Woolen clothes are one of the most popular options for the cold seasons because of the softness and warmth they give to the body. But washing these types of clothes has always been a challenge, because their sensitive fabric is very vulnerable to improper washing. Using the correct methods for washing and maintaining woolen clothes helps to preserve the beauty, quality and longevity of these clothes. In this article, we will learn practical solutions and tips for washing woolen clothes to prevent damage to these valuable clothes. Following these simple tips will prevent your woolen clothes from changing shape, shrinking or losing softness.
Washing woolen clothes
The importance of choosing the right detergent
To wash woolen clothes, use mild detergents for sensitive clothes. Strong detergents may dry out wool fibers or damage its texture. Also, it is better to use liquid detergents instead of powder to prevent the detergent from accumulating on the clothes. Using softener detergents can maintain the softness of clothes.
Suitable water temperature for washing
Hot water is the enemy of woolen clothes and can cause them to shrink or change their shape. The best temperature for washing woolen clothes is cold or lukewarm water (about 30 degrees Celsius). Excessive temperature reduces the flexibility of fibers and damages the structure of clothes.
Hand washing woolen clothes
To maintain the quality of wool clothes, hand washing is the best option. In a pan of lukewarm water, add a small amount of mild detergent and gently squeeze the garment in the water. Avoid grabbing or rubbing vigorously as this may damage the fabric of the garment. At the end, rinse the clothes well with cold water.
Using a washing machine
If you must use the washing machine, select the gentle wash setting or “Wool Cycle”. Put the clothes in the laundry bag and avoid spinning too much at the end of the wash. Fill the washing machine with a small amount of suitable detergent and set the water temperature to cold.
The correct way to dry woolen clothes
Woolen clothes should be dried away from direct heat. Avoid shaking the clothes strongly; Instead, gently squeeze the garment between two soft towels to remove excess water. Then spread the garment on a flat surface and give it the initial shape. Using a hanger may cause clothes to stretch.
Avoid stretching or changing the shape of clothes
To prevent stretching, lay the woolen garment in its natural state when washing and drying. Avoid hanging heavy woolen clothes and dry them horizontally on a flat surface. Also, do not wring the clothes too much so as not to damage the fibers.
Ironing woolen clothes
If you need to iron woolen clothes, use a low temperature and wool setting on the iron. It is better to use a damp cotton cloth as a protective layer between the clothes and the iron to avoid burning or stains. Move the iron slowly and avoid too much pressure.
Proper maintenance of woolen clothes
For long-term storage, put woolen clothes in cloth bags to keep them away from dust and pests. Keep clothes in a dry and cool closet and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight. Also, it is best to fold clothes by placing a layer of dryer paper.
Washing stains on woolen clothes
To remove stains from woolen clothing, gently blot the stain with a soft, damp cloth instead of washing thoroughly. Avoid rubbing too much and use mild detergents to remove the stain. This method helps the clothes to be less affected by washing.
Solutions to maintain the softness of woolen clothes
To maintain the softness of woolen clothes, use special softeners at the last stage of washing. Also, washing with lukewarm water and proper drying are the most important factors to prevent the hardening of wool fibers. Using natural emollients like white vinegar can also help keep the texture soft.
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