When thinking of wool, many of us get the flashbacks of the coarse and itchy woolen sweaters that our moms made us wear when we were little. However, there are many different types of wool, some of them softer than others, and they all require special treatments and certain conditions. Today, we’ll discuss how we need to wash, dry, store, and wear the most popular types of wool if we want them to be as long-lasting as possible.
Course wool
How to wash: Clothing made of wool is probably the hardest to take care of compared to those made of other types of woolen fabric. If you don’t wash them correctly, you risk getting a garment that is two times smaller than the original one. The advantage is that woolen clothes don’t need to be washed that often, but when you decide that it is time to give them a good scrub, make sure to turn your clothes inside out and wash them by hand in lukewarm water with a delicate detergent.
How to dry: Don’t, under any circumstances, put your woolen clothes in the dryer, as it will lead to them shrinking and losing their original form. Instead, gently squeeze as much water as you can from them and lay them on a flat surface to dry.
How to store: The most important rule that you need to remember if you want your clothes to last is that you need to fold them and not hang them.
How to wear: The biggest disadvantage of regular course wool is that it is thick, heavy, and itchy, so that not too many people are fond of woolen garments. If you happen to have a sweater made of ordinary wool that you like dearly but can’t wear because it irritates your skin, a good idea would be to add an extra layer underneath, for example a long sleeve top. Other than that, woolen accessories such as mittens and scarves are also perfect for the cold winter season.
Merino wool
How to wash: Merino wool is much thinner and more delicate than regular wool, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that it can be machine washed. Wash it by hand if it really needs to be cleaned, but if you want to keep it fresh for a longer period of time, hang it outside or in a well-ventilated area so that it can freshen up by itself.
How to dry: Try squeezing as much of the water as you can and lay your garment on a towel, flipping it periodically until it is totally dry.
How to store: This fabric is attractive to moths, so apart from the general rule that you shouldn’t hang your garments, you can also put them in an airtight vacuum bag or container in order to avoid these insects.
How to wear: The most popular garments made of Merino wool are the Aran sweaters, so if you need a garment that would be both beautiful and practical, a cable knit Irish sweater is the way to go. Merino wool is also the favorite fabric of travelers, because it is odor resistant and offers natural UV protection, so apart from the sweaters, the shirts and socks are sure to keep you warm and well insulated.
Alpaca wool
How to wash: Alpaca wool is durable and more resistant than other fabrics, so in certain cases it can be washed in the machine on a gentle cycle and with a special mild detergent. But if you want to play it safe, we recommend sticking to the hand washing method.
How to dry: When squeezing the water, don’t twist your garment, but simply press on it to avoid any damages. Lay it to dry outside or in a room with open air and your garment should dry quickly.
How to store: If you don’t want your alpaca wool clothes and accessories to be destroyed by the moths or for these insects to lay their eggs on them, store them in an airtight container, especially over summer.
How to wear: Alpaca wool is hypoallergenic, which makes it great for baby clothes and blankets, as well as perfect for kids and adults who suffer from allergies or are prone to developing skin conditions. Scarves and sweaters are also highly popular, especially those with Christmas designs and traditional motifs.
