Can you wash wool in the washing machine

You might end up disfiguring your sweater. Instead, gently remove the water by pressing the item against the side of your sink or tub. Good news: Boyd and Whiting reassure that the washing machine isn't off limits for washing wool garments. Once again, though, you just need to be careful. Then allow it to dry. Then, unroll it and replace the wet towel with a fresh, dry one. Place it on drying rack, and reshape it again. Oh, and big, big emphasis on shaping and stategically laying out your wool items.

It may not seem like a big deal to hang them on a clothesline or toss them on whatever surface is in front of you, but this is the make-or-break moment of whether or not your piece will lose its shape. Some other easy laundry hacks to get you through the season? Here's how to wash a down coat without taking it to the cleaners, and here's how to take care of your gloves —because yes, they can get super-germy. Another clue? The price.

If the fabric feels luxurious and liquid, it likely will do fine with hand washing. If it creases and wrinkles badly, send it to the dry cleaners.

Remember, if your item has a blend of fabrics or two different fabrics, as in a coat with a lining , always clean according to the more finicky one. If you have something particularly sentimental or fragile, playing it safe may be the better option. For particularly filthy or stained items, call the professionals. Lindsey J. Boyd, co-founder, The Laundress , email interview, May 1, My father has Icelandic wool sweaters that have never been washed, they are hung out on misty and cold nights.

When washing wool always use a wool and silk wash or shampoo. You can also use a mild, natural baby shampoo. Avoid fabric softener and fabric conditioner. If in any doubt, hand-wash. Certain things like hand knits and alpaca knits will always need to be hand washed. So here are our top tips for spot-washing, hand-washing, drying and generally caring for your wool. Spot-washing is a great way to make your woollen clothes last even longer between washes. If the mark has soaked through, place a cloth or towel behind the layer of jumper, trousers or garment as you dab to absorb any excess and prevent the stain from soaking through to more of the item.

Fill the sink or a bucket with cold or tepid water and add your wool wash or shampoo. Leave the garment to soak for ten minutes and then rinse through twice with cold or tepid water. Always make sure the wash and rinse water is the same temperature.