Washing Wool: How to Clean Without Damage

Overview

Wool doesn’t need frequent washing, but when it does, doing it right matters. Cool water, gentle soap, and short handling times help preserve softness, stretch, and color. Here's how to wash wool properly—without the damage.

Key Points

• Wool doesn’t need frequent washing

• Use only cool or cold water

• Rinse & spin cycle is safe for Bumby wool

• No long soaking, scrubbing, or heat drying

• Choose gentle, wool-safe soaps

Washing Wool: How to Clean Without Damage

Wool is magical, but it’s not invincible. Washing it the wrong way can lead to shrinking, stiffening, or breaking down those buttery-soft fibers. The good news? Washing wool properly is easy once you understand what it actually needs (and what to avoid).

Here’s how to keep your Bumby wool fresh, functional, and fabulous for years to come.

How Often Should You Wash Wool?

Wool doesn’t need frequent washing. It’s naturally antimicrobial and odor-resistant. In most cases:

• Diaper covers can be spot-cleaned and only need a full wash every 1–2 weeks

• Clothing or outerwear often just needs an airing out or light rinse

• If it’s smelly or visibly soiled, it’s time

• A rinse without detergent is a great option to remove salt, sweat, or light grime without disturbing the lanolin or overprocessing the wool. This keeps your garments fresher, longer—without all the effort or wear.

Less washing = longer life.

When You DO Wash, Keep It Simple

• Use cool to cold water only. Warm or hot water can lead to color bleeding and fiber swelling.

• Use a gentle wool-safe detergent — without enzymes, bleach, or softeners.

• If you're washing multiple items, sort by color depth just like laundry. Rich colors can bleed, especially when new.

Machine Washing: Yes, with a Few Rules

Bumby wool is prefelted, which means it's more resilient than delicate handknits.

You can use the rinse & spin cycle in your washer with cool water to:

• Remove soap after lanolizing

• Rinse off everyday grime or body sweat

• Prep wool before a new lanolizing cycle

• Always cool water

Gentle or wool cycle is preferred, especially with non-Bumby or knit wool items.

What About Hand Washing?

If you prefer to hand wash:

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add wool-safe detergent

2. Gently press the wool in—no scrubbing or twisting

3. Let it rest briefly (no long soaking!)

4. Rinse with cool water, then roll in a towel to remove excess moisture

Let it dry flat away from direct heat or sun.

Drying Dos and Don’ts

• Do gently squeeze, roll in a towel, and lay flat

• Don’t wring out, hang, or toss in a dryer

• Do flip the item occasionally while drying

• Optional: A short rinse & spin cycle works wonders for getting water out quickly

Avoid These Common Mistakes

• Using warm water

• Soaking too long

• Using the wrong soap

• Agitating or scrubbing

• Hanging to dry

Want to Skip the Wash Day Work?
Our Ready-to-Wear Washing & Lanolizing Service takes care of it all, and ships your wool back prepped and perfect.

Explore the Bumby Lanolizing & Washing Service

Backlinks to Other Articles

• Common Lanolizing Mistakes to Avoid

• How to Lanolize Wool in 5 Easy Steps

• Choosing the Right Lanolin for Your Wool