Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
When washing wool, the label almost always shows one of two symbols: a tub with a hand (hand wash up to 40 °C) or a tub with 30 °C and two lines (very gentle machine wash). These are usually accompanied by a crossed-out triangle, a crossed-out tumble dryer, flat drying, and an iron with two dots. This combination protects wool from felting and stretching.
Why wool washing requires special symbols
Wool fibres have a scaly surface. When warm water, detergent, and mechanical friction combine, the scales catch on each other and the fibres felt irreversibly. The result is a shrunken, dense, and smaller sweater. That is why wool garment symbols limit temperature, mechanical action, and drying methods simultaneously.
Some wool yarns are treated against felting and can be machine washed. Therefore, the label symbol is more reliable than the general rule “wool should be hand washed” – it reflects the specific yarn and knit.
Typical symbols on a wool sweater
| Category | Typical Symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Tub with hand or tub with 30 °C and two lines | Hand wash or very gentle machine wash |
| Bleaching | Crossed-out triangle | No bleaching – chlorine damages wool |
| Drying | Crossed-out tumble dryer and square with horizontal line | No tumble drying, dry flat |
| Ironing | Iron with two dots | Up to 150 °C, preferably with a damp cloth |
| Professional cleaning | Circle with P or F | Dry cleaning allowed |
How to hand wash wool
- Use lukewarm water and detergent for wool or delicate fabrics.
- Submerge the garment and move it gently without rubbing or twisting.
- Let it soak briefly, not for hours.
- Rinse with water of the same temperature – sudden temperature changes increase felting.
- Do not wring. Press the water out, then wrap the garment in a towel and press.
- Lay the sweater flat on a dry towel and shape it.
Machine washing wool
If the label shows a tub with 30 °C and two lines, wool can be machine washed on a wool program. This program uses low temperature, minimal spinning, and low centrifuge speed. Some washing machines have programs tested for hand-wash garments, but the choice is yours.
- Use wool detergent without enzymes that break down protein fibres.
- Do not overload the drum.
- Turn off or reduce spin speed if possible.
- Do not wash wool with towels or jeans – friction is stronger.
Drying wool garments
The flat drying symbol – a square with a horizontal line – is key for wool. Wet knitwear is heavy and will stretch if hung on a line or hanger. Tumble drying is forbidden because heat and tumbling cause felting. Dry away from radiators and direct sunlight.
Ironing and refreshing
Wool rarely needs ironing. If necessary, use two dots and a damp cloth between the iron and garment. Steam refreshes wool and smooths wrinkles without washing. Often airing is enough – wool naturally retains less odour than synthetics.
Cashmere, mohair and other animal fibres
Cashmere, mohair, angora and alpaca require even more careful care. Their labels usually show hand wash or professional cleaning only. These fibres are finer and felt more easily. If the garment is a blend, for example wool with polyamide, it is often more durable and may have a machine wash symbol.
What knitwear manufacturers should consider
For brands producing wool garments, choosing symbols requires test washing. The knit, yarn, anti-felting treatment and seams affect the result. Adding text instructions like “Do not wring” and “Shape when damp” is helpful. Knitwear labels should also be soft – stiff labels feel harsh on fine knits. Therefore, main labels use soft woven labels or satin, while symbols and composition go on a care label made of soft material. See the full labels category.
Storing wool garments
Wool care does not end with washing. Sweaters should be stored folded, not hung, to avoid shoulder stretching. Before seasonal storage, garments must be clean and dry because moths are attracted to sweat and food residues. Cedarwood or lavender in the wardrobe helps as natural protection. If pills appear on the surface, remove them gently with a comb or pill remover – this is normal for soft wool and not a defect.
Common wool washing mistakes
- Washing at 40 °C on a cotton program.
- Using regular detergent with enzymes.
- Drying on a radiator or in a tumble dryer.
- Hanging wet sweaters on a line.
- Wringing and twisting.
- Soaking overnight, which weakens fibres and spreads colours.
- Washing wool with heavy cotton items that increase friction in the drum.
Polkom – labels for wool garments
Polkom is a manufacturer of labels and accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags based in Sofia with over 30 years of experience. We print soft care labels with washing symbols, composition and your logo, suitable for knitwear and wool garments. We produce samples and deliver across the EU. Send your inquiry via the contact page.
