We’ve partnered with The Laundress to bring you the ultimate care guide for your Crazy Sexy Wool knits.
Think of wool and cashmere as dry clean only? Think again. Your Crazy Sexy Wool was made with love and should be cared for with love, too! Washing your wool properly actually helps to preserve the fibres and natural lanolin, so that your favourite pieces last longer while saving you time, money, and the environment.
Pretreat Stains and Odour
Pretreat stains with The Laundress Stain Solution or The Laundress Wash & Stain Bar by applying directly to the affected areas and susceptible areas like underarms, necklines, and cuffs.
To neutralise strong odours, mix ¼ cup of The Laundress Scented Vinegar with cold water and soak for 30 minutes. You’ll enjoy the benefits of white vinegar without the off-putting smell.
Prepare to wash by turning every item inside out to avoid friction and fading. Wash with the same or like colours only.
Handwash
While we apply the same treatment to all members of the wool family (including alpaca and mohair), the safest and gentlest method is to avoid machine washing these items and only handwash them.
To handwash, add two capfuls or a squirt of pH-neutral Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo to a wash basin or sink filled with cool water
Submerge your items and gently agitate them with your hands to evenly distribute soap and water. Soak for up to 30 minutes.
Run cool water through items until rinse water is no longer soapy. Do not wring, which causes distortion. Instead, gently press the water out of your items between your hands or against the sink.
Note: If there is colour in the water, don’t worry! It’s normal. The yarn dye is simply releasing colour and you will not notice any loss of colour after the wash is complete.
Or Machine Wash
If you must wash in the machine, we strongly recommend using mesh washing bags. Follow these steps for the best results:
To machine wash, turn items inside out and place them in a Mesh Washing Bag to protect them from agitation and friction that can cause matting, shrinking, and pilling.
Select the wools or delicate cycle on your washing machine and make sure the water temperature is cold and the spin is on low. Add Wool & Cashmere Shampoo according to the machine type and load size. Removing knits promptly from the washer once the cycle is complete to reduce creasing.
Dry and Finish
Lay the items flat in their natural shape on a drying rack or clean towel. When drying, avoid direct sunlight and heat sources, such as the radiator, because they can shrink or damage wool. Never hang wet wool as it will cause stretching and distortion.
Lay one item flat on a towel. With the item in its original shape, roll it up in the towel (like a sleeping bag) to remove the excess water.
Ironing can crush or flatten the natural pile of the yarns. Instead, steam to remove wrinkles, odours, and bacteria. You can also spritz The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Spray between wearing and washing. It’s a nontoxic, allergen-free fabric spray that adds a cedar scent while removing odour.
Pills and Lint
Remove pesky pills on fine gauge yarns by gently gliding The Laundress Sweater Comb across pilled areas. For heavier gauge items, glide The Laundress Sweater Stone over pilled areas. Always work tools in one direction.
Use The Laundress Cashmere Brush between wears to remove lint, fuzz, and hair while releasing natural oils that rejuvenate yarns.
Storage
Always store knits folded to prevent stretching or distorting. It’s always important to clean wools before storing, as perfume, body products, body oil, food, and dirt provide a “food source” for bugs.
Before packing, spritz with Wool & Cashmere Spray and place in a breathable cotton bag with zip closure, such as The Laundress All-Purpose Storage Bag. Fun fact: Moths can’t eat through cotton! Never store using plastic, cardboard, drawer liners, and contact paper, as they all attract bugs and encourage bug reproduction.