how do i wash merino wool cardigans?

falady

Morning all,

Hope everyone is Ok today.

I've got a couple of merino wool cardigans which need washing for the first time. The label says dry clean only, but i'd like to handwash them if possible. Am I Ok to just use normal washing powder diluted in a sink full of water? Can they be left to soak? I guess I shouldn't wring them out too hard...

Any tips would be much appreciated!

many thanks,

Ali

Mrs._Irwin

Depends what you mean by normal washing powder - never use a bio powder on wool. Other than that I can't help as I never do handwashing.

Mrs. Irwin
xx

Pollycat

Ali
I'd wait until you get a few more answers on this, but this is what I would do.

My washing machine has a wool cycle and I've used it for all my woollens, including a Jaeger jumper that says '100% merino extra fine wool'.
Everything has come out great, even the stuff that says 'Dry Clean Only'.
I do use a non-biological liquid though.
Maybe you could do a 'test' wash with a wollen item that is not so special?

Polly

EmptyPurse

To be honest I'd buy a box of soap flakes. Yes, it costs a pound or two but they're far better for very delicate fabrics (and cheaper than taking things to the dry cleaner).

The instructions will probably tell you to use warm water. I find it's actually better to pour a bit of boiling water over the soap flakes and then top up with cold water until cool enough to put your hand into the water; this dissolves the flakes far better than using just warm water.

When you wash it, don't rub the cardigan too hard as this will damage the wool; gently massage it with your fingertips until the dirt is out. Rinse thoroughly (usually needs several changes of water), squeeze slightly to remove excess water (don't wring it out, though, as this will ruin the shape of the garment). Wrap the cardigan up in a clean towel and stand on it for a second or two - yes, really! The towel acts as a blotter and your weight will press all the water out onto the towel. Then lay the cardigan out flat somewhere to dry: this is essential as it will quickly lose its shape if you hang it up.

champys

EmptyPurse wrote: »

To be honest I'd buy a box of soap flakes. Yes, it costs a pound or two but they're far better for very delicate fabrics (and cheaper than taking things to the dry cleaner).

Yes I also use soap flakes for my delicate woollens - and they work very well for silks, too. Plus for some specific technical outdoor garments such as ventile. It is indeed a bit of an investment, but you only use a little at a time so a box lasts for ages.

EmptyPurse

Forgot to say, I also use soap flakes to handwash expensive lacy underwear/wired bras that can't go into the washing machine. Oh, and it can be used in the washing machine in v. small quantities if you manage to run out of normal washing powder!!!

falady

thank you everyone - your help is much appreciated! :T

I think we've got non-bio powder at home, but it sounds like soap flakes are the best thing to use. Our washing machine does have a wool cycle, but i haven't used it before so i'm a bit wary as i don't want to wreck the cardigans! A good idea pollycat to test something cheaper.

Can I get soap flakes in the supermarket / wilkinsons etc?

Thank you all once again.

Ali x

EmptyPurse

Yes, most large supermarkets stock soap flakes. They come in a cardboard box and can be found in the same aisle as the normal washing detergents. I can't remember the brand name offhand but mine come in a blue-coloured box and are Woolmark approved.

Downsizing__for_sanity

Hi, I used to work for a cashmere company based in the NE of Scotland, and we sold special cashmere shampoo for handwashing. However, the staff all used a small drop of a mild shampoo (baby shampoo is ideal) for washing their cashmere as after all, cashmere is hair (from the Kashmir goat). If I remember correctly, merino is wool from sheep, but the same principle should apply. Make sure the water isn't more than lukewarm! I often wash cashmere in the machine as mine has a gentle cycle at 30 degrees, with a very gentle spin.

Regards,

DFS

ellie14

In the past I have washed wool cardigans sweaters cashmere in yes shampoo a mild one .Having been a hairdresser thought ,if it cleanses the scalp and hair bound to be suitable for delicates,never had a failure .One point after dissolving whatever product you use make sure the water temp is only cool apparently our hands can stand a lot higher than 40 degrees and its easy to think its cool when its not ,and thats cruicial with wool .