While most wool-poly blends are best dry cleaned professionally, you can effectively maintain your garments at home by washing them carefully. The key is to use cold water on a gentle cycle and never use bleach.
Washing Your Wool Poly Blend Garments
Proper care is essential to keep your wool poly blend items looking their best. Wool is a delicate fiber, and while the polyester adds durability, incorrect washing can still lead to shrinking, stretching, or damage.
According to maintenance guidelines for many polywool blends:
- Always wash your garments in cold water wash on the gentle cycle.
- NEVER add bleach or any type of bleach additives when laundering.
Step-by-Step Home Washing Guide
If professional dry cleaning isn't an option, follow these steps for washing your wool poly blend clothing at home:
- Check the Care Label: Always consult the garment's specific care label for detailed instructions.
- Prepare the Wash: Fill your washing machine with cold water. Cold water helps prevent shrinking and damage to the wool fibers.
- Use a Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent formulated for delicate fabrics or wool. Avoid harsh detergents.
- Select the Gentle Cycle: Set your washing machine to the gentle or delicate cycle. This minimizes agitation, which is crucial for protecting the fabric structure.
- Load the Garment: Place the wool poly blend item in the washing machine. For extra protection, you can place it in a mesh laundry bag.
- Start the Wash: Run the wash cycle according to the machine's settings.
- Rinse Thoroughly: Ensure the garment is thoroughly rinsed to remove all detergent residue.
- Never Use Bleach: As a strict rule, do not use bleach or any bleach additives on your wool poly blend. Bleach can severely damage both the wool and polyester fibers.
Drying Wool Poly Blend
After washing, proper drying is equally important:
- Avoid tumble drying if possible, as high heat can cause shrinkage.
- Gently press out excess water (do not wring).
- Lay the garment flat on a clean towel or drying rack away from direct heat or sunlight. Reshape the garment as needed while it's damp.
- If you must use a dryer, check the care label for specific instructions and use the lowest heat setting, removing the garment while it's still slightly damp.
By following these steps and adhering to the rule of using cold water, the gentle cycle, and avoiding bleach, you can safely wash your wool poly blend items at home.
