In order for your woolen sweater to remain in good condition throughout the winter, it is necessary to wash it properly. If you throw a wool sweater in the washing machine with other things and wash it in hot water, chances are it will shrink and you won’t be able to wear it again. So that you don’t have to change staples in your winter wardrobe, we share with you how to properly wash a wool sweater in the washing machine and by hand.

The key is to check the care label on the sweater first; It will say one of three things: dry clean only, hand wash only, or machine wash—in which case it will list the recommended water temperature and cycle to use for best results. Use the step-by-step guides below to learn how to machine wash, hand wash and tumble dry a wool sweater to ensure your winter favorite keeps its shape, color and size.

How to wash a wool sweater in the washing machine

Before putting a wool sweater in the washing machine, check the care label to make sure it is machine washable and follow all instructions regarding water temperature and wash cycle. Follow these steps to properly wash a wool sweater in the washing machine.

1. Pre-treat stains: If you notice stains on the sweater, pre-treat them before putting the sweater in the washing machine. Use a stain remover suitable for wool, apply it gently to the stain and leave it on for the prescribed time. Using a clean, damp cloth, blot the stain to remove as much of it as possible.
2. Prepare the sweater: Turn the sweater inside out and place it in a mesh bag. Make sure you use a mesh bag that is large enough to hold the sweater without squishing it so much that it wrinkle or damage it.
3. Select the correct wash cycle. Select the cold water setting and if your washing machine has a wool setting, select that. If not, choose a cycle that is gentle with little agitation.
4. Use a mild detergent. Add laundry detergent, opting for a gentle detergent that is suitable for wool.
5. Quickly remove from the washing machine. As soon as the wash cycle is finished, remove the mesh bag with the wool sweater. The longer the sweater sits in the mesh bag and the washing machine, the more wrinkles it will get. Remove the sweater from the mesh bag and shake it to remove as many wrinkles as possible.

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How to hand wash a wool sweater

If the care label on a wool sweater indicates that it is not machine washable, but does not necessarily need to be dry cleaned, your best bet is to hand wash the sweater. Follow the steps below to properly hand wash a wool sweater.

1. Pre-treat stains: Just like when washing a wool sweater in the machine, check for stains before hand washing. If you see stains, pre-treat them with a stain remover suitable for wool. Gently apply the stain remover to the stain and leave it on for a certain amount of time. Use a clean, damp cloth to blot the stain and remove as much as possible.
2. Fill the container with water: Fill a large container such as a plastic tub or your bathtub with cold water. The use of cold water is necessary because it is gentler on the wool than warm water.
3. Add detergent: Pour an appropriate amount of laundry detergent into a bowl of cold water and gently stir to mix. Use a mild detergent suitable for woolen clothes.
4. Place the sweater in the container: Turn the sweater inside out and place it in the container, making sure that every part of it is completely submerged. Gently place it in soapy water, then let it sit for up to an hour.
5. Rinse in cold water: Discard the soapy water, which may have discolored the sweater during the soaking process. Fill the bowl with cold water and gently press the sweater to remove any remaining detergent, then pour out the water. If any detergent remains, repeat the step again.

How to dry a wool sweater

Do not put a woolen sweater in the dryer as it will shrink. Instead, follow the steps below to best air dry wool sweaters so they retain their shape and don’t shrink or stretch.

1. Remove excess water: To remove excess water from a wool sweater, instead of wringing it out like you would a cotton garment, gently press it to remove as much water as possible. Then place the damp sweater on a clean, dry towel and wrap it tightly inside the towel. Squeeze gently to transfer water from the sweater to the towel, then unroll.
2. Let the sweater air dry: Lay the sweater flat on a drying rack, smooth out any creases, and allow to air dry completely.

Top tips for washing a woolen sweater

• Use a mesh bag. When washing a wool sweater in the washing machine, put it in a mesh bag for extra protection. A mesh bag will protect it from snagging and stretching, especially if you are washing other items in the load that could potentially cause tangling and damage.
• Be gentle. Use a gentle laundry detergent that’s suitable for wool, choose a gentle wash cycle without vigorous agitation, and use cold water that’s gentler than hot water and won’t shrink wool clothes. For the ultimate gentle way to wash a wool sweater, skip the washing machine and wash it by hand.
• Find the right container. If you are hand washing a wool sweater in a container such as a plastic tub, make sure it is large enough to fit the sweater comfortably. This will ensure that water and detergent can flow freely and access every part of the sweater, plus it will help prevent wrinkles.
• Air dry the sweater. Never put a wool sweater in the dryer as the heat from the dryer will cause it to shrink. Instead, air dry it, removing excess water by pressing the sweater, wrapping it in a clean, dry towel, and laying it out on a drying rack until completely dry.