How to Care for Superwashed Wool?

To care for superwashed wool, gently hand wash it or machine wash it on a delicate cycle with warm water and wool wash, then air dry.

Here's a more detailed guide to ensure your superwashed wool items stay in excellent condition:

Washing Superwashed Wool

This is the gentlest method and is ideal for delicate items or if you're unsure about your machine's settings.

Prepare a Wash Basin: Fill a clean tub or sink with lukewarm water.
Add Wool Wash: Use a wool-specific detergent (like Eucalan, Soak, or similar). Avoid regular detergents as they can damage the wool fibers. Follow the detergent's instructions for the correct amount.
Submerge the Item: Gently place your superwash wool item into the water.
Soak: Allow the item to soak for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid agitating or scrubbing, as this can cause felting, even in superwash wool.
Rinse (If Needed): If your wool wash requires rinsing, gently rinse the item in lukewarm water until the water runs clear. Some wool washes are no-rinse formulas, which makes the process even easier.
Remove Excess Water: Carefully lift the item out of the water. Do not wring or twist it. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water.
Roll in a Towel: Lay the item on a clean, dry towel. Roll the towel up, gently pressing to absorb more water.

If you choose to machine wash, proceed with extreme care.

Use a Mesh Laundry Bag: Place your item in a mesh laundry bag to protect it from excessive agitation.
Select Delicate Cycle: Choose the "delicate" or "wool" cycle on your washing machine.
Use Cold or Warm Water: Use cold or warm water, never hot. Hot water can damage the fibers, even with superwash wool.
Use Wool Wash: As with hand washing, use a wool-specific detergent.
Skip the Spin Cycle (If Possible): If your machine allows, skip the spin cycle or use the lowest spin setting.
Remove Immediately: As soon as the cycle is complete, remove the item from the washing machine.
Roll in a Towel: Proceed as with hand washing to remove excess water.

Lay Flat to Dry: Always lay your superwash wool item flat to dry on a clean, dry surface. Avoid hanging it, as the weight of the wet fabric can stretch it out of shape. You can lay it on a drying rack or a clean towel.
Reshape Gently: Gently reshape the item to its original dimensions while it's still damp.
Avoid Direct Heat: Keep it away from direct sunlight, radiators, or other heat sources. Direct heat can cause the wool to shrink or become brittle.
Turn Occasionally: Turn the item over occasionally to ensure even drying.

Store Properly: When storing superwash wool items, fold them neatly and store them in a cool, dry place. Consider using cedar chips or lavender sachets to deter moths.
Pilling: Pilling can occur with superwash wool. A fabric shaver can be used to remove pills.
Read the Label: Always refer to the care instructions on the yarn label or the garment tag, as specific recommendations may vary.