Care guide: Cashmere & wool
Soft knitwear made to be worn, loved and passed down. With a little extra care, wool and cashmere can stay beautiful season after season.
Gentle care for wool and cashmere
Wool and cashmere don't need frequent washing. Their natural fibers help regulate temperature, resist odors, and stay fresh longer than many other fabrics. Airing garments between wears, treating stains quickly, and washing only when needed helps preserve softness, shape, and durability.
Why gentle care is needed
Wool is a natural fiber with temperature-regulating and moisture-wicking properties. That's why wool baby clothes, merino base layers, and cashmere sweaters can often be worn multiple times before washing. Overwashing can shorten the lifespan of the fibers. A gentle care routine helps preserve softness and shape, allowing garments to be enjoyed for longer and passed down from one child to the next.
Start with the care label
Before washing, check the garment's care instructions.
|
Care label |
What it means |
|---|---|
|
Machine washable wool |
Can be washed on a cold wool or delicate cycle |
|
Hand wash |
Wash gently in cool water |
|
Dry clean only |
Follow professional cleaning recommendations |
Wool, cashmere, and wool blends may require different washing methods depending on the fiber content and the care instructions on the garment. Always check the care label before washing.
Can wool and cashmere clothes be machine washed?
Many modern wool clothes can be machine washed if the care label allows it.
To help protect the fibers:
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Use a wool or delicate program.
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Wash in cool water, max 30°C.
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Use detergent designed for wool.
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Avoid fabric softener.
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Wash similar garments together.
If the label recommends hand washing, follow those instructions instead.
Which detergent should I use?
Choose a detergent formulated specifically for wool or cashmere. Regular detergents can be too harsh and may strip away the natural properties of the fibers. A suitable detergent helps maintain softness while cleaning effectively.
How do I hand-wash wool clothes?
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Fill a basin with cool water, max 30°C.
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Add a small amount of wool detergent.
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Gently move the garment through the water.
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Let it soak for a few minutes if needed.
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Rinse carefully with clean water.
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Press out excess water without wringing. Twisting or stretching wet wool may distort its shape.
How should I dry wool clothes?
Lay garments flat on a clean towel and reshape them while damp.
Avoid:
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Hanging wet
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Tumble drying
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Direct heat sources
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Strong sunlight for extended periods
Wool favourites
How do I remove milk and food stains from wool baby clothes?
Treat stains as soon as possible.
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Blot excess liquid gently.
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Rinse the area with cool water.
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Apply a small amount of suitable detergent.
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Avoid rubbing aggressively.
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Wash according to the care instructions.
Quick treatment often prevents stains from setting into the fibers.
Why does wool pill and how can I remove pilling?
Pilling is a natural result of friction and does not necessarily mean the garment is poor quality. To remove pills: Use a sweater comb or fabric shaver designed for knitwear (do not use on cashmere). Work the comb gently across the surface. Avoid shaving with razor or pulling pills by hand. Proper storage and reduced friction help minimize future pilling.
Why do wool clothes shrink and how can I prevent it?
Wool can shrink when exposed to excessive heat, agitation, or sudden temperature changes. To help prevent shrinkage, follow the care label, wash in cool water, choose a gentle wash cycle, and always dry garments flat. Keeping temperatures consistent throughout washing and drying is kinder to natural fibers and helps maintain its shape.
Store properly between seasons
Before storing:
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Make sure garments are clean and dry.
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Fold rather than hang knitwear.
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Store in a cool, dry place.
Air, spot clean, or wash?
Determining how often to wash natural fiber garments can be tricky. Not every garment needs a full wash. Thanks to wool’s natural ability to repel dirt, absorb moisture, and resist odors, many garments can be aired between wears to stay fresh for longer.
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Air out wool garments after regular wear.
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Spot clean small stains as soon as they appear.
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Wash only when needed, following the care instructions on the label.
This gentle approach helps preserve softness and shape.
Made with care
The wool in Newbie’s certified pieces is carefully sourced and independently certified according to the Responsible Wool Standard, tracing the material from farm to finished garment. This means the certification supports responsible animal welfare and land management practices throughout the production process. Look for the RWS mark on the label.
