Taking care of your wool

A lovely customer emailed us here at Blarney Woollen Mills a picture of this Aran sweater which was purchased in Blarney Woollen Mills over 30 years ago, in pristine condition. We strive to produce sustainable clothing that last a lifetime. Wool is a natural, durable material that can last for years if cared for properly. Wool care helps maintain the quality of the fibers, ensuring that they stay soft, strong, and resistant to wear and tear.

Here we will give you some tips on how to keep your wool in the best condition and looking brand new for years to come.

Wool is a natural fiber that can be cared for in a number of ways to keep it looking its best. Wool can be sensitive to certain cleaning methods and products, which can cause damage to the fibers or lead to shrinkage or felting. Proper care of your woolen garments helps prevent damage and ensures that the wool maintains its shape and size.

Wool fibers can absorb moisture and odors, which can lead to bacteria growth and unpleasant smells. Proper wool care, including washing and airing out the garment, helps maintain hygiene and freshness.

1. Avoid exposing wool to direct heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, as this can cause it to shrink or become misshapen.
2. To clean wool, you can use a mild detergent or soap and lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause the wool to shrink.
3. After washing wool, gently squeeze out excess water and lay the item flat to dry. Avoid wringing or twisting the wool, as this can cause it to lose it’s shape.
4. To remove stains from wool, you can try using a mixture of water and a small amount of mild detergent. Rub the mixture gently into the stain and then rinse with water.
5. Avoid hanging wool items to dry, as this can cause them to stretch out of shape.
6. To store wool, fold it and place it in a drawer or closet. You can also hang wool items on a padded hanger to prevent them from losing their shape.
7. To remove wrinkles from wool, you can use a cool iron or steam the item. Avoid using a hot iron, as this can damage the wool.

How to avoid or remove pilling on your wool sweater:

Wool garments can be prone to pilling, fading, or losing their shape over time. Wool care can help prevent these issues, ensuring that the garment maintains its appearance and remains wearable for years to come. Pilling is a common issue with wool sweaters, but there are several steps you can take to avoid or remove it:

1. Choose high-quality wool: Higher quality wool fibers are less likely to pill than lower quality ones. Look for sweaters made from 100% natural, long-staple wool fibers.
2. Hand wash your wool: To avoid pilling, wash your wool sweater by hand. Avoid washing it with other clothing items that have zippers or buttons, as they can cause friction and lead to pilling.
3. Use a gentle detergent: Choose a mild, wool-specific detergent to avoid damaging the fibers.
4. Air dry: Instead of using a dryer, lay your sweater flat to air dry. Avoid hanging it, as this can cause the sweater to stretch out of shape.
5. Remove pills with a sweater shaver or sweater stone: If your sweater does start to pill, use a sweater shaver or sweater stone to remove the pills. These tools gently remove the fuzz without damaging the fibers.
6. Store your sweater properly: To avoid pilling during storage, fold your sweater and store it in a drawer or on a shelf. Avoid hanging it, as this can cause the fibers to stretch and lead to pilling.

Proper wool care can help extend the life of a garment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and reducing waste. This can help promote sustainability and reduce the environmental impact of wool production. By following these simple steps, you can help keep your wool items looking their best for years to come!

Find your forever Aran sweater today.