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AustralianFarmers

Keep your woolly knits in tip top shape

Woolly sweaters are a must have item headed into the cooler months and knowing how to care for them is important to maintaining their longevity in your wardrobe.

Known for its next to skin softness, Australian Merino wool is an incredibly versatile fabric that is easy to care for.

Merino wool is a fabric that requires minimal washing due to the complex chemical structure of the wool fibre and naturally makes it better for the environment.

Australian wool growers produce 100% natural grown wool year round with Australia’s 68 million strong flock consuming a simple mix of water, air, sunshine and grass!

While there are common misconceptions about how best to care for your wool garments, most Merino wool garments can be machine-washed and tumble dried.

Here, experts on all things wool, the Woolmark Company answer your questions on how to care for wool.

Can I wash a wool sweater in the washing machine?

Wool can safely be washed in a washing machine in the comfort of your own home. This includes sweaters, pants, socks and blankets.

Check your garment’s care claim says that you can machine wash your wool sweater, then it means it can safely be machine washed in a washing machine multiple times, without shrinkage taking place.

Turn your wool sweater inside out, or use a laundry bag.

Add a wool detergent, preferably a Woolmark-approved detergent.

Set your cycle to the wool setting. If your washing machine does not have a wool cycle, then it is recommended to use the cold water wash or wash cycle for delicates.

How to hand wash wool sweaters?

Fill a tub with clean, lukewarm water

Add a wool detergent, preferably a Woolmark-approved detergent.

Soak wool garment for 10 minutes

Rinse thoroughly in lukewarm water

Rinse again in cold water.

How to dry wool sweaters.

Knitwear – such as sweaters – should be flat-dried in the shade.

Wovenwear – such as jackets and suits – can be hung on hangers, but again should be dried out of direct sunlight.

More tips on how to dry wool can be found here.

For more information about wool, visit the Woolmark website.

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