Raise your hand if you can’t remember the last time you washed your wool hats and or scarves. Well, you are not alone. Many of us allow season after season to pass before realizing we can’t even recall the last time we thought of cleaning our hats and scarves. So, maybe today is the day!
Care Label
First things first. Check the care label and ensure there are no special instructions for your wool. If dry cleaning is recommended. Trust the label. Machine washing wool is not generally recommended as it can get stretched out and potentially shrink. We’ll address hand washing below as well as dry cleaning options.
Spots and Stains
Using a white cloth to avoid color transference, remove any spots or stains with a little water and a mild detergent. Always dab towards the inside of the stain to prevent spreading. Although rubbing fabrics together is often effective to remove spots or stains, this is not a good option for wool. You may stretch out or pucker the fabric unintentionally.
Hand Wash
To wash your wool by hand, fill your tub, basin or sink with luke warm water. Add mild detergent and fully submerge the items into the water. Let them soak for approximately 15-20 minutes. Gently agitate the items in the water. Then, rinse the items with luck warm water. Do no wring your garments. Placing garments flat on a large clean towel and gently rolling the garment in the towel will help remove excess water. You may have to repeat this process with two or three towels in order to remove more of the moisture. Then, lay flat to allow your garments to dry thoroughly.
Dry Clean
The best and safest way to clean your wool hats and scarves, is dry cleaning. Professional Dry Cleaners, like Collegiate Cleaners, are trained and skilled to use the best methods for cleaning wool. Collegiate Cleaners: Making “Dirty” a Thing of the Past!!