DO:
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Use cool water – Helps prevent felting, color bleed, and fiber damage
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Use a gentle cycle – Reduces friction and maintains wool’s softness
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Choose a wool-friendly detergent – Avoid harsh chemicals, enzymes, or fabric softeners
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Pre-dilute detergent in water – Pouring it directly onto fabric can damage fibers and affect colors
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Remove wool from the washer promptly – Prevents excess moisture absorption and fiber damage
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Use color catchers – Helps absorb stray dye and prevent color transfer
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Store properly – Keep in a breathable bag or drawer with cedar or lavender to deter moths
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Know your wool! – Superwash and pre-felted wool (like Bumby with lycra) can be machine washed, but 100% feltable wool will continue to shrink if not handled properly
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Not all wool is the same – Check its care needs before washing.
DON'TS:
🚫 No enzymes! – Enzymes break down protein fibers like wool, leading to damage.
🚫 No direct detergent application! – Always pre-dilute detergent before adding to the wash.
🚫 No prolonged soaking! – Wool fibers can weaken and become waterlogged.
🚫 No excessive agitation! – Rough handling can cause felting.
🚫 No extreme temperature shock! – Avoid sudden shifts from hot to cold water, as this can cause felting and fiber stress.
🚫 No alkaline water! – High pH water can lead to color bleeding; adjust with a pinch of citric acid or vinegar if needed, but use sparingly to avoid washer damage.
🚫 No heat drying! – Heat can shrink wool, create wavy seams, and degrade lycra.
🚫 No fabric softeners or bleach! – These coat or break down wool fibers.
🚫 No leaving wool sitting wet in the washer! – Remove immediately to maintain fabric integrity.
🚫 No drying wool in direct sun! – Can cause fading and fiber weakening.
🚫 No drying on thin bars or clothes pins! – Can create marks or distort fabric shape.