Please help me to stop wool jumpers shrinking in the wash!

[Bookworm75]

The labels say they’re machine washable wool. I’ve washed them on the wool cycle in the machine, with special wool detergent, and they still shrank. Someone told me putting them inside a pillowcase would help - does that actually work? I really don’t want to have to keep hand washing them instead 😕

I have this problem with lots of lambs wool jumpers. They are quite expensive too so I’d be keen to know if you find a solution x

I am the same. Following for tips!

My washing machine's wool cycle is 40 degrees. I find that anything but cold shrinks wool, so I use 30 degree delicates wash instead.

I always hand wash them in cool water with special handwash stuff and they never shrink. Spin them on the lowest setting for the tiniest amount of time and all will be good.

Sorry I do realise you don't want to handwash but it really is the only way - bitter experience

I always wash them on cold with delicate detergent. All been ok so far.

I guess you'll have to handwash, roll in a towel to dry etc. I don't think I'd trust wool in the machine.

I am another fan of a hand wash. My mum said ‘wash it like it’s a baby ‘ - blood temperature, gentle, make sure you get the soap out.
Roll it in a towel rather than spin, then lay it on a drying rack.
Or buy cheaper sweaters 😁

They're fine to spin lightly in the machine, just not the washing bit. I save up and do a few handwash things at a time and spin them all together if colour safe.

I wash mine on cold (also a wool cycle) and they've been okay.
A hot shower is about 38c and I've figured that if 40c would be too hot for me to stand under comfortably it's definitely not suitable for delicates!

You're not supposed to wash them in a machine, even if it says so

15 mins cool wash seems to do it.

Sorry I do realise you don't want to handwash but it really is the only way - bitter experience

This. Boden are particularly bad for claiming that their knitwear is washable on a machine handwash/ wool cycle and it still shrinking.

I handwash mine in very lukewarm water, then spin in a garment bag on the lowest spin speed.

I wash mine inside a laundry bag (mesh thingy), on cold water, hand wash cycle with wool detergent (woolite or similar).
Dry flat on an airer after reshaping (i.e. stretch it out as much as you can when it comes out of the machine)

Are you washing them alone or with other items? Friction can increase felting/shrinking.

If you use a non/rinse wool wash like Eucalan you can just use the rinse cycle by putting it in the softener drawer.

Someone above has mentioned Boden - don’t wash their woollen items in the machine - I’ve shrunk far too many jumpers that way ... no issue with any other brand ! I don’t buy anything wool from Boden anymore

Thanks for the tips ladies. Funnily enough it’s Boden jumpers that have caused the most problems - I usually get them in the sale thank goodness but still I’d like them to last. Have told myself to stop buying them, but the styles are often so nice! Bought a lovely acrylic one from Next but then it rubbed up terribly.