How-To | Wash Wool & Cashmere

Mic drop moment: Wool and cashmere can be washed at home. In fact, washing your knits is actually better for them than dry cleaning, which strips fibers of their natural oils responsible for keeping them soft and supple. So cozy up to our cleaning and care tips and solutions for your woolen sweaters, blankets, scarves, and coats. Everything you need to know is here.

We've scientifically formulated a line of plant-derived laundry detergents that give you amazing results at home. Ditch the dry cleaners with the Wool & Cashmere Kit that includes the Wool & Cashmere Shampoo and Spray Duo, Stain Solution, and Sweater Comb. Pretreat stains, wash, clean, and de-pill your favorite wool and cashmere items by following these steps.

Stain Solution, Wash & Stain Bar, Mesh Bag Bundle, Wool & Cashmere Shampoo, Wool & Cashmere Spray, Sweater Comb, Cashmere Brush, Wash Tub Basin

Stains: Treat stains with Stain Solution or a Wash & Stain Bar by applying directly to the spots and susceptible areas like underarms, necklines, and cuffs. Work in with your finger, until stain has lifted, then soak in cool water for up to 30 minutes.

Put It In Reverse: Prepare to wash by turning every item inside out to avoid friction and fading. Wash with the same or like colors only.

Draw a Bath: Add two capfuls or a squirt of pH neutral Wool & Cashmere Shampoo to a Wash Tub Basin or sink filled with cool water. While other popular wool washes have a high pH level that is harsh on wool and cashmere, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo is pH neutral to protect delicate yarns. Plus, it can be used on every type of delicate fabric.

Go Under: Submerge your items and gently agitate them with your hands to evenly distribute soap and water. Soak for up to 30 minutes. 

Rinse Clear: Run cool water through items until rinse water is no longer soapy. Do not wring. Instead, gently press the water out of your items between your hands or against the sink. 

Note: If there is color in the water, don't worry! It's normal. The yarn dye is simply releasing color and you will not notice any loss of color after the wash is complete.

Odors: Mix ¼ cup of Scented Vinegar with tepid water and soak the items in cool water for 30 minutes to absorb unwanted smells.

If you must wash in the machine, we recommend removing knits promptly from the washer to reduce creasing. Follow these steps for the best results:

Bag It: Turn items inside out and place them in a Mesh Bag Bundle to protect them from agitation and friction that can cause pilling. 

Select Your Cycle: Select the woolens or delicate cycle on your washing machine and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low. Add Wool & Cashmere Shampoo according to the machine type and load size.

No-rush Drying: Lay the items flat in their natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel. When drying, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, such as the radiator, because they can shrink or damage wool. Never hang wet wool.  

Quick Drying: Lay one item flat on a towel. With the item in its original shape, roll it up in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove the excess water. 

Steam it Up & Stay Fresh: Ironing can crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns. Instead steam to remove wrinkles, odors, bacteria. You can also spritz The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray between wearing and washing.

Banish Pills: Remove pills on fine gauge yarns by gliding Sweater Comb;across pilled areas. For heavier gauge items, glide the The Laundress Sweater Stone over pilled areas. Always work tools in one direction. 

Brush for Beauty: Use Cashmere Brush between wears to remove lint, fuzz, and hair and release natural oils that rejuvenate yarns.

Get Into the Fold: Always store knits folded to prevent stretching or distorting. 

Make Pests Bug Off: Prevent bug and moth infestation by storing knits in a breathable cotton/canvas bag with a zip closure. Always clean items before storing to avoid providing a "food source" of proteins for bugs.