Wool Care
Hats, scarves and other NitkoweLove accessories are made from natural fibres such as wool, alpaca, silk and cashmere. These materials are durable and enjoyable to wear, provided they are cared for gently.
How to care for NitkoweLove wool hats and accessories
You do not need to do much. Simply know what to avoid and how to wash your knitwear so it keeps its shape and softness for years.
Does wool need frequent washing?
No.
Natural fibres do not need frequent washing, and wool has natural self-cleaning properties.
In practice:
- if your hat is not dirty, simply airing it out is often enough,
- washing is only necessary when it is genuinely needed (for example after contact with sweat, makeup or skincare products).
It is perfectly normal for a wool hat to be washed less often than cotton garments.
How should I wash a wool hat or scarf?
Always in cool water and as gently as possible.
Ideally:
- hand wash,
- use cool or lukewarm water (never hot),
- choose a gentle wool detergent.
Do not rub, wring or scrub. Simply soak the item gently and lightly squeeze out excess water.
My recommended detergent: SOAK
For wool care, I recommend SOAK – a biodegradable detergent designed especially for delicate items. I wash every hat in it before it is sent to a customer 🙂
Why I like it:
- no rinsing required,
- very economical (just one teaspoon for about 5 litres of water),
- gentle on wool, alpaca and cashmere,
- helps preserve softness and the natural properties of the fibres,
- makes everyday hand washing much easier,
- it is also excellent for lingerie, especially underwired bras — I have worked as a bra fitter for over 20 years and I know how much easier this detergent makes caring for delicate garments.
👉 Find my recommended SOAK detergent here
Of course, you can use another gentle wool wash if you prefer. In a pinch, even a mild hair shampoo will do.
How should wool items be dried?
This step is very important.
- dry flat, preferably on a towel,
- reshape the item while it is still damp,
- avoid tumble dryers, radiators and direct sunlight.
Do not hang a wet hat on a line — wet wool can stretch out of shape.
What should I avoid?
For the sake of your wool:
- hot water,
- intensive washing machine cycles,
- spinning,
- regular laundry detergents,
- tumble drying.
These are the most common causes of felting, shrinking and loss of shape.
Natural fibres behave naturally
Natural fibres behave differently from synthetic ones — and that is part of their charm. Small pills may appear on the surface of knitwear made from merino wool, alpaca or cashmere. This is particularly common with soft merino and is a normal result of wear and friction (for example under a hood, scarf or coat collar). Pilling is usually most noticeable at first and often decreases over time as loose surface fibres are gradually removed. If you would like to refresh the appearance of your hat or scarf, a fabric shaver used gently on a flat surface is usually all that is needed. These are not defects, but natural characteristics of the fibres.
Gentle, thoughtful care can significantly extend the life of your knitwear, helping your wool accessories keep their shape and comfort for many seasons to come.
