handwash merino wool?

Alecia

I was contemplating handwashing a BR merino wool sweater but the tag says "dry clean only." Should I forgo handwashing? I'm trying to avoid dry cleaning when I can but don't want to ruin something either.

This is kind of an aside, but I always wonder about is what the French courtesans did before dry cleaning? They had much finer things than I do. Did they just not clean anything?

17 years ago

General

4 replies

Latest reply was from Lena

Tanya

Veteran

Hmm, I have hand washed mine with baby shampoo and they turned out fine.

17 years ago

marianne

Active Member

I've hand washed mine in cold water with woolite. Most importantly, don't scrub or wring them, just gently squeeze the water out and reshape. Good luck!

To your other point, I think cleanliness standards were quite different back then. They probably took a bath once a year.

17 years ago

Nicole

Veteran

I handwash all my sweaters--including merino wool and have never had a problem. Make sure you use cold water, gently hand squeeze and lay flat to dry. I have also washed mine on the gentle cycle.

17 years ago

Lena

Active Member

Alecia, I also wonder about your second question. From what I know, people wore a variety of undershirts and undergarments under all the fancy stuff. I'm assuming those got washed more often. I still wonder how they kept the top garments clean and in good shape (beading, embroidery, lace, etc). I guess if you could afford an elaborate outfit, you could also afford an army of maids and tailors.

17 years ago

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