Most laundry sheets and detergents are made for regular washing. This means they are often not suitable for delicate fabrics like wool. Wool is a natural fibre and needs a bit of extra care because it can shrink or get damaged quickly if you use harsh cleaning products. We will discuss the best way to wash your woollen jumper and give you some tips to keep your woollen clothes looking great (such as using wool detergent).
Why is wool detergent better for wool and delicate fabrics?
Regular laundry sheets are designed to remove stubborn dirt and stains from commonly used fabrics like cotton and synthetics. This makes detergent not always suitable for washing wool and other delicate fabrics. This is due to the specific ingredients in detergent.
Take for example Sodium Coco-Sulfate, a foaming cleanser that removes dirt well but can also affect the natural oils of wool fibres. These oils are important to keep wool soft and elastic. Without these oils, wool becomes dry and stiff.
Additionally, laundry sheets contain enzymes like Protease, which are intended to break down protein stains such as blood and sweat. However, wool is also a protein, keratin, similar to human hair. Protease can therefore break down wool fibres, leading to weakening and damage of the material.
Another enzyme, Cellulase which is meant to smooth cotton fibres, offers no benefits for wool and can even cause unwanted wear because wool does not contain cellulose.
Furthermore, substances like Trisodium Citrate and Citric Acid Monohydrate in laundry sheets are intended to balance pH and improve cleaning power. Wool, however, requires a slightly acidic pH to maintain the fibres properly. If the detergent has too high a pH, it can damage the wool.
Also, the fragrances added to laundry sheets can make your clothes smell nice, but they are not always good for wool. These scents can cause irritation to the sensitive wool fibres. And if perfume residues build up in the wool fibres, your jumper becomes less breathable.
These are all points to consider if you want to keep your woollen clothes soft and comfortable.
What happens to wool if you use regular laundry sheets or detergent?
If you use regular laundry sheets or detergent to wash woollen clothes, several problems can arise that affect the quality of the wool. Firstly, wool can shrink; this happens due to chemical reactions and using incorrect temperatures during washing. Additionally, wool can felt, meaning the protective structure of the fibres breaks down. This is often caused by rough treatment and fibres rubbing against each other during washing. Wool can also become stiff and brittle. This happens because the natural oils that keep wool soft and supple are removed.
What should you use instead for woollen garments?
For washing your woollen clothes, it is best to choose a mild wool detergent. There are also laundry sheets on the market suitable for delicate fabrics and wool, such as Cosmeau’s wool & silk laundry sheets. Using a low-temperature wool wash programme will keep your woollen garments beautiful, soft and clean.
Always check the packaging of a detergent to ensure it is suitable for wool. If you want to be very careful, you can also use baby shampoo for hand washing, which is gentle on the fabric and works similarly to wool detergent. Wash in lukewarm water, avoid wringing, and lay the garment flat to dry.
Regular laundry sheets are convenient for everyday washing but can be harmful to delicate fabrics like wool. Ingredients such as sodium coco-sulfate, protease and perfume are not suitable for caring for these natural fibres. Therefore, always choose a detergent specially developed for delicate fabrics to keep your woollen garments in great condition.
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