Your favourite wool jumper, scarf and carefully pleated kilt deserve appropriate care. There is no single washing method for everything made with wool. Start with the instructions for the individual item.
Read the label before reaching for water
Check the fibre composition and care symbols. The word wool alone does not tell you whether an item can be machine washed, hand washed or professionally cleaned only. If the label is missing or unclear, ask the seller. We suggest photographing it when you buy the item so that the instructions remain easy to find.
Wash when it is needed
Wool naturally resists odours, so washing after every wear may not be necessary. If the garment is clean and simply needs freshening, try airing it. A mark is not an automatic reason to wash the whole item. First check the recommended treatment for that garment and the particular stain.
When washing is allowed
Follow the temperature and method specified on the label. Use a mild detergent suitable for wool and follow its dosage instructions. Handle hand-washable items gently; avoid harsh rubbing or wringing. A wool setting on your machine does not mean every wool item can go into it: the garment's own care instructions decide.
Dry knitwear flat
Woolmark recommends drying washed wool knitwear flat unless its label permits another suitable method. Gently reshape it and leave it away from direct heat. Use a tumble dryer only when the garment's care label explicitly allows it. Do not hang a wet jumper by its shoulders.
Treat a kilt as a tailored garment
A kilt's construction, pleats and other components matter too. Do not automatically apply jumper-care advice to it. Follow the maker's instructions; when professional cleaning is required, choose a cleaner familiar with kilts. Make sure it is dry before storage and use an appropriate kilt hanger. If you are unsure about caring for an item bought from us, send its name and a photograph of the care label.
Sources and further reading: Wool care – Woolmark · Washing wool – Woolmark · Drying wool – Woolmark · Kilt care – ScotlandShop
AI-generated illustrative photograph. It does not depict a specific product from our range.