How To Wash Wool in a Washing Machine

How To Machine-wash Wool

Brush And Pretreat Stains

When it comes to machine-washing a wool coat, it’s important to take some extra steps to ensure its longevity and maintain its shape. Before loading the coat into the washer, it’s crucial to brush off any dirt or debris and pretreat any stains. This will help prevent the stains from setting in and ensure a cleaner result. Here’s how to do it:

• Start by using a soft-bristle brush to gently remove any loose dirt or debris from the coat. Brush in the direction of the fabric’s grain to avoid damaging the fibers.
• If you notice any stains on the coat, it’s important to pretreat them before washing. You can use a mild detergent or a stain remover specifically designed for wool garments.
• Apply a small amount of the detergent or stain remover directly to the stained area and gently rub it in with a clean cloth or sponge. Be careful not to rub too vigorously, as this could damage the fabric.
• Let the pretreatment sit for a few minutes to allow it to penetrate the stain. This will help loosen the stain and make it easier to remove during the wash cycle.
• After pretreating the stains, give the coat another gentle brush to remove any loosened dirt or debris.

Set The Washer Cycle And Water Temperature

Once you have brushed and pretreated any stains on your wool coat, it’s time to set the washer cycle and water temperature. The right settings will ensure that your coat is cleaned effectively without causing any damage. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Check the care label on your wool coat to determine the recommended washing instructions. It will provide guidance on the appropriate water temperature and cycle settings.
2. For most wool coats, it is best to use a gentle or delicate cycle. This will minimize agitation and help protect the fabric.
3. Set the water temperature to cold or lukewarm. Hot water can shrink and damage wool fibers, so it’s important to avoid using it.
4. Consider using a wool-specific detergent or a mild, pH-neutral detergent that is suitable for delicate fabrics. These detergents are designed to clean wool effectively without causing any harm.
5. Measure the appropriate amount of detergent according to the instructions on the packaging. Using too much detergent can leave residue on the coat, while using too little may not clean it effectively.

Load The Washer

Now that you have set the washer cycle and water temperature, it’s time to load the wool coat into the machine. Proper loading will help ensure that the coat is cleaned thoroughly and doesn’t get damaged during the wash. Here’s how to do it:

• Turn the wool coat inside out before placing it in the washer. This will help protect the outer surface and prevent any pilling or damage.
• Place the coat in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to further protect it during the wash cycle. This will help prevent any snags or tears.
• If you are washing multiple items along with the coat, make sure they are similar in weight and color to avoid any color bleeding or imbalance in the machine.
• Close the zipper and any buttons or fasteners on the coat to prevent them from getting caught or damaged during the wash.
• Once the coat is securely loaded, start the washer and let it run through the selected cycle. Avoid using any additional settings such as pre-wash or heavy-duty cycles, as they can be too harsh for wool garments.

Air-dry The Coat

After the wash cycle is complete, it’s time to air-dry your wool coat. Proper drying is crucial to prevent shrinking and maintain the coat’s shape and texture. Here’s what you need to do:

• Remove the coat from the washer and gently squeeze out any excess water. Avoid wringing or twisting the coat, as this can damage the fibers.
• Lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface and place the coat on top of it. Reshape the coat to its original form by gently stretching and smoothing out any wrinkles or creases.
• Allow the coat to air-dry naturally in a well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Hanging the coat can cause it to stretch or lose its shape, so it’s best to lay it flat.
• Periodically check the coat during the drying process and continue reshaping it if needed. This will help ensure that it retains its original structure.
• Depending on the thickness of the coat and the ambient temperature, drying can take anywhere from a few hours to a day or more. Be patient and avoid using any artificial heat sources to speed up the process.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

Using Hot Water

One of the most common mistakes people make when washing their wool coat is using hot water. Wool is a delicate fabric that can easily shrink or become misshapen when exposed to high temperatures. To avoid this mistake, always use lukewarm water when washing your wool coat. Here are some additional tips:

• Fill a basin or sink with lukewarm water and add a small amount of gentle detergent.
• Submerge the coat in the water and gently agitate it to distribute the detergent.
• Let the coat soak for 10-15 minutes, then rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water.
• Press the excess water out of the coat, but do not wring or twist it.
• Reshape the coat and lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry.

Skipping The Drying Step

Another common mistake people make when washing their wool coat is skipping the drying step. Wool is a fabric that can easily hold onto moisture, and if left wet for too long, it can develop a musty odor or even mold. To avoid this mistake, always make sure your wool coat is fully dry before storing it. Here are some additional tips:

• After pressing the excess water out of the coat, use a clean towel to blot any remaining moisture.
• Hang the coat on a hanger or lay it flat on a clean towel to air dry in a well-ventilated area.
• Avoid direct sunlight or heat sources as they can cause the wool to fade or shrink.
• Flip the coat over occasionally to ensure it dries evenly.
• Once the coat is fully dry, store it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

By avoiding these common mistakes and following these DIY methods, you can keep your wool coat looking its best for years to come.