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Softening a Wool Throw

December 7, 2020 Tags: softening wool throw, taking care of wool, washing throws, wool blanket, wool blankets, Wool care, wool throw, wool throws No Comments

Do you have one particular wool throw that you love for its colours and pattern but that just feels too itchy to use? We at WoolMe produce sumptuously soft throws and blankets, but if you buy one elsewhere that isn’t pleasant on the skin, we’ve got the solution. Discover how to soften a wool throw and make it ultra-cosy and huggable.

how to care for wool throw

The softness of a wool throw will depends on the structure of the wool fibres. Different types of wool have varying sizes of fibres, measured in microns. The lower the micron value, the softer the wool. If you have a wool throw or blanket it’s probably partly due to having coarse fibres. But some chemicals used in wool processing can result in wool feeling uncomfortable to touch. To return it to its natural, pretreated softness, try this clever hack:

Learn this wool throw softening trick

Fill your bathroom tub with lukewarm water and add 1 tablespoon of a gentle, no-rinse wool detergent containing lanolin. This is a natural softener derived from sheep that creates the protective layer of waxy substance that is found on their wool fleeces. For an extra softness boost, add a nut-sized portion of leave-in hair conditioner to the water, and mix.
Gently swoosh the water around to combine the detergent and conditioner.
Place your wool throw in the tub and hold it under the water for a few seconds to ensure the fibres absorb the wash solution.
Leave the wool throw to soak for 15-20 minutes. Really thick wool may need to soak for up to half an hour.
Remove the throw from the tub, gently pressing out any water. Do not wring or pull the fabric. Lay it flat between two bedsheets or towels somewhere sheltered and warm to dry out. Avoid direct sunlight when drying any woollen garments.
Once your wool throw is dry it should be super-soft and snuggly. Perfect for curling up with on the sofa this Winter, or for adding an extra layer of comfy warmth to your bed. If you want even more softness, repeat the process.

how to soften a wool blanket

Knowing how to soften a wool throw is particularly useful if you have young children or sensitive skin. You can use the same technique on woolly jumpers or scarves too, just make sure you don’t pull the garment out of shape when wet.

Understanding how wool fibres work and how to care for wool products means you can get the best from your textiles. Not only will they feel lovely against your skin, they will stay strong and last longer, making them a sustainable choice for the modern home.

Find out more about looking after wool throws and blankets here.

Merino Wool Throws – How to Unshrink

November 1, 2020 Tags: how to unshrink a sweater, merino blanket, merino blankets, merino throw, merino throws, merino wool, merino wool blanket, merino wool blankets, merino wool sweaters, merino wool throw, merino wool throws, merino wool yarn, wool blanket, wool blankets, wool throw, wool throws 2 Comments

It’s the worst feeling isn’t it? You open the washing machine or dyer and realise your favourite wool sweater, cosy winter socks or beautiful merino wool throw has shrunk. But don’t despair. We can show you how to unshrink a sweater or wool throw and restore it to its former glory.

Shrinking a wool throw or a garment often happens when it is washed or tumble dried in unsuitably warm temperatures. It is still may be possible to restore the original size of your merino wool throw or garment. Depending on a range of factors, it is possible to increase your throw or sweater by as much as a size and a half using this process (which can also work for other wool knit objects).

So, what is this magic-sounding process? Follow these steps to unshrink a wool throw, and remember to be gentle with your wool throws, blankets and clothing in the future.

How to unshrink a sweater or wool throw

Fill a bath tub with lukewarm water – there should be enough water to cover the item you wish to unshrink.
Now a little trick: Take your hair conditioner and add a generous amount of it to the water. If you also want to freshen the wool throw, and some mild detergent. The secret is that the hair conditioner will relax and loosen the wool yarns. This will allow you to re-size the blanket or knit item without deteriorating its shape. Agitate the water well with your hands to dissolve and mix the detergent and hair conditioner.

unshrink merino wool throw

Submerge your merino wool throw or garment in the water and gently knead it for some time. Once you’ve worked the conditioner and detergent mixture into the fibers, drain the water from the bath tub.
Gently press the throw against the bottom and sides of the tub to remove the excess water, then take the item out from the tub.
Lay the throw flat on a large bath towel or linen throw (or any large piece of fabric) and place another piece of fabric on top. Press down and continue to squeeze water out of the throw until both the upper and lower pieces of fabric have absorbed most of the moisture. If necessary, repeat this with dry pieces of cloth or towels.

unshrink wool throw

Now the important part. Lay the wool throw on a flat soft surface (e.g. a rug or bed) and gently pull it back into the desired shape and size. Stretch it very gently in all directions, trying to make the edges straight and symmetrical. If you are unshrinking a wool sweater or cardigan, concentrate your efforts on the sleeves, bottom edges and neckline – or any areas you think have shrunk the most. Allow the item to lie flat for a few minutes, then repeat the stretching one or two more times before it dries completely.
To end the procedure, wash the throw in cold water by hand or using a gentle machine cycle on low temperatures to remove the leftovers of hair conditioner. Reshape it again and lie flat to dry before using.

With these simple steps you might just be able to unshrink your merino wool throw or lambswool blanket. To avoid this happening again, always read the manufacturer’s care instructions and use mild detergent. For tips on washing wool throws in washing machine here.

How to Remove Red Wine from Wool

December 17, 2019 Tags: caring for wool, christmas, cleaning blankets, cleaning wool throws, how to remove stains wool No Comments

As the festive season gets into full swing, the chances of a red wine spill increase. We’ve all seen it (or done it!) – the casual gesture that unexpectedly sloshes wine out of the glass; or the over-enthusiastic turn on the dance floor that ends up knocking someone’s drink over. Whether you’ve got friends round for mulled wine and mince pies, or you’re curling up in front of a Christmassy film with a glass of red and your favourite cozy wool throw, this is peak stain time. But fear not, we’ve got all you need to know about how to remove red wine from wool.

Thanks to its natural dirt and odour-repelling properties, wool is pretty easy to care for and doesn’t attract marks like other fabrics. But despite this, accidents can still happen. It’s best to wash your wool throws and blankets as infrequently as possible – you can refresh them by airing outdoors, brushing gently and if necessary washing. Always use a gentle cycle or wash by hand in cool water, and use an appropriate wool detergent. For spot cleaning stains you’ll need some extra tools in your cleaning kit, so read on to find out more.

This advice applies to wool blankets and throws, as well as wool carpets and rugs. It’s important to remember that you should always refer to the individual item’s care instructions, and spot test any stain removal method on an invisible area to check for color changes.

How to remove wine from a wool blanket or carpet

Method 1: Surgical spirit

Blot the stain with a lint-free, absorbent cloth
Combine 3 parts surgical spirit with 1 part water. Dab onto the stain as soon as possible after the spill has occurred
Cover with an absorbent pad soaked with the mixture and leave to work. Replace as needed until the stain has disappeared
Rinse with cool water and air dry

Method 2: Salt

Blot the stain and sprinkle with salt to cover the whole marked area
Once the salt has absorbed all the liquid, vacuum the area to remove residue. This should lift the stain

Method 3: Vinegar

Combine 1 tbsp white vinegar with 1 tbsp washing up liquid and 2 cups of water
Pour over stain
Blot with liquid detergent
Rinse area with cool water, or wash throw as per care label

Method 4: Baking soda

Pour water or white wine over the stain and then blot up
Mix baking soda with water to create a spreadable paste
Cover the stain with a thick layer of paste, then place a clean tea towel over. Press with a book on top and leave overnight
Scrape up the residue and vacuum the area

Wet Cleaning

If these solutions still don’t work and you need professional help to remove a wine stain from wool, try to find a local wet cleaner. Wet cleaning works without using the harsh, toxic chemicals used in dry cleaning. This means it’s far healthier for the person doing the cleaning, as well kinder to the planet and your wool garment.

The wet clean process starts with spot cleaning a stain. The garment is then washed in a specially designed machine, with the right environmentally-friendly detergent. Finally, it’s dried in a gentle dryer or line, steam shaped and hand finished.

For more on how to wash wool and how to care for your wool throws go here and here.

We hope you have a very happy, spill-free Christmas holiday and a wonderful New Year!

And Breathe! Why Wool is the Natural Choice

January 17, 2019 Tags: 100% wool, natural wool, temperature regulation, thermal properties of wool, wool base layers, wool blanket, wool insulation, wool throw No Comments

Do you ever find that sometimes the simplest solution is right there, under your nose? While scientists and researchers strive to develop ever-more innovative new fabrics and materials for fashion and interiors, we think the best and most natural choice is one that we’ve used and enjoyed for thousands of years: wool.

Not only is wool a more sustainable, biodegradable fabric than synthetics, it also works in harmony with your body. So you can stay comfortable, warm and cosy without overheating. The main reason that we don’t get unpleasantly hot (unlike when wearing some manmade fibres) with wool is that it allows your skin to breathe. In fact, it’s almost as if wool itself is breathing. Here’s how it works:

Wool’s natural absorbency

Wool has a very high absorbency, which means it wicks away sweat and moisture from the skin, keeping you dry and comfortable. This moisture is slowly released back into the air, meaning you avoid the chills and shivers that can occur after exercise when you start to cool off. As the body’s humidity reduces, the process of absorbing moisture creates warmth within the wool – it has been claimed that 1kg of dry wool can generate the same amount of heat as an electric blanket heated for eight hours!

By releasing warm moisture into the air, rather than allowing it to stick to the skin, wool helps regulate your body temperature. As moisture is released and heat is generated, the ensuing evaporation cools the body.

Insulating properties

Because the fibres in wool are crimped, they trap air in tiny pockets. This creates an insulating layer, which is why wool is not only great for clothing and blankets, but also makes excellent wall insulation in the home. This is why wool is often found in jackets or used to create fine undergarments for people in extreme or changeable temperatures, like mountain climbing.

Odour resistance

Another amazing quality of woollen fabrics, according to azithromycin.net is the anti-microbial function. Thanks to wool’s ability to release moisture back into the air more quickly and effectively than many synthetics, sweat doesn’t stick around long enough for bacteria to form. Which means no unpleasant odours, just a fresh feeling. Whether you’re skiing at altitude or riding the rush hour commute, choosing wool means you’ll stay just the right temperature.

So, whether you’re looking for a lightweight base layer, a wool scarf for winter, or want to find a cosy wool throw to hunker down on chilly evenings, wool is the natural choice. From finest luxurious cashmere to sumptuously soft merino wool, there’s a good reason why humans have loved and used wool throughout history. It’s not only temperature-regulating, it’s also easy to care for. Simply follow the care instructions on each garment, dry flat and out of sunlight, and gently remove any pilling. If looked after properly your woollen blankets and clothing will last for years, keeping you cosy and comfortable whatever the weather – and life – may throw at you.

How to Deal With Pilling and Bobbling on Wool

December 11, 2018 Tags: caring for wool, how to prevent pilling, Wool care No Comments

If your wool clothes or home textiles have annoying bobbling or are looking older than they should, we’ve got some tips on how to prevent and get rid of pilling. Caused by broken fibres bunching together to form tiny balls, pills and bobbles often occur in areas of high friction, like the cuffs and armpits of sweaters. Pilling is more common in mixed fibre textiles, especially those that include polyester. Synthetic fibres are more prone to bobbling, so choose natural fabrics like linen or wool whenever possible.

Once a garment has bobbles the little balls will just keep on getting bigger, as other broken fibres from different items are attracted to them. This can result in pills that are different colours than the original garment, as bits of fluff and fuzz from other things become attached to the existing bobbles.

Thankfully, pilling is pretty easy to deal with. Firstly, it’s important to try to avoid it in the first place. Here’s how to avoid pilling on wool garments:

Wash the item inside out on a gentle/ wool cycle, or hand wash if possible. The less friction it meets the less it will bobble.
Use a specialist detergent for wool or delicates.
Don’t overload your washing machine as this can damage the fibres, and wash delicates with other similar items rather than harder-wearing garments like denim, or things with zips.
Use a fabric conditioner. This will coat the wool fibres and reduce static and friction.
Air dry, don’t tumble dry. Heat and friction will damage the fibres and cause pilling.
Never use bleach on wool items as this weakens the fibres and can make them more likely to break and pill.

If your beloved wool sweater or woollen blanket does have some bobbling and needs perking up, here are some tips on getting rid of pilling:

Use a fabric comb or electric fabric shaver to carefully remove the bobbles.
Using a sharp standard razor, hold the garment taut and gently shave off the pills. Collect the cut-offs with a lint roller or adhesive tape.
For mild pilling adhesive tape, a head lice comb or a velcro hair roller are effective (and cheap) ways to remove pills.
If you’re travelling and need a quick bobble fix, use the rough part of a velcro fastening to remove bobbles from an item.

For more tips on how to care for wool clothes and throws, and on how to treat stains go here and here.

4 Beautiful Ways to Style Your Wool Throw

March 30, 2018 Tags: alpaca blanket, home decorating with wool, how to style a wool throw, merino blanket, wool throw No Comments

A pure wool throw is one of those things that every household should have. Versatile, stylish, cosy and long-lasting, a wool throw is more than just a blanket.

It’s a comfort when you are ill and tucked up in bed. It’s something to snuggle up with your loved ones under on Film Night. It’s a fort. It’s a picnic blanket to lie back on in a summer’s field. It’s something to wrap yourself in around a campfire. It’s a way to freshen up a tired sofa or bedroom. We wouldn’t be without one. Or two.

Here’s four beautiful ways to style your wool throw:

1.Draped over a sofa

Draping a wool throw over the back or seat of your sofa will brighten up the sofa and can unify the colour scheme of the room. If you have a minimalist, neutral room then a simple throw in mustard and grey can add a gentle wash of colour without dominating the room. If you love bold colours go for contrasting tones and patterns with a wool throw in multicolours. And it will be readily on hand if you need a bit of extra warmth in the evening while you read, talk or catch up on a box set. If you want extra textures add some pure wool sheepskins and linen cushions.

2.Out on a picnic

Wool is hardwearing, anti-bacterial and can be easily spot-cleaned, which makes a wool throw an ideal picnic blanket. Simply roll up, add some napkins, plate and cutlery, and you’ve got an Insta-worthy picnic right there. Choose an alpaca or merino wool blanket for extra comfort as you recline and watch the clouds scud across the sky, or share some fresh bread and cheese with friends. When you’re done, just give the throw a good shake and wipe off any spills, then store ready for your next outdoor adventure.

3.On your bed

A lovely way to create a calm mood in a bedroom is to use similar colours in your bedlinen. Crisp whites or soft blues and greys will still the mind and help you feel rested. A throw in complementary tones will add to this harmonious feel. Here we’ve styled a bed in supersoft linen bedlinen and added a throw in a slightly darker colour to keep things simple but to add a layer of luxurious colour and texture.

4.Over a chair

Use a lovely wool throw to disguise an old upholstered chair if you want a change of scene but don’t want to go the whole hog and get it reupholstered. Easy to wash and care for, a wool throw will cover all manner of sins on a piece of pre-loved furniture. They also look welcoming and homely folded neatly over the arm of a chair or sofa, as if inviting guests and family alike to get comfy and make themselves at home.

How do you use your wool throws at home? Any fun or stylish uses we haven’t thought of?

Tips on Taking Care of Cashmere

March 30, 2018 Tags: caring after cashmere, cashmere, cashmere blanket, Cashmere care, cashmere garments, cashmere throw, Wool care, wool throw, woolme No Comments

Both durable and practical cashmere is one of the most luxurious cold weather materials. In order to keep it in excelent condition and enjoy its durability cashmere needs to be taken care of properly. We piled together a bunch of useful tips that will come in handy when properly cleaning and storing your cashmere garments.

Why Wool is Good for You

February 1, 2018 Tags: throws & blankets, throws&blankets, wool, wool and yarn, wool blanket, wool blankets, Wool care, wool shop, wool shops, wool throw, wool throws, wool throws & blankets, wool yarn, wool yarns, woolme No Comments

Wool is definitely one of the most popular natural materials known but not many of us know the actual benefits of using wool products daily. If you have not known a lot about wool get ready for some knowledge – we are about to introduce you to wool, the durable natural material.

How to Remove Stains From Wool

January 30, 2018 Tags: how to remove stains wool, wool garments, wool stains No Comments

Have you spilt something on a beloved wool garment? Need some help removing the stain from wool? We know how precious woollen clothes and throws are – they are investment pieces, designed to keep you warm and comfortable for many years. But they also require careful attention when cleaning in order to retain their shape and colour. So there’s nothing worse than discovering a nasty stain or mark on them, whether it’s a coffee spill on a wool throw or grease spots on a wool sweater.

Stain removal from wool items can be trickier than from other fabrics because stains set in quicker. You need to treat a stain as soon as you can and avoid heat of any kind until it has been removed as this can fix it into the wool, leaving a permanent mark.

Here’s how to remove the most common household stains from wool. Things like nail polish and paint will probably require specialist cleaning.

1. Treat the stain

For alcohol, coffee, food, chocolate, urine or vomit stains

First blot up any excess liquid or debris using paper towels or a clean, dry cloth. Scrape off anything you can with a rounded edged knife or spoon. Soak a linen cloth (they don’t shed lint) in a solution of half white vinegar and half wool detergent mixed with cool water. Then use this cloth to dab at the stain, working inwards and on the reverse of the garment to stop the stain spreading.

For oily stains

Again, scrape off any excess residue from the spillage. Use a cloth dipped in white spirit to gently blot the stain off, taking care not to rub and working inwards to contain the stain.

2. Soak the wool

Once you have treated the specific stain spot, soak the garment in a sink or large tub in cool water with some wool detergent. Very gently rub the stain, and then rinse until all the soap residue has washed away.

3. Rinse

Rinse the item in water mixed with a splash of white vinegar. Once this has run through, keep rinsing until all the vinegar solution has run off.

4. Dry

Smaller items like sweaters or scarves can be wrapped in a towel (linen is perfect thanks to its high absorbency) and gently twisted to remove excess water. The towel should absorb most of the moisture and will protect the wool fibres. If the item is large, like a wool throw or coat, lay in between two towels and press to soak up the water. Leave the item to air dry, making sure it is flat and out of direct sunlight.

5. Seek professional help if needed

Some stains are simply too stubborn, or too old, to be removed this way. A dry cleaner will be able to advise you on whether or not they can get the stain out, and there are stain removal products available to buy if necessary (just check these are suitable for use with wool).

Do You Recycle Your Wool Textiles?

December 8, 2017 Tags: discarding wool, donating wool, recycle wool, recycle wool textiles, recycling wool, upcycle wool 1 Comment

If you are doing a pre-Christmas clear out to make room for new lovely gifts, stop for a moment before you throw anything away. It might be that that ancient jersey with a hole in the sleeve, the much-loved wool throw that has become a bit threadbare or those cashmere socks that have shrunk in the wash, could have a whole new life. Here are some thoughts on how and why we should recycle our old wool textiles.

It has been estimated that around 3.3million tonnes of textile waste goes into landfill every year in the USA alone. Whilst wool makes up only a small percentage of this, reusing and recycling 2million tonnes per year of unwanted textiles could reduce carbon emissions by the same amount as taking 1million cars off the road. Pretty mind-blowing, no? Wool is a natural fibre and is the most easily reused of all textile fibres. In fact we have been recycling wool for hundreds of years.

So if you want to know what to do with your old woollies, this is the lowdown.

Upcycling wool

If you are crafty, or have clever friends, give your old woollen textiles to them. Wool can be felted and made into all sorts of things, or unravelled and re-knitted into something new. Pinterest and Etsy are brilliant for inspiration for up cycling projects – if you’re quick you might even have time to make some decorations or Christmas gifts!

Donating wool

Giving woollen textiles to charity shops and goodwill centres can prolong the item’s life by several years, and avoids filling up landfill. Because of its natural durability wool lasts longer than other fibres, meaning your unwanted things can have long, happy lives elsewhere. You can often donate by filling charity bags for collection.

Recycling wool

Wool is perfect for recycling and new technologies have made this process even more efficient. Valuable or top quality woollens are closed-loop recycled, which means they are deconstructed and the fibre is reused as yarn in new items. Poor quality items are open-loop recycled, where they are taken apart and the wool is used in completely different products. Examples of these wool bi-products are fire retardant mattress padding, blankets and car sound insulation. These new uses can increase the lifespan of the wool fibres by up to 10 more years, which is pretty neat.

Discarding wool

As a last resort, wool can be discarded into landfill. Thankfully, as all its carbon comes from the plants eaten by sheep it is biodegradable and will fairly quickly decompose. In fact wool actually adds its nutrients back into the soil, making this far less damaging for the environment than throwing out other synthetic materials.

And once you’ve sustainably disposed of your old items and invested in some beautiful new textiles, you can prevent further waste by only washing them when absolutely necessary, buying good quality products that will have a longer lifespan, and then reusing or recycling these at the end of their time with you.

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