The Ultimate Guide to the Best Detergents for Washing Wool

Wool: Naturally Resilient, Incredibly Long-Lasting

Wool, including sheep’s wool, cashmere, mohair and alpaca is a group of the most remarkable and resilient natural fibres. Unlike synthetic fabrics, which break down over time into microplastics, high-quality wool improves with age when cared for correctly. It is naturally stain-resistant, odour-resistant, and self-cleaning, requiring minimal intervention to stay fresh and beautiful.

However, using the wrong detergent—particularly enzyme-based cleaners designed for synthetics—can strip wool of its natural protective properties, degrading it and causing fibre damage, coarseness, or colour fading. That’s why choosing the right wool-safe detergent is essential.

With the proper wool care routine, your merino sweaters, cashmere scarves, sheepskin rugs, mohair blankets and wool duvets will last for decades—becoming softer, more comfortable, and more luxurious over time.

What Makes a Good Wool Detergent?

Not all laundry detergents are created equal. Most standard detergents contain harsh chemicals, bleaches and enzymes that actively break down protein-based fibres like wool, cashmere, and alpaca.

A high-quality wool detergent should:

✔ Have a neutral pH – Prevents fibre degradation and maintains wool’s softness
✔ Be free from enzymes – Protease and cellulase can break down wool’s structure
✔ Avoid harsh chemicals – No bleach, phosphates, brighteners, or softeners
✔ Protect natural lanolin – Helps wool retain its moisture-wicking and odour-resistant properties
✔ Enhance longevity – Keeps wool garments looking and feeling their best for years

Discover our range of wool-safe detergents and care products, specially selected for their effectiveness and wool-friendly formulations.

The Best Detergents for Washing Wool

When it comes to caring for your wool garments, blankets, and accessories, here are some of the best detergents available:

1. Woolskin Premium Woolwash (Best for Sheepskin & All Wool Types)

Developed specifically for sheepskins and all wool items, Woolskin Premium Woolwash is a pH-neutral detergent that cleans wool, cashmere, mohair, alpaca, and silk without damaging the fibres. Infused with natural Australian melaleuca oils, it conditions wool while keeping it fresh, soft, and long-lasting.

2. Woolite Delicate Detergent (Best for Everyday Wool Washes)

A widely trusted choice, Woolite’s enzyme-free formula gently cleans wool without causing shrinkage or stretching.

3. Ecover Wool & Silk Delicate Laundry Liquid (Best Eco-Friendly Option)

A plant-based detergent with a gentle, biodegradable formula, making it ideal for wool care and sustainable living.

4. The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo (Best for Luxury Woollens)

Formulated to protect delicate cashmere and merino fibres, The Laundress Wool & Cashmere Shampoo keeps luxury wool pieces in perfect condition.

5. Eucalan No-Rinse Wool Wash (Best for Handwashing & Travel)

With its no-rinse formula, and enriched with lanolin, Eucalan simplifies wool care—perfect for handwashing delicate scarves, shawls, or travel essentials.

6. Pure Soap Flakes

Unscented pure soap flakes are environmentally friendly, clean wool effectively and are kind and gentle.

Explore our range of wool detergents for superior wool care.

How to Wash Wool with the Right Detergent

Machine Washing Wool: Step-by-Step Guide

1. Select the wool cycle on your washing machine or use a cool or cold delicate cycle.
2. Use a wool-safe detergent—never use regular laundry detergent.
3. Wash at 30°C or lower to maintain fibre integrity.
4. Use a mesh laundry bag to protect delicate garments.
5. Reshape and dry flat—never wring or tumble dry wool.

Our mesh laundry bags protect delicate wool pieces from abrasion and stretching.

Handwashing Wool: The Gentle Approach

1. Fill a basin with cool water and add a wool-safe liquid detergent.
2. Gently submerge the garment, allowing it to soak for 10 minutes.
3. Swish the wool gently—avoid excessive rubbing or wringing.
4. Rinse thoroughly in cool water until all detergent is removed.
5. Press out excess water (do not wring), then reshape and lay flat to dry.

For full instructions on how to launder your wool read more here.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Washing Wool

• Using regular detergent – Damages fibres and removes wool’s natural lanolin.
• Washing in hot water – Causes wool to shrink, felt and lose shape.
• Tumble drying – Heat and agitation permanently shrink, felt and stiffen wool.
• Overusing Detergent – too much detergent won’t clean it any better but will stiffen your wool.
• Using Fabric Conditioners – Commercial fabric softeners coat and stiffen natural fibres, reducing breathability,  and cause pilling. Avoid fabric conditioners not specified for wool.
• Neglecting the care label – Every wool item is different; always check before washing.
• Under-rinsing – Most people use too much detergent and don’t rinse enough out. Don’t be afraid to do some extra rinses to rid your wool of detergents

Learn more in our complete wool care guide.

Can You ‘Unshrink’ a Wool Jumper?

If your favourite cashmere cardie, or mohair socks end up in the wrong wash by mistake, is there any hope for them? It might not get back to quite its former glory but, yes, there is hope!

Step-by-Step Guide to Gently Reshaping Shrunken Wool Garments

1. Prepare a Wool-Safe Soak

• Fill a sink or basin with lukewarm water—never hot, as heat can further tighten wool fibres.
• Add a capful of wool-safe detergent or a wool-friendly conditioner that contains lanolin
• Swirl the water gently to distribute the solution evenly.

2. Soak & Loosen the Fibres

• Submerge your shrunken victim completely and let it soak for 15–30 minutes.
• Periodically, gently agitate the fabric with your hands to ensure a deep soak of all the fibres.

3. Remove Excess Water—Gently

• Drain the sink and lightly press the jumper against the side of the basin to remove excess water—do not wring or twist.
• Lay the item flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up, pressing gently to absorb more moisture.
• For larger items use more towels to soak up more water

4. Patiently reshape the Item to Its Original Size

• Place the damp item on a fresh, dry towel, or towels on a flat surface.
• Using repeated gentle, even movements, stretch the fabric back into shape, focusing on length and width where needed.
• Use multiple small actions evenly spread around the item, rather than a big tug one way and then another
• You are looking to tease apart fibres that have become tangled and semi-felted and they need to be eased apart in stages
• To help maintain shape, gently secure the garment with evenly placed weights, ensuring no one area is overstretched.

5. Allow to Dry Naturally

• Dry the item flat in a well-ventilated area, away from direct heat or sunlight.
• Once fully dry, gently fluff the fibres with a wool comb or your hands to restore softness.
  

Note: You can repeat the process as necessary to achieve further stages of recovery.

Final Thoughts: Why the Right Detergent Matters

Wool is an incredibly durable and long-lasting fibre—but only when cleaned correctly. Using a wool-safe detergent preserves its softness, warmth, and resilience, ensuring that your wool garments and bedding last a lifetime.

Give your wool the care it deserves—explore our wool-safe detergents and care accessories today.

 Is there a product we’ve missed? Share it below!