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Washing Instructions
The great thing about wool and garments made from wool is they don't need a lot of washing as wool is naturally odour and stain resistant.
Be careful to avoid washing wool in laundry products, which can contain enzymes. Wool is a protein fibre and protease enzymes may attack the wool fibres and damage the woollen fabric.
If you really love your garment and want to keep it absolutely looking new it is best to hand wash (see below for instructions).
But most wool garments these days can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle depending what your machine has.
Turn the garment inside out.
Use an approved wool wash detergent and the required amount.
Gentle machine rinse in warm water and a gentle spin.
Dry flat in the shade on a towel or a drying rack.
NEVER use bleach and DO NOT tumble dry.
This is a recommended way to wash hand knitted items or if you just want to take extra care of your garment.
If hand washing wool garments, do not allow the tap water to run directly on the wool, as this can damage the fibres. Fill the tub or the sink with warm water (not hot) and then add the woollen items.
Lightly squeeze the garment through the water.
Then rinse in warm water until you can't see any more bubbles or detergent.
Lightly squeeze again to drain the water out of the garment.
It is recommended to lie flat on the floor or a drying rack on a towel. If you have a heated towel rail you can also lie a towel on that and lie the garment over the top of the towel.
When washing, machine washable wool garments in a washing machine, always use the wool cycle or delicate cycle on the machine.
Do not tumble dry woollen garments.
Never use bleach.
Do not dry woollens in direct sunlight.
You can wash your socks with a warm, gentle machine wash for best results. You may want to keep your colours separated. Light colours with light and dark with dark.
For the best care turn the socks inside out before washing.
Use an approved washing detergent for wool. But don't be too fussy as wool socks are generally pretty tough.
NEVER use bleach.
And generally do not dry clean your socks.
You can hang them outside in the shade is best or dry them lying flat and out of direct sun and no direct heat is best.
DO NOT tumble dry.
Properly cared for, your blanket will provide a lifetime of comfort.
First Wash: Your wool blanket can be used immediately, however the first wash will significantly bulk and soften fibres. Use the washing machine on a cold water, short cycle and gentle spin. Add a wool fabric softener (detergent not required). Pull to shape and air dry in the shade. Your blanket will have relaxed and softened with a 6% shrinkage factor which is normal, and accounted for in the weave.
Regular Care: We recommend wool blankets are washed only once or twice per season then regularly aired and spot cleaned as required.
Sometimes yes. A garment made from wool may require ironing from time to time but generally the wool's natural crimp allows the garment to fall back into place.
If you think you would like to iron your garment or hand knit, set the iron onto the wool dial which is a cooler setting.
You can wet a tea towel or cloth and press the iron on top of the tea towel over the garment creating steam.
Cosy Toes product recommendation for washing wool and delicates.
A product strongly recommended is Ecostore Delicates and Wool Wash. Ecostore use plant and mineral based ingredients wherever possible in their formulations which means the pH balanced detergent is not only an effective cleaner, it is also kinder to the skin and suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. There are no nasty chemicals in this product.
This product is made in New Zealand and you will find it in most supermarkets or you can find more information at the Ecostore website.
If you still need a bit more information here are 10 tips to keep your merino garments looking new and keeping them looking their best.
Have you got a washing question you would like to ask? Let us know your questions and we will ask the experts. Email us here.
More...
An important tip is to always follow the wash instructions on the label of the garment.
These are general guidelines only for washing wool clothing.
Use a product especially designed for washing wool. (see below for product recommendations).Be careful to avoid washing wool in laundry products, which can contain enzymes. Wool is a protein fibre and protease enzymes may attack the wool fibres and damage the woollen fabric.
How to wash your garments made from wool in a machine
If you really love your garment and want to keep it absolutely looking new it is best to hand wash (see below for instructions).
But most wool garments these days can be machine washed on a wool or delicate cycle depending what your machine has.
Turn the garment inside out.
Use an approved wool wash detergent and the required amount.
Gentle machine rinse in warm water and a gentle spin.
Dry flat in the shade on a towel or a drying rack.
NEVER use bleach and DO NOT tumble dry.
How to hand wash wool garments
This is a recommended way to wash hand knitted items or if you just want to take extra care of your garment.
If hand washing wool garments, do not allow the tap water to run directly on the wool, as this can damage the fibres. Fill the tub or the sink with warm water (not hot) and then add the woollen items.
Lightly squeeze the garment through the water.
Then rinse in warm water until you can't see any more bubbles or detergent.
Lightly squeeze again to drain the water out of the garment.
It is recommended to lie flat on the floor or a drying rack on a towel. If you have a heated towel rail you can also lie a towel on that and lie the garment over the top of the towel.
When washing, machine washable wool garments in a washing machine, always use the wool cycle or delicate cycle on the machine.
Do not tumble dry woollen garments.
Never use bleach.
Do not dry woollens in direct sunlight.
How to wash your merino socks
You can wash your socks with a warm, gentle machine wash for best results. You may want to keep your colours separated. Light colours with light and dark with dark.
For the best care turn the socks inside out before washing.
Use an approved washing detergent for wool. But don't be too fussy as wool socks are generally pretty tough.
NEVER use bleach.
And generally do not dry clean your socks.
You can hang them outside in the shade is best or dry them lying flat and out of direct sun and no direct heat is best.
DO NOT tumble dry.
How to wash your wool blanket
Properly cared for, your blanket will provide a lifetime of comfort.
First Wash: Your wool blanket can be used immediately, however the first wash will significantly bulk and soften fibres. Use the washing machine on a cold water, short cycle and gentle spin. Add a wool fabric softener (detergent not required). Pull to shape and air dry in the shade. Your blanket will have relaxed and softened with a 6% shrinkage factor which is normal, and accounted for in the weave.
Regular Care: We recommend wool blankets are washed only once or twice per season then regularly aired and spot cleaned as required.
Do I need to iron my wool garment?
Sometimes yes. A garment made from wool may require ironing from time to time but generally the wool's natural crimp allows the garment to fall back into place.
If you think you would like to iron your garment or hand knit, set the iron onto the wool dial which is a cooler setting.
You can wet a tea towel or cloth and press the iron on top of the tea towel over the garment creating steam.
Cosy Toes product recommendation for washing wool and delicates. 
A product strongly recommended is Ecostore Delicates and Wool Wash. Ecostore use plant and mineral based ingredients wherever possible in their formulations which means the pH balanced detergent is not only an effective cleaner, it is also kinder to the skin and suitable for those with sensitive skin or allergies. There are no nasty chemicals in this product.
This product is made in New Zealand and you will find it in most supermarkets or you can find more information at the Ecostore website.
If you still need a bit more information here are 10 tips to keep your merino garments looking new and keeping them looking their best.
Have you got a washing question you would like to ask? Let us know your questions and we will ask the experts. Email us here.
More...