How to Wash Woollen Jumpers Naturally
Woollen jumpers are one of life’s great comforts - soft, warm, smugly reassuring - but they are a little high-maintenance. Treat them badly and they’ll repay you by shrinking to the size of a toddler or going scratchy in protest. Treat them kindly, though, and they’ll last forever, like a good novel or a loyal dog.
The trick? Keep things natural. Wool is a natural fibre, so it wants to be handled gently - no harsh detergents, no punishing hot washes, no enthusiastic wringing like you’re trying to extract its secrets. Commercial detergents can be far too brutal, stripping the fibres and leaving them misshapen and sad. Natural formulas keep everything soft, calm and perfectly civilised.
Here’s how I wash my woollens - the gentle way:
Step 1: Gather your supplies
You’ll need:
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A natural Wool & Silk Wash (mine is made with all-natural ingredients and keeps everything beautifully soft).
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A clean sink or basin.
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Cool water (wool hates heat).
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Clean towels.
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A soft brush - a baby brush, makeup brush or anything that whispers rather than shouts.
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And for afterwards: a Cashmere Comb and our Cashmere Refresher, which is basically a spa day for jumpers.
Step 2: Inspect before you dunk
Check for stains. If you find anything dramatic, dab gently with a little natural stain remover.
Step 3: Prepare the bath
Fill your basin with cool water, add your Wool Wash and swirl gently. No frothing, no sloshing — we’re not making a bubble bath.
Step 4: Soak
Lower your jumper in (slowly, lovingly). Press it down until fully submerged. Leave it for 10–15 minutes to quietly loosen the week’s dramas.
Step 5: Gentle clean
Using your soft brush, sweep away any lint or dirt. No vigorous scrubbing - wool dislikes confrontation.
Step 6: Rinse
Drain the soapy water and refill with cool, clean water. Gently swish. Repeat until the water runs clear and your jumper looks faintly angelic.
Step 7: Remove excess water
Absolutely no wringing. Instead, lay your jumper between two towels and press. Think "firm encouragement," not "interrogation."
Step 8: Reshape & dry
Lay flat on a dry towel and coax it back into its original shape. Don’t hang it — it will stretch like a bored teenager. Let it air dry away from heat and sunlight.
Step 9: Bring it back to life
Once dry, use a Cashmere Comb to remove any bobbles. I then finish with a mist of our Cashmere Refresher, which keeps everything smelling clean and fresh between washes — a complete revelation if, like me, you prefer not to wash wool unless absolutely necessary.
Your jumper will now be soft, fluffy and wholly delightful - ready for another season of cold mornings, long walks, and hiding under coats in draughty cafés.
As always, if you have any questions, just reply - I’m always happy to help (and to enable good knitwear care).
