Sunday, December 20, 2009

Can you wash wool safely in a washing machine?

I have a wallhanging that I think is wool but dirty. Is is OK to wash it at home?Can you wash wool safely in a washing machine?
Nooooooo! Wool will shrink, and with a hanging it'll shrink and warp weird. Don't do it, have it dry cleaned!Can you wash wool safely in a washing machine?
wash in cold water spin dry hang to dry
I think it is best done professionally. I have washed wool that is washable on gentle with woolite but a hanging I think is best done by pros.
Hanging wool while it is wet may do damage! You can machine wash it on the gentle cycle with 1/2 of the recommended soap and cold water but lay it flat to dry (on a thick towel or something). You can keep an eye on the garment as it dries (This will take a while) just check on it here and there... if it looks like it has shrunk or is shrinking, then just gently stretch it a bit and weigh down where necessary.... thats the good thing about wool. As long as it is wet or at least moist, it should be able to 'stretch' back to its original form. Patience is a necessity.

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