Wool is one of those fabrics that rewards a bit of care. Treat it well and a good wool coat, jumper or suit can last for decades, softening and improving with age rather than wearing out. Treat it carelessly, and even the finest wool can end up bobbled, shrunk or misshapen within a single season.
Here's our guide to keeping your wool garments in the best possible condition, whether that's a favourite jumper, a wool coat, or a tailored suit.
Know What You're Dealing With
Wool isn't one single fabric. Lambswool, merino, cashmere, tweed and boiled wool all behave differently, and a coat lined with wool won't necessarily need the same care as a lightweight knit. Before you clean or store anything, check the label. It will tell you whether a garment can be hand washed, needs dry cleaning only, or is a wool blend that needs handling with extra care.
Brush, Don't Wash, After Every Wear
One of the simplest habits that makes the biggest difference is a quick brush down with a soft clothes brush after each wear. This lifts away surface dust, lint and the odd stray hair, and helps prevent the fibres from becoming compacted, which is one of the main causes of pilling. It also means you can go much longer between full cleans, which is better for the garment and better for your wallet.
Deal With Marks Straight Away, Carefully
If wool picks up a spill or a mark, resist the urge to rub at it. Wool fibres have a natural scale-like structure, and rubbing can cause them to felt and mat together, creating a mark that's far harder to shift than the original stain. Blot gently with a clean, dry cloth and, if you can, get the garment to a specialist before the mark has a chance to set.
Never Overheat It
Heat is one of wool's biggest enemies. A hot wash, a tumble dryer or even an overly warm radiator can cause wool to shrink, felt or lose its shape permanently, and once this happens, there's no undoing it. This is exactly why we use the Lagoon Advanced Wet Cleaning system, a gentle, eco-friendly process that cleans wool thoroughly without the heat and agitation that traditional methods rely on.
Store It Properly Over Summer
Wool garments that go unworn for months need a bit of forward planning:
Clean before you store, since any hidden food or perspiration residue can attract moths
Use breathable garment bags or cotton covers, never sealed plastic
Fold heavier knits rather than hanging them, to avoid stretching at the shoulders
Keep coats and suits on padded hangers in a cool, dry space away from direct sunlight
Add cedar blocks or lavender sachets as a natural way to deter moths
Over a Century of Getting the Details Right
We've been caring for garments across Exmouth, Exeter and South Devon for more than 112 years, and every wool garment that comes through our doors is finished entirely by hand. It's this attention to detail, generation after generation, that keeps customers coming back to us year after year.
If your wool coats, jumpers or suits need a proper clean before the colder months set in, get in touch. We offer a free collection and delivery service across the area, so looking after your wool has never been easier.
Give your wool garments the expert care they deserve. Book your collection with Ideal Cleaners today.
Free Collection & Delivery
To make things easy, we offer a free collection and delivery service across Exeter, Exmouth, East Devon and Torbay.
We collect your items, clean them with care, and return them at a time that suits you.
Book a Service
Whether you need everyday laundry, specialist garment care or a one-off clean, our friendly team is here to help.
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