Caring for Your Wool Knitwear

Looked after well, a wool garment can last a lifetime. Wool is naturally hardwearing, odour-resistant and largely self-cleaning – so caring for it is far simpler than most people imagine. This is my complete guide to keeping your knitwear beautiful for years to come.

Washing

First, ask whether you need to wash at all – airing a garment overnight is usually enough. When a wash is genuinely needed, hand-wash gently in lukewarm water with a little wool detergent, never rubbing or wringing. My full step-by-step guide explains how to wash a wool jumper without ruining it.

Drying and reshaping

Always dry wool flat, away from direct heat and sunlight. Press out excess water in a towel, reshape the garment by hand, and never hang it while wet – the weight of the water will pull it out of shape.

Storing and moth prevention

Store knitwear clean, folded and in a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic, with natural deterrents such as cedar and lavender to keep moths away. My guide to storing woollens and deterring moths naturally covers everything you need.

Mending and repair

A small hole is never the end of a garment. Simple darning and visible mending can give knitwear a new lease of life – learn the basics in my guide to mending your knitwear. And remember, every piece of Ossian knitwear carries a lifetime guarantee of repair, so you can always get in touch for help.