Can you handwash merino wool sweaters? - YouLookFab Forum

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Can you handwash merino wool sweaters?

Becky

Veteran

I have a couple of merino wool sweaters that say "dry clean" on the care tag. However, I've read that cashmere and other wool fabrications can be handwashed (or in my case, washed in the washer on the "hand wash" cycle). In fact, I've read that it's actually not as hard on the fabric as dry cleaning is. Does anyone have any experience with this? I'd really hate to ruin a sweater . . .

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15 replies

Latest reply was from Becky

sarah

Veteran

After reading Angie's post from way back about dry cleaning, I washed an AT merino wool BF cardi in the "hand wash" cycle in my washing machine, and it worked really well.

Sveta

(website)

Veteran

I always hand wash all wool things including cashmere and it works fine (I have really old and not that good washing machine, which i do not trust).

Becky

Veteran

Good to know, Sarah. I'm just chicken the first time, I guess!

Becky

Veteran

Sveta, do you roll them up in a towel after washing to help squeeze some of the water out before drying flat? I've seen that done in a video tutorial.

Anonymous

Becky, I also hand wash cashmere and wool sweaters successfully. I do roll them up in a towel to remove moisture, then dry them flat, pulling them very gently into shape. You want to avoid hot temperatures and agitation. I would be fearful of using a washing machine even on the hand wash or delicate setting for good sweaters.

Becky

Veteran

Thanks, Joy. I was leery of the "hand wash" cycle at first, but have used it for my bras and washable sweaters very successfully for over a year now.

Refugee

Veteran

This is going to sound pretty weird but here goes. For knits that have to be hand washed I have a step between washing and towel rolling that makes things simpler. I have a laundry colander. A cheap plastic colander. After washing I just toss my knits in my colander in the sink and let them drain for a couple of hours. Then I towel roll them to get the last of the excess moisture out. No squeezing, time saved, and no wrinkles pressed into it that I have to smooth out when I shape and flat dry.

MsMaven

Veteran

I have washed many cashmere and merino sweaters on the gentle cycle over the years without a problem. If you want to and are brave, you can pre-warm your dryer by running it on low heat for a minute or two, THEN put in the sweaters with a towel, then let it run for no more than a minute or two. This takes out wrinkles. Then shape and dry flat on a towel.

I do not use the above method with multi-colored items or more structured items such as a knit jacket. They go to the cleaners. I wouldn't do it with really expensive designer sweaters either, but I don't have any of them at present.

Try this method out on an old sweater you don't care about first if you are wary.

Jenava

(website)

Veteran

I wash mine on the gentle cycle, then lay them flat between two towel to dry. The cat loves it!

Becky

Veteran

Refugee -- Great idea! Why didn't I think of that?

Ms. Maven -- I do have an older sweater I got at consignment (paid very little for) that I will try first.

Jenava -- Good thought to dry between two towels. I've never tried that before.

Thanks for your input, everyone!

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Huh - thought I had responded to that thread. I've put wool fabrics in my washing machine, soak cycle, Eucalan wool wash and spin dry...no towels needed. Lay flat to dry.

hth

MsMaven

Veteran

Jenava, I also have a cat who also likes to nap on top of damp sweaters. Even if I don't find him there, I usually find the imprint of kitty feet. (He is indoor only.) So far he hasn't hurt anything.

Becky

Veteran

Thanks, MPJ. What is Eucalan? Like Woolite?

MM, we have two cats, so they may soon learn the joy of napping on damp sweaters.

Mamapicklejuice

Veteran

Hi Becky - here's the link:

http://www.eucalan.com/

Still worth trying with your old sweaters first!

Becky

Veteran

MPJ, I'm intrigued with this product. Since I got a new HE washer last year, I have been leery of using my soaps for delicates (like Woolite) since you're only supposed to use HE detergent. This looks like it would fit the bill.