How To Wash Wool Jumpers | Guide To Hand Washing Jumpers
Looked after properly, your Alan Paine jumper will last you for many seasons to come. In fact, to extend the life of all of your beloved knitwear, it should be washed with care.
Always follow the washing instructions in your jumper. These will vary according to the wool type. Never expose your knitwear to direct heat as this will lead to shrinking and, remember, never tumble dry unless care instructions indicate otherwise.
How To Wash A Wool Jumper In The Washing Machine
If the wash care label says that you can machine wash your wool jumper, then it means it can safely be machine washed in a washing machine without shrinkage taking place.
1. Turn your jumper inside out, or use a laundry bag.
2. Preferably use a wool detergent.
3. Set your cycle to the wool setting. If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, then use the cold-water wash or wash cycle for delicates.
How To Hand Wash Jumpers
1. If you’re washing more than one jumper, make sure you separate them by colour to avoid the dark colours bleeding i.e., light colours and dark colours.
2. Turn the jumper inside out to minimise friction on face side. If you’re washing a cardigan, help it to keep its shape by buttoning it before washing.
3. Fill a clean sink with lukewarm water and add a teaspoon of a mild or specific wool detergent to the water, or as instructions advise with detergent. If you’re washing more than one jumper, or if it’s a particularly thick jumper, you may want to add slightly more detergent.
4. Submerge the jumper in the water and gently swirl it around in the water for several minutes making sure you don’t pull or rub the fabric together.
5. Leave to soak for 5 minutes, depending how dirty it is, occasionally swirling it round.
6. Remove the jumper from the water. Holding it over the sink, squeeze it very gently consistently to remove most of the excess water. Do not twist it to wring it out.
7. Discard the soapy water and refill the sink with clean, tepid water. Place the jumper in the clean water and gently rinse the suds out. Repeat with clean water until the detergent is gone. Do not put it directly under running water as the pressure will cause the sweater to stretch.
8. After gently squeezing out the excess water roll the jumper in a clean towel to start to dry. Lay the clean towel on a flat surface and slowly roll the towel with the jumper inside so it absorbs some of the water. If possible, use a white towel to prevent any dye transfer from towel to jumper.
9. Using your hand, gently reshape the jumper making sure the sleeves are extended and leave again on a dry towel and flat surface (or a drying rack), avoiding direct sunlight or heat. Never hang wet knitwear as the weight of the water will drag it out of shape.
10. When the jumper is dry, if there’s any wrinkles, gently steam it or lightly press with an iron on the wool or lowest temperature setting.
How To Wash Cashmere
Most care labels recommend dry cleaning as the safest way to clean Cashmere, but a gentle hand wash is perfectly suitable when done carefully. Harsh dry cleaning chemicals can weaken delicate fibres, especially with frequent cleaning, so it is best to wash Cashmere only when necessary. Cashmere is naturally breathable, and unless you spill something on it, you can simply hang it to air between wears to keep it fresh.
How To Wash Lambswool
Unless your Lambswool jumper has been specially treated for safe machine washing, it should always be washed by hand. Lambswool is naturally soft, smooth and elastic, and its luxurious handle is best preserved through gentle hand washing or by following machine‑wash instructions only when the knitwear has been treated for it.
How To Wash Merino Wool
Our Merino Wool jumpers are Total Easy Care, meaning the knitwear stays looking its best with minimal effort. Care is still important, so always machine wash at the correct temperature and follow the instructions on the garment care label. Using a mild washing liquid will help protect the fibres and maintain the soft, comfortable feel of your Merino knitwear.
How Often Should You Wash Your Knitwear?
The great thing about wool jumpers is that you don’t have to wash them as often as knitwear made from synthetic fibres. Wool does not stain easily and does not easily absorb aromas, making it ideal for multiple wears.