Natural Fibers

Knitted wool || Boiled wool || Wool-silk || Wool-silk-cotton || Pure silk || Sheepskin

Protein fibers (wool and silk) are biological materials.
They are not cared for like cotton or synthetic fibers: their performance relies precisely on their natural structure.

Proper care not only prevents damage to the garment – it also helps preserve its properties and extend the life of the garment or wool product.

The fundamental principle: wash less

Wool and silk do not function like conventional textiles.

They:

• do not easily absorb odors
• naturally limit bacterial growth
• gradually wick away moisture
• regenerate in the air

Washing should therefore remain occasional.

In most cases:

• airing overnight is sufficient
• a stain is cleaned locally
• a garment can be worn many times before washing

Rules common to all protein fibers

Temperature

Always cold or ambient water
and above all:

Wash temperature = rinse temperature (really!)

Thermal shock is the primary cause of felting and deformation.

Detergent

Use only:

• special wool/silk detergent without enzymes
• special wool detergent enriched with lanolin

Avoid:

• conventional detergents
• "special wool" detergents sold in supermarkets (e.g., Myr)
• enzymatic stain removers
• fabric softeners

Washing

• short soaking
• gentle handling
• never rub
• never wring

Drying

• press in a towel
• reshape
• dry flat
• away from heat and sun

Care by material type

Knitted wool (merino, natural wool)

Main property: natural self-care thanks to lanolin.

Routine care

• air after use if possible, or at least let hang
• wash only if necessary
• prefer local cleaning

Washing

• hand washing strongly recommended even for garments with "30° wash possible" label
• machine wash possible cold without spinning (at your own risk) for products with "30° wash possible" label
• laundry bag or cover mandatory

After washing

• blot in a towel without wringing
• reshape
• dry flat

Important
A periodic lanolin bath helps restore protective properties.

Boiled wool

The fiber is already mechanically felted: it becomes stable.

Consequence:
it needs to be washed even less often.

Care

• gentle brushing
• prolonged airing
• almost systematic local cleaning

Full wash
rare and only if necessary, very gentle, without leaving in water for long

Wool-Silk

Very fine material, thermoregulating and breathable.

Specifics
more sensitive to agitation than thick wool.

Care

• airing is priority
• hand wash recommended
• minimal handling

Wool-Silk-Cotton

More stable blend for the "wool program" machine but less self-cleaning.

Consequence
slightly more frequent washing than pure wool.

Care
same as wool/silk but slightly higher tolerance.

Pure silk

Silk is a protein fiber similar to human skin: fine but strong, it simply requires gentle care.

Avoid: alkaline products (soap, conventional detergent, enzymes, optical brighteners).
Use only a special silk or wool detergent (without lanolin).

Washing:

• machine wool/delicate program
• 30 °C maximum
• low spin 400 rpm max
• separate colors
  (Dissolve detergent in water before adding garment)

A light rinse with vinegar can help preserve softness and shine.

Drying:

• no tumble dryer
• no radiator or direct sunlight
• dry in the shade (hung or flat depending on the knit)

Ironing: low temperature, ideally slightly damp.

Stains: blot gently without rubbing; for fresh grease, sprinkle a little baking soda then remove.

Silk absorbs moisture, regulates temperature, and remains durable if washed simply and without harsh products.

Washing machine: understanding the limit

"Wool" programs on machines are designed for anti-felting treated wools.
Untreated wool may react differently.

Machine washing is therefore only possible:

• cold
• without spinning
• in a laundry bag
• at your own risk
• if you have a "hand wash" program, prioritize it over the "wool program"

Storage

For a long period:

• wash if necessary before storing
• store dry
• closed box or bag
• moth protection

Wool keeps better when worn regularly than stored for a long time.