Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
When it comes to washing wool, the label almost always shows one of two symbols: a washtub with a hand (hand wash up to 40 °C) or a washtub with 30 °C and two bars (very gentle machine wash). These are usually accompanied by a crossed-out triangle, a crossed-out tumble dryer, dry flat and an iron with two dots. This combination protects wool from felting and stretching.
Why washing wool requires special symbols
Wool fibre has a scaly surface. When warm water, detergent and mechanical friction are combined, the scales catch on each other and the fibres felt irreversibly. The result is a shrunken, dense and smaller jumper. That is why the symbols on woollen products limit temperature, mechanical action and drying all at once.
Some wool yarns are treated against felting and can be machine washed. That is why the symbol on the label is more reliable than the general rule "wool is washed by hand" – it reflects the specific yarn and knit.
Typical symbols on a wool jumper
| Group | Typical symbol | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Washing | Washtub with a hand or washtub with 30 and two bars | Hand wash or very gentle machine wash |
| Bleaching | Crossed-out triangle | No bleach – chlorine breaks down wool |
| Drying | Crossed-out tumble dryer and square with a horizontal line | No tumble drying, dry flat |
| Ironing | Iron with two dots | Up to 150 °C, preferably through a damp cloth |
| Professional cleaning | Circle with P or F | Dry cleaning is allowed |
How to hand wash wool
- Use lukewarm water and a detergent for wool or delicates.
- Submerge the item and move it gently, without rubbing or twisting.
- Let it soak briefly, not for hours.
- Rinse in water of the same temperature – sudden temperature changes increase felting.
- Do not wring. Press the water out, then roll the item in a towel and press.
- Lay the jumper flat on a dry towel and reshape it.
Washing wool in a washing machine
If the label shows a washtub with 30 °C and two bars, the wool can be machine washed on a wool programme. This programme has a low temperature, minimal tumbling and a low spin. Some washing machine brands have programmes tested for hand-wash items, but the decision lies with the user.
- Use an enzyme-free wool detergent – enzymes break down protein fibres.
- Do not overload the drum.
- Switch off or reduce the spin if the machine allows.
- Do not wash wool together with towels and jeans – the friction is stronger.
Drying woollen products
The dry flat symbol – a square with a horizontal line – is key for wool. A wet knit is heavy and stretches if hung on a line or hanger. Tumble drying is prohibited because heat and tumbling felt the fibres. 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 the item. Steam refreshes wool and removes creases without the need for washing. Often airing is enough – wool naturally retains fewer odours than synthetics.
Cashmere, mohair and other animal hair
Cashmere, mohair, angora and alpaca require even more careful treatment. The label usually shows hand wash or professional cleaning only. These fibres are finer and felt more easily. If the product is a blend, for example wool with polyamide, it is often more resistant and may carry a machine wash symbol.
What knitwear manufacturers should bear in mind
For brands producing woollen products, choosing the symbols requires a wash test. The knit, yarn, anti-felting treatment and seams all affect the result. It is useful to add text instructions such as "Do not wring" and "Reshape while damp". The knitwear label must also be soft – stiff labels are very noticeable on fine knits. That is why soft woven labels or satin are used for the main label, while the symbols and composition go on a care and composition label in a soft material. See also the whole labels category.
Storing woollen products
Caring for wool does not end with washing. Jumpers are stored folded, not on hangers, so the shoulders do not stretch. Before storing for the season, items should be clean and dry, because moths are attracted by traces of sweat and food. Cedarwood or lavender in the wardrobe helps as natural protection. If pills appear on the surface, they are removed carefully with a comb or fabric shaver – this is normal for soft wool and is not a defect.
Common mistakes when washing wool
- Washing at 40 °C on a cotton programme.
- Using ordinary powder with enzymes.
- Drying on a radiator or in a tumble dryer.
- Hanging a wet jumper on a line.
- Wringing and twisting.
- Soaking overnight, which weakens the fibres and makes colours run.
- Washing wool together with heavy cotton items, which increase friction in the drum.
Polkom – labels for woollen products
Polkom is a Sofia-based manufacturer of labels and clothing accessories with over 30 years of experience. We print soft care labels with care symbols, composition and your logo, suitable for jersey and knitwear. We make a sample and deliver across the EU. Send an inquiry via our contact page.
