Having to hand wash wool items can seem daunting, but it is actually pretty simple! Here is how I do it:
- Fill a clean sink or bucket with lukewarm water, enough to completely submerge your item
- Swish your preferred wool wash (I particularly like Kookaburra) into the water at the ratio instructed; wool wash is preferred over a regular detergent as it's formulated specifically for wool and usually does not require rinsing
- Gently press your item into the water, helping it absorb the wash water; be very gentle and do not scrub or wring the item
- Let the item soak for 15-30 minutes
- To prepare for drying, lay out a towel
- When ready, gently squeeze out as much water as you can
- Lay the item on the towel, then roll up the towel and item in it and squeeze to help the towel absorb more water from the item
- Unroll the item and repeat with a dry towel if necessary
- Lay the item flat on a towel or foam mats to dry, making sure to shape the item as desired; try avoiding hanging as knitwear will stretch as it dries when it's being weighted down with water
- Once the piece is mostly dried and shaped, you can drape it across a drying rack to complete drying
- You can reuse your water to wash more knitwear pieces and if using a natural wool wash it will be safe to use on outdoor plants
Other Resources:
How to wash and care for luxury knitwear - Interweave
Caring for hand knits - Tin Can Knits
How to wash your wool - Wool and the Gang