Sheep wool care and washing instructions
At BääBää, we specialize in sheep's wool and hides, but we have also compiled care and washing instructions for other natural fibers on this page.
Take our tips for taking care and washing sheep's wool and other natural fibers and you'll guarantee a long life for your clothes!
BääBää Databank
Natural Fiber Care Guide
Sheep wool
Sheep wool washing instructions
Wash only rarely, as wool cleans itself naturally. For clothes and accessories made of sheep's wool, simply airing them is often enough. If necessary, hand wash in lukewarm water (30°C) with a wool detergent. You can also use the wool program in your washing machine, but we recommend hand washing to keep your wool product in good condition for a long time.
Hand washing – the natural way
- Water temperature: Use lukewarm water (30°C or below).
- Detergent: Choose a wool detergent that is mild and suitable for sheep's wool.
- Washing method: Submerge the wool product in water and squeeze gently – do not wring or rub.
- Rinsing: Rinse in lukewarm water until the detergent is removed.
Machine wash – only when necessary
- Program: Use the wool or hand wash program.
- Temperature: Maximum 30°C.
- Spin: Set to low speed or omit.
- Protective bag: Place the garment in a laundry bag for protection.
Drying and care
- Drying: Squeeze gently and dry flat on a towel. Avoid hanging to prevent stretching. Do not tumble dry.
- Ventilation: Wool clothes clean themselves naturally, so ventilation is often sufficient instead of washing.
- Care: Air frequently, avoid excessive washing. Store woolen garments in a cool, dry place, preferably in a sealed bag, to protect them from moths.
- Tip: Gently remove lint from knitted clothes and accessories with a lint comb to keep the garment looking neat.
Mohair
Mohair washing instructions
Hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent. Avoid wringing – gently squeeze out the water and dry flat on a towel.
Hand wash
- Water temperature: Lukewarm water (30°C or below).
- Detergent: Mild detergent intended for wool.
- Washing instructions: Wash gently, do not rub or wring.
Drying and care
- Drying: Squeeze out excess water. Dry flat on a towel. Do not tumble dry.
- Care: Brush lightly with a soft brush to maintain the fluffiness of the mohair.
- Storage: Folded, not hung.
- Tip: To preserve the beautiful surface of mohair, avoid using heavy bags or straps that can damage the fibers.
Cashmere wool
Cashmere wool washing instructions
Hand wash in lukewarm water using a special wool detergent. Squeeze out the water gently and dry horizontally on a towel.
Hand washing – the safest option
- Water temperature: Cool or lukewarm water.
- Detergent: Choose a mild detergent designed for wool and cashmere.
- Washing method: Submerge the garment in water and wash gently by squeezing. Avoid rubbing and twisting.
- Rinsing: Rinse several times until the detergent is completely gone.
Machine wash – if the garment's washing instructions allow it
- Washing program: Use the wool or hand wash program.
- Temperature: Maximum 20-30°C.
- Spin: Select a low spin speed or omit the spin.
- Protective bag: Place the product in a laundry bag to protect it during washing.
Drying and care
- Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water, do not wring. Dry the garment on a flat surface on a towel. Shape the product to its original shape while drying. Do not tumble dry.
- Care: Gently remove any tangles with a wool comb. Store in a soft cloth bag.
- Tip: Cashmere will last for years if you avoid excessive washing and use it responsibly in different situations. Do not hang the garment to dry as it can stretch. Keep away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Alpaca wool
Alpaca wool washing instructions
Hand wash in lukewarm water with wool detergent. Squeeze gently, do not wring. Dry horizontally on a towel.
Hand wash
- Water temperature: Use lukewarm water (30°C or below).
- Detergent: Wool detergent is the best choice.
- Washing instructions: Wash gently, do not wring.
Drying and care
- Drying: Dry on flat surface. Do not tumble dry.
- Care: Air out frequently after use, as alpaca naturally repels dirt and odors.
- Tip: Store folded, as hanging can stretch the fiber. Avoid using heavy bags with alpaca knitwear not to damage the fibers.
Linen
Linen washing instructions
Machine wash at 40°C max with mild detergent. Avoid fabric softener. Linen dries quickly, so tumble drying is not recommended.
Machine wash
- Temperature: Maximum 40°C.
- Detergent: Mild detergent, avoid bleach.
Drying and care
- Drying: Hang to dry or dry flat.
- Ironing: Linen dries quickly and does not need to be ironed. However, if ironing is necessary, it is best to iron from the wrong side, slightly damp, at the temperature indicated on the garment's ironing instructions. Linen should not always be ironed, but rather lightly steamed.
- Other: Wrinkles are part of the nature of linen, and they give the garment a relaxed look.
- Tip: Use linen products often – they will improve with use and soften over time. Remember that wrinkles are part of the nature of linen.
Silk
Silk washing instructions
Hand wash in lukewarm water or dry clean, depending on the sensitivity of the material. Use a detergent designed for silk.
Hand wash
- Water temperature: Lukewarm water (30°C or below).
- Detergent: Use silk detergents.
- Washing instructions: Wash gently and rinse thoroughly.
Drying and care
- Care: Air dry, but avoid direct sunlight as it can fade colors. Iron on low heat on the reverse side.
- Tip: Silk is a delicate material – avoid rubbing to avoid damaging the surface. Store folded and protected from moisture.
Cotton
Cotton washing instructions
Machine wash at 30–40°C depending on color. Use with similar colors and choose mild detergents. You can dry at low temperature, but be careful of shrinkage.
Machine wash
- Temperature: Wash at 30–40°C depending on the color.
- Detergent: Mild detergent that does not contain bleach.
Drying and care
- Drying: line dry or tumble dry at low temperature.
- Care: Iron on medium heat for a smooth finish. Wash stains immediately to prevent them from setting into the fibers.
- Tip: Avoid overwashing – cotton stays more beautiful when aired instead of washed.
Hemp
Hemp washing instructions
Machine wash at 40°C max with mild detergent. Do not bleach. Air dry - tumble drying is not recommended.
Machine wash
- Temperature: Maximum 40°C.
- Detergent: Mild detergent, avoid bleach.
Drying and care
- Drying: Hang or lay flat.
- Care: Hemp is durable but can wrinkle easily. Iron damp on medium heat to restore a smooth surface.
- Tip: The softening fiber will improve over time – don't be afraid of a rougher feel at first.
Responsibility and quality go hand in hand
Long-lasting products – less consumption
We make our products to last. We believe that sustainability also means buying fewer, but higher quality, longer-lasting clothes and home decor items. Our high-quality materials and timeless designs make our products something you can love and use year after year.
By choosing BääBää ® you can dress with confidence, knowing that every detail has been designed with respect for people, animals and our planet.
BääBää Databank
Information about natural fibers
Sheep wool
Information about Sheep Wool
Features:
- Warm and soft, but at the same time very durable
- Breathable and moisture-wicking, retaining warmth even when wet
- Naturally antibacterial, so it resists odors
- Sheep wool is a natural excellent thermoregulator
User experience:
Sheep wool adapts to your body temperature and provides natural comfort all year round. Its breathable structure wicks moisture away from your skin and helps keep you feeling fresh in all situations. Wool absorbs moisture without feeling wet, making it an ideal material for changing weather conditions. Sheep wool feels soft and pleasantly warm. Its breathability makes it comfortable even indoors.
How it is sourced:
Sheep wool is collected from sheep, which are the most common livestock animals around the world. Annual wool yield of sheep varies depending on breed, feeding, health and environment, but on average one sheep produces about 2-5 kg of wool per year.
Ecology:
When sheep are raised ethically and mulesing-free, wool production can be a highly sustainable resource. Sheep wool is biodegradable and renewable, and can be produced using grazing methods that protect the soil.
Surprising information:
Sheep wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet, making it ideal for outdoor clothing.
Sheepskin
About Sheepskin
Features:
Sheepskin is nature's own luxury product: warm, soft and extremely versatile. Its wool side is airy and insulating, while the leather side makes it a durable and long-lasting choice for both use and decoration.
User experience:
Sheepskin feels soft and warm against the skin – like a little piece of nature’s comfort. It adapts to body heat and brings a pleasant softness to chairs, strollers, beds or floors, for example.
How it is sourced:
Sheepskin is a by-product of the meat industry – the hide is obtained from the skin of sheep, which would otherwise remain unused as industrial waste. The hides are treated gently, often by vegetable tanning or using the most environmentally friendly methods possible. The largest producing countries include Iceland, the United Kingdom and New Zealand.
Ecology:
When processed responsibly and without harmful chemicals, sheepskin is a sustainable choice: a natural, biodegradable and responsible material. The long lifespan of sheepskin reduces the need for new purchases – it is a one-time purchase that lasts for years. Utilizing sheepskin is also an ecological way to further process a by-product of another industry.
Surprising information:
Well-maintained sheepskin cleans itself! Wool repels dirt and grease, and often just ventilating it in fresh air is enough to keep it clean and fresh.
Examples of uses for sheepskin:
Decorative element for a chair, sofa, floor. As a sleeping pad for a bed, stroller. As a seat pad for a trip, sled, car, camper. As a sleeping pad for a pet or even as material for crafts.
Mohair
About Mohair Wool
Features:
- Very shiny and luxurious fiber
- Light weight but warm, with good moisture management
- Inherently flexible and durable
User experience:
Mohair feels feather-light and silky soft, providing luxurious comfort and warmth in cold conditions.
How it is sourced:
Mohair is obtained from Angora goats, which are raised especially in South Africa and the United States.
Ecology:
Mohair is a renewable and biodegradable fiber, but its responsible production depends on taking animal welfare and environmental impacts into account.
Surprising information:
Mohair is so flexible that it can return to its original shape even after being stretched.
Cashmere
About Cashmere Wool
Features:
- Luxuriously soft and lightweight, yet very warm
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Very fine fiber that does not itch
User experience:
Cashmere feels luxuriously soft and comfortable against the skin, making it the perfect choice for sophisticated knitwear and accessories.
How it is sourced:
Cashmere is collected from Kashmir goats, which are raised mainly in Mongolia, China, and India.
Ecology:
Responsibly produced cashmere, such as the Good Cashmere Standard certification, ensures ethical animal treatment and environmentally friendly production.
Surprising information:
One cashmere goat only produces around 150–200 grams of fiber per year, making cashmere rare and one of the most valuable fibers in the world.
Alpaca wool
About Alpaca Wool
Features:
- Hypoallergenic as it does not contain lanolin
- Warmer than traditional sheep's wool
- Light and silky texture
User experience:
Alpaca wool feels soft and warm, but its lightness makes it comfortable to wear. It is non-itchy, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
How it is sourced:
Alpaca wool is collected from alpacas, which are raised specifically in the Peruvian Andes.
Ecology:
Alpaca farming is environmentally friendly, as alpacas graze gently and do not destroy the soil.
Surprising information:
Alpaca wool comes in over 20 natural color shades, which reduces the need for dyeing.
Linen
About Linen
Features:
- Lightweight and breathable, perfect for hot conditions
- Naturally antibacterial
- Very durable
User experience:
Linen feels cool and pleasant on the skin, especially in warm weather.
How it is sourced:
Linen is obtained from the flax plant, which grows quickly and is very resistant to different climates.
Ecology:
Linen is one of the most ecological fibers, as it requires little water and chemicals to grow.
Surprising information:
Linen becomes softer with each wash and improves with use.
Silk
About Silk
Features:
- Shiny and luxurious fiber
- Breathable and moisture-wicking
- Hypoallergenic
User experience:
Silk feels cool and luxurious against the skin, the perfect choice for lightweight and comfortable clothing.
How it is sourced:
Silk is obtained from silkworms, and most of the world's silk is produced in China and India.
Ecology:
Peace silk and other responsible production methods reduce the environmental impact of silk production.
Surprising information:
Silk is very strong and durable in relation to its weight – it withstands stretching and pressure well.
Cotton
About Cotton
Features:
- Soft, durable and skin-friendly
- Breathable and versatile
- Easy to maintain
User experience:
Cotton feels pleasantly soft and natural on the skin, and its breathability makes it a perfect choice for everyday wear and warm climates.
How it is sourced:
Cotton comes from the cotton plant, the fibers of which are used to make yarn and fabrics. The largest producing countries are India, the United States and China.
Ecology:
Organic and recycled cotton are more sustainable alternatives to conventional cotton, as they reduce the use of water and chemicals. Certifications such as GOTS and BCI (Better Cotton Initiative) guarantee ecological production.
Surprising information:
The fibers of a single cotton plant can produce thread that is almost 3 kilometers long!
Hemp
About Hemp
Features:
- Very durable and long-lasting fiber
- Breathable and naturally antibacterial
- Suitable for both lightweight and durable clothing
User experience:
Hemp may feel a little rough at first, but it softens with use and washing, becoming comfortable and lightweight.
How it is sourced:
Hemp is obtained from the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa), which is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. The largest producing countries are China, France and Canada.
Ecology:
Hemp is a very ecological material: it grows quickly, does not require pesticides, and its cultivation improves soil quality. Hemp textiles are biodegradable and long-lasting.
Surprising information:
Hemp absorbs more carbon dioxide from the air as it grows than any other crop, making it an excellent choice for combating climate change.
Also read our sheepskin care instructions
Has your sheepskin started to fray? Check out our tips and BääBää®️ Lanoliili Spray, which will help you make your old sheepskin fresh and fluffy.
