Wool Facts
Wool Care Guide
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Air it first. Wool often refreshes and releases odours naturally when aired outdoors. Regular airing can help keep wool fresh without unnecessary washing.
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Avoid unnecessary washing. In many cases, airing the wool is enough to refresh it. Wash only when necessary. Unnecessary washing can affect the natural fibres.
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Treat liquid spills promptly. Clean the affected area only rather than washing the entire product whenever possible.
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Hand wash with a wool detergent. Use a detergent specifically formulated for wool. Standard detergents may damage the natural fibres.
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Dry flat to help the wool retain its shape. Avoid direct sunlight and heat sources.
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Store folded. For long-term storage, fold and store flat to help maintain its shape and natural structure.
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Care with Lanolin. It helps keep wool soft and supports its natural ability to resist dirt.
Sheep Wool Care and Washing Guide
Hand Washing
Principles of Washing Wool
- Hand washing is the preferred method for wool products
- Wash only when airing is no longer sufficient
- Use lukewarm water (approx. 20–30 °C)
- Use a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool
- Do not soak for extended periods
- Do not wring, rub or scrub
- Rinse gently with water at the same temperature
How to Hand Wash Wool
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water
- Add a small amount of wool detergent
- Gently immerse the wool product in the water
- Allow the detergent to work without rubbing or vigorous movement
- Rinse gently with water at the same temperature
- Remove excess water by pressing gently, never wringing
- Dry flat on a clean towel
- You can finish by treating the wool with BääBää Lanolin Spray, which helps maintain softness and supports the wool’s natural protective properties.
- See our stain removal tips below.
Machine Washing
Machine Washing Wool
- Only machine wash if specifically permitted by the product care instructions
- Machine washing is generally less gentle than hand washing
- Use a wool or delicate cycle
- Keep the water temperature at 30 °C or below
- Use the lowest spin setting possible, or omit spinning if the machine allows
- Use only a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool
- Wash separately or with similar wool items
- A laundry bag can be used to provide additional protection
- Please note: Not all wool products are suitable for machine washing. Always follow the care instructions provided for the individual product.
Stain Removal
Common Stains and How to Treat Them
Grease Stains such as Food, Oil and Makeup
- Blot excess grease gently with a clean, dry cloth or paper towel.
- Apply a small amount of mild wool detergent to the affected area.
- Dab gently with a clean, damp cloth. Avoid rubbing.
- Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth.
Liquid Stains such as Wine, Juice, Coffee and Tea
- Blot the spill as soon as possible with a clean cloth dampened with cool water.
- If needed, apply a small amount of mild wool detergent.
- Dab gently rather than rubbing, as rubbing can spread the stain and damage the fibres.
- Remove any remaining detergent with a clean, damp cloth.
- Repeat the treatment if necessary.
Dried Stains such as Food, Soil and Mud
- Allow the area to dry completely if needed, then gently brush away loose dirt.
- Dab the affected area with a damp cloth and a small amount of mild wool detergent.
- Avoid rubbing or scrubbing.
- Remove any detergent residue with a clean, damp cloth and repeat if necessary.
Detergents
Wool-Suitable Detergents
- Always use a mild detergent specifically formulated for wool. Wool detergents are typically gentle and designed to clean without unnecessarily affecting the natural fibres.
- Some wool detergents contain lanolin or natural oils, which can help maintain the softness and feel of the wool during washing.
- Avoid bleach, optical brighteners and enzyme-based detergents, as they may affect the natural wool fibres.
- Add detergent to the lukewarm wash water rather than directly onto the wool.
- Use the recommended amount of detergent. Using too much can leave residue in the fibres.
- When hand washing, allow the detergent to work gently without rubbing or vigorous movement.
- After washing, BääBää® Lanolin Care Spray can be used as a leave-in care treatment to help maintain softness and the natural feel of the wool.
Detergents to Avoid
- Strong, general-purpose laundry detergents.
- Detergents containing bleach, optical brighteners or enzymes.
- Fabric softeners, which can leave a coating on the fibres and alter the natural feel and performance of wool.
Lanolin
Lanolin - A Natural Part of Wool Care
- Lanolin supports wool’s natural resistance to dirt and odours.
- It helps maintain the softness, flexibility and natural feel of wool fibres.
- Regular washing can gradually reduce the wool’s natural lanolin content. Gentle washing and a suitable wool detergent help preserve its natural properties.
- Lanolin is naturally obtained from sheep’s wool during the wool-washing process.
- BääBää® Lanolin Care Spray can be applied directly to the wool surface and left to absorb without rinsing.
Drying
Wool Drying Instructions
- Do not tumble dry. Excessive heat and mechanical movement may cause wool fibres to shrink, felt or lose their shape.
- Keep wool away from direct heat sources such as radiators, heaters and heated floors.
- Dry flat on a clean, absorbent towel. This helps distribute the weight evenly and supports the material’s natural shape during drying.
- While damp, gently reshape the material to its original dimensions. Do not pull or stretch the fibres.
- Never hang wool while it is wet. The weight of the water can stretch the fibres and cause permanent distortion.
- Allow the material to dry naturally in a well-ventilated space. Turn or reposition it during drying if necessary to ensure even airflow.
- Make sure the wool is completely dry before storing or putting it back into use.
Storage
Wool Product Storage
- Store wool products clean and completely dry.
- Fold rather than hang whenever possible. Folding helps preserve the natural shape and structure of the material.
- For longer-term storage, store flat in a dry, well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- If hanging is necessary, use a wide, well-padded hanger that provides even support and avoids placing pressure on a narrow area.
- Avoid storing wool in airtight plastic bags for extended periods. Allow the material to breathe.
Don’t Do This to Wool
What to Avoid with Wool
- Do not wash unnecessarily. Wool can often be refreshed simply by airing, reducing the need for frequent washing.
- Avoid hot water. Excessive heat, particularly combined with movement, can cause wool fibres to shrink or felt.
- Do not wring, rub or scrub. Rough handling can distort the fibres, contribute to felting and affect the material’s surface.
- Do not hang while wet. Water adds weight to the material and can stretch the fibres, affecting its shape.
- Do not tumble dry. Heat and mechanical movement can cause shrinkage, felting and loss of shape.
- Avoid bleach, strong chemicals and unsuitable detergents. These can adversely affect the natural wool fibres and their properties.
- Avoid washing with unsuitable textiles. Zippers, hooks and coarse fabrics can catch on or abrade the wool fibres.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and heat sources. Excessive UV exposure and heat can dry the fibres and affect their strength and colour over time.
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