to safely care for your wool.

How to wash wool safely (without the drama)

1. Only wash if it is truly necessary
Every wash cycle puts stress on the fibers. Less washing means longer enjoyment of your woolens.

2. Use a wool detergent with lanolin
Use, for example, Lanalicious. No regular detergent and certainly no enzymes. Why this is so important, you can read here.

3. Hand wash or wool cycle
Hand washing is usually preferred, but let's be honest: washing wool by hand is labor-intensive. Especially if you have a lot of wool clothing. That is why we often advise washing wool in the washing machine on a genuine wool cycle. Maximum 30 degrees, low spin speed.

Note: a hand wash cycle on your machine is not the same as a wool cycle. That difference is crucial.

4. Temperature fluctuations are the enemy
Hot to cold means shrinkage. Keep everything consistent. Especially with organic wool, like the kind we sell at Natur-el, the chance of shrinkage from washing incorrectly is highest. Despite that, we make a conscious choice not to use superwash wool. Why that is, you can read here.

5. Drying flat
Never on a hanger and never on the radiator. Lay your wool flat on a towel and always gently pull your wool clothing into shape after washing. Especially in length, because nothing is more annoying than sweaters and wool undershirts that are too short.

Why things sometimes still go wrong with wool

Most wool disasters don't happen because of the washing itself, but because of these classics:

• Washing too hot and then rinsing with cold water (temperature fluctuations)
• Using regular detergent without lanolin
• An overloaded washing machine (wash a maximum of 2.5 kg of wool at a time)
• Spinning too hard or too long
• Drying on a hanger (wet wool is heavy and stretches out more quickly)

And then people say: "See? Wool can't be washed." While it was actually about how you wash your wool clothing.

What I often hear in the shop

"This wool sweater smells, and while it isn't technically dirty, it just feels a bit… worn." Exactly that moment when airing is better than washing. You will be amazed at how happy your wool sweater looks again after a night outside or in a humid bathroom.

Wool doesn't require a strict regimen, but rather loving attention. And you get that attention back twofold in wearing comfort. Because once you've worn pure wool, you actually never want anything else. Agreed?

Sustainable washing means less washing

If you shop with us, I assume for convenience that you value sustainability. Then it is good to realize that every wash cycle costs water and energy, and promotes wear and tear. And that is why wool fits so well with a sustainable life: you need to wash it less and, on balance, you wear it much longer.

Also check out our blog about the phenomenon of cost-per-wear, because that is exactly where wool often excels.

Proper care means: looking good longer, less waste, more enjoyment.

Frequently asked questions about washing wool

Can wool go in the washing machine?

Yes. Use a wool cycle, a wool detergent with lanolin such as Lanalicious and a low spin speed.

Does wool always shrink in the wash?

No. Wool shrinks due to temperature fluctuations and improper treatment, not because of (hot) water or washing itself.

How often should I wash wool?

As little as possible. Often, airing is sufficient. Sometimes only a few times per season.

Can wool be dry-cleaned?

Preferably not as a standard practice. Dry cleaning is hard on the fiber and the environment. Only for real stains that you cannot get out yourself. Tip: always check with your local dry cleaner if they have experience with cleaning wool.

Are you in doubt? Ask us

Every type of wool is different. And to be fair: better to ask once than to cry over the washing machine once. Alpaca, for example, sometimes requires a different approach than merino, and cashmere can react just a little differently too.

Do you have any more questions about washing your wool? Call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. We are happy to help you.

And would you like to feel, try on, and compare wool? In our shop in the Oude Noorden of Rotterdam, we would love to show it to you. You are welcome.