Alpaca jumper: can I wash it in the machine wool setting?

[KateMiskin]

Looking for chunky jumpers I can wash in the machine. Acrylic/polyester always bobbles for me and makes me itch. Seen one in alpaca I like, but it says hand wash. Can I wash in the machine though, with Woolite? What's the wool setting for then?

Or should I go for really thick cotton? May not be warm though. Can't afford cashmere or pure wool.

I was looking at an Alpaca jumper, may have been on la redoute checked the reviews and it seems like they were very problematic washing and shrinking etc. have a check on the website where you saw it.

Mine is Superdry. Reviews dont mention washing.
I guess I better not risk a machine wash but I hate handwashing. I take public transport so they need washing often.

Alpaca also bobbles. Check wool sweaters on Vinted

No, alpaca is one of the trickiest of wools to wash at the best of times. However, that said, and depending on the percentage (if it'a a wool mix), it can possibly manage a cold wool cycle for 30 minutes but only if there is absolutely no spin cycle whatsoever. Spinning will matte the fibre together. Spinning is pretty disastrous for most wool.

If washing by hand or in a machine, to remove the excess water, pat out before removing from drum.sink, then place between two towels, roll, then press the rest of the water out. Repeat several time. Reshape and dry flat. It's easier to just get them dry cleaned or else, and if you can be bothered, spray the armpits with vodka, and thoroughly air out between wears. Always wear a layer underneath too.

Wool bobbles/pills because the fibres aren't long enough. This is usually as a result of cheap(er) wool.

Thus ends my TED talk on washing wool 😂

No, don't use a washing machine, it will fit a doll. Wash by hand slightly cooler than hand temp. When it is rinsed gently wring it, then place it in a towel about to go into the wash. Lay it flat, roll the towel up and stand on it to wring out the water and then dry it flat. Alpaca is a bastard to wash.

I washed one tonight in the washing machine for first time, half alpaca, some wool, rest synthetic. Was on a 20 minute wash, 30 (or 20) degrees can't remember, low-ish spin.

Can confirm it has shrunk a bit and slightly matted, though washed it inside out so not too bad. Handy it was a bit oversized in style, so still wearable. Hope it wont shrink more though as really can't be bothered to hand wash it.

The problem with the wool setting is they don't all work. With my previous machine it worked great. My current one shrinks stuff.