Winter is here, which means it’s time to swap those sundresses and linen shirts for something a little warmer. With weather patterns changing within days (or hours) in Colorado, wool is a popular choice across the state. In this blog, you’ll learn more about why wool needs specialty care, how to clean your woolen garments at home, and when and why you should consider dry cleaning your wool clothing.
Why Wool Needs Specialty Care
Wool is a delicate fiber that warms you up while wicking moisture away from your body. Plus, some types of wool are naturally stain- and odor-resistant, making it a great choice for winter wear. However, to retain these properties and keep your wool clothing in top condition, take extra care during the washing process. Many items (especially structured items like blazers or jackets) may need to be dry cleaned to prevent them from becoming misshapen or damaged.
How To Clean Wool At Home
When it comes time to wash your woolen clothing, step away from the washing machine. Too much agitation, harsh soaps, or too high of heat can transform your soft woolen clothes into rough, uncomfortable garments. Instead, follow these steps:
Spot Clean When Necessary
Some wool can be stain-resistant, but no one wants a noticeable mark on their clothing. If the label says your garment can be hand-washed, don’t be afraid to spot-clean every once in a while. If you notice a stain, use a mild detergent or special woolen laundry liquid to gently dab at the stain.
Wash Wool By Hand
To prevent your wool clothes from becoming rough or misshapen, avoid machine washing wool unless it’s explicitly stated in the care label. If the care label says your garment may be hand-washed, follow these steps:
- Add some mild detergent to clean, lukewarm water
- Turn your garment inside out and gently swish it around in the water for about a minute
- Let the clothing sit and soak in the water for about 10 minutes
- Remove the garment and empty your vessel of soapy water
- Fill your vessel back up with clean, lukewarm water and swish the clothing around again to wash out any remaining soap
- Lay flat to dry
How To Dry Your Wool Items
Drying your woolen items flat will prevent them from stretching. Place a towel over a counter or flat surface and then place your garment on top. Carefully roll the towel up (with the garment inside) to absorb excess moisture. Then, unroll the towel and lay the garment on a new, clean towel to air dry.
Why Wool Should Be Dry Cleaned
If your garment’s tag says “Dry Clean Only,” don’t take it lightly. Some woolen items, like pea coats or blazers, are extremely delicate. For these items, contact with water may destroy the integrity of the garment, rending it unwearable.
It’s a good idea to take wool sweaters to the dry cleaners to remove stains, maintain their color, and retain the fabric’s quality. Dependable Cleaners’ stain removal experts are well-versed in removing stains from delicate fabrics like wool without causing damage. Plus, since dry cleaning is so gentle, regular cleanings can help your sweaters retain their vibrancy years after you purchase them.
At the very least, it’s a good idea to bring your wool sweaters and jackets to the dry cleaner at the end of the season. Not only will Dependable Cleaners closely follow the care label, but each garment will go through our 7-point inspection to ensure we catch all stains, repair buttons, cut loose threads, and return your items back to you as good as new.
Are you looking for a Colorado dry cleaner you can trust? Visit one of Dependable Cleaners’ many locations to learn more about our high standards of quality.
