Not every garment containing wool has the same washing instructions. Start with the whole garment’s label, not a general fibre recipe. Assess a lined coat, knitted sweater and trousers separately before choosing water, programme or drying method.
Read the permitted method
Woolmark makes machine washing conditional on the garment label. Check whether this garment permits machine washing or hand washing, or requires another care method. For an unreadable label, seek the exact model’s manufacturer instructions. A wool programme does not permit washing a garment whose instructions prohibit it.
Plan before wetting
Record the garment’s temperature, process and drying restrictions. Inspect decoration, fastenings, lining and damage needing attention. Prepare a place to complete the process rather than improvise for a wet item. Do not replace a missing instruction with another wool garment’s temperature.
Choose product and settings
Woolmark recommends a mild, neutral detergent. Check its instructions against the garment requirements. Avoid both chlorine and oxygen bleach when washing wool. For permitted machine washing, compare the actual device settings with the label rather than relying only on a programme name. For hand washing, follow the item manufacturer without assigning one soaking time to all constructions.
Complete and assess
Use the drying method specified for this garment. Once fully dry, compare seams, shape, fastenings and lining with the earlier condition. Record any change and establish further action. Do not try to reverse a change by washing again on a stronger programme, and do not use washing to change the garment’s size. Woolmark.
