Wash Wool Sweaters At Home Without Shrinking Them: Step-by-Step

Wool sweaters are cozy, durable, and a winter wardrobe staple, but washing them can feel like a high-stakes gamble. One wrong move and your favorite garment can shrink into a doll-sized tragedy!

The secret? Gentle handling, cool temperatures, and avoiding agitation. You absolutely can keep your wool looking great and fitting perfectly by washing it at home.

Here is your foolproof, step-by-step guide to washing wool sweaters by hand or in a machine.

Method 1: Hand Washing (The Safest Bet)

Hand washing is the gentlest method and the one we recommend, especially for delicate or expensive wool garments (like cashmere or merino).

What You'll Need:

• A clean sink, basin, or tub.

• A gentle wool-specific detergent or a mild baby shampoo.

• Cool water.

• Clean, absorbent towels.

1. Prepare the Soak

Fill your sink or basin with enough cool water to fully submerge your sweater. Add a small amount of your gentle detergent (follow the instructions on the bottle, but generally a teaspoon or capful is enough). Swish the water gently to mix.

Pro Tip: Never use hot water, as heat is the primary culprit behind shrinkage.

2. Submerge and Soak

Turn your sweater inside out (this helps protect the outer surface from pilling). Gently submerge it in the water. Do not rub, wring, or stretch it. Simply press it down until it is saturated.

Let the sweater soak for about 10–20 minutes. This gives the detergent time to break down any dirt.

3. Rinse Carefully

Drain the soapy water. Refill the sink with clean, cool water. Gently press the sweater up and down to release the soap. Do this 2–3 times until the water runs clear and all the soap is rinsed out.

Critical Warning: Do not hold the wet sweater up by a shoulder or a corner. The water weight can stretch the fibers permanently.

4. Remove Excess Water

Lay the wet sweater flat in the sink. Gently press down on it to squeeze out as much water as you can. Do not wring or twist it.

Method 2: Machine Washing (When You're in a Hurry)

If your sweater's care label specifically says "machine washable," you can use this method. Even so, treat it with extreme caution.

Key Steps for Machine Washing:

1. Use a Mesh Bag: Place the sweater inside a large, zippered mesh laundry bag. This prevents friction against the drum and other clothes.

2. Use the Right Cycle: Select the machine's "Wool," "Delicate," or "Hand Wash" cycle. These cycles use less agitation.

3. Choose Cold Water: Set the temperature to cold (never warm or hot).

4. Use Wool Detergent: Only use a detergent specifically designed for wool.

5. Skip the Spin: If your machine allows, select a low or no-spin option. If not, proceed to the drying steps immediately after the wash cycle finishes.

The Most Important Step: Drying (Do NOT Hang!)

How you dry your wool sweater is just as important as how you wash it. Never hang a wet wool sweater!

1. The Towel Burrito

Lay a clean, dry, absorbent towel flat on a hard surface. Place the washed sweater flat on top of the towel. Starting from one end, roll the towel and the sweater up together like a burrito.

Gently press down on the roll to transfer the moisture from the sweater into the towel.

2. The Flat Dry

Unroll the "burrito." Lay a new, dry towel or a mesh drying rack flat in a warm, well-ventilated area (avoid direct sunlight or intense heat).

Lay the sweater flat, shaping it back to its original dimensions. Pay special attention to the shoulders, cuffs, and hem, smoothing out any wrinkles.

3. The Wait

Allow the sweater to dry completely, which can take 12 to 24 hours, depending on the thickness. Flip the sweater once halfway through to ensure even drying.

Once completely dry, fold it neatly and put it away, knowing your favorite wool piece is clean, soft, and ready for your next cold-weather adventure!

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