How to Wash Wool Beanies – Easy Wool Cleaning Tips

Whatever it may be, whether you want to prevent your wool beanie from shrinking, pilling, shedding, or stretching, it all comes down to how you are washing your wool beanie. Some of you might even not start to wash your wool beanie.

What can be more annoying is when you see your wool beanie has been a friendly environment to fabric-eating bugs like moths, carpet beetles, and silverfish for ages. Don’t fret; you’re on the right page to know how to clean your wool beanie ( all types of wool), how you should not, and how to prevent wool beanies from pests.

Can You Wash Wool Beanies?

Of course, yes! But, many people shy away from wool for being tricky to wash.  Even though wool is a more durable material and resistant to stains, it can get dirty.

They can be both machine washed,  hand-washed, and some wools can be dry cleaned. 

What to Know Before Cleaning a Wool Beanie?

1. Stay Away from Enzyme Based Detergents

Purchase a delicate wool detergent that is free of enzymes and labeled as wool and silk detergent. Keep in mind not to use an enzyme-based detergent, which will destroy the protein in the wool.

Make sure you use the recommended amount of detergent according to the package instructions. Using too much detergent can leave a residue and damage the material.

2. Check the Care Instructions

Before you start washing your cap, take a look at the care tag of your cap. Some are hand washable; some allow dry cleaning only, and some are machine washable.

If your cap has a don’t wash label, don’t worry; spot cleaning your stains or airing your wool, you can make your wool cap fresh without submerging in large quantities of soapy solutions.

3. Lanolin Treatment is Important

Lanolin can keep the wool beanie’s moisture handling abilities intact and ensure that any moisture doesn’t lead to microbial and fungal growth. 

Frequent lanolin treatment will soften, moisturize your wool,  guard against the outside elements and prevent degradation.

4. Why Not Chlorine Bleach your Wool

Chlorine bleach can make your wool yellowish and cause irreversible stains. Bleach is a harsh chemical that can remove stains but can melt, shrivel up the delicate animal fibers.

5. Spot Clean Stains Immediately

100% wool is a natural fabric; they have good stain-resistant properties. However, some types can be vulnerable to spillage like jam, coffee, etc.

Spot clean the stains immediately with a sponge or brush with the help of stain remover as waiting dries the stain and makes it permanent.

6. Avoid Frequent Washing

Avoid washing your wool beanie after every usage. Wool is a naturally biodegradable animal fiber, so this could prevent long-term usage.

7. Don’t Wring and Iron Your Wool Beanie for Drying.

Wringing wool beanie can damage their animal fibers, weaken them and make them shed or pill. Gently remove the water by pressing your wool beanie on a surface. Let the beanie dry in a fresh towel, or rack without sunlight naturally.

Do not iron your wool beanie to bring them into shape. Ironing can cause wrinkles in your beanie.

8. Do Not Tumble Dry

Do not tumble dry your wool beanie with other clothes unless it is mentioned in the care label. The increased heat setting and load might cause shrinkage. It is best to flat dry wool beanies.

9. Don’t Soak Your Wool Beanie for Too Long

Soaking your wool for 30 minutes but no more! Soaking your wool in water for a long time can shrink wool and affect the shape of your beanie.

How to Wash Wool Beanies

How to Wash Merino Wool Beanies

Merino wool is one of the most common types and is loved for its lightweight, super softness, breathability, and wrinkle resistance.

Merino wool beanies need washing after a few days worn and is completely machine washable and dries quickly.

Don’t tumble dry or wring merino wool beanie. Instead, press the water to gently lay it flat on a clean towel and flip it from side to side.

How to Wash Cashmere Wool Beanies

Cashmere wool beanies don’t need to be cleaned more than a few times in a season.

Cashmere beanies are both hand-washable and machine washable. Set the temperature to the coolest as possible on a delicate cycle to avoid shrinkage.

How to Wash Blended Wool Beanies

Blended wool beanies are generally a wool- synthetic fiber blend. They deliver both the ultimate warmth of wool and the durability of synthetic fibers. They are both hand-washable and machine washable.

How to Wash Angora Wool Beanies

Clean angora wool beanies only if it gets dirty. 

When it comes to angora wool, handwashing is the best method. Machine wash is not recommended for angora wool beanies. And, do not tumble dry them too.

How to Keep Wool Caps Safe From Moths?

• Always wash your wool beanies after you use them for a season- Storing them without cleaning can attract moths, silverfish, and other pests.
• Mothballs – kill moths by releasing toxic gas. When inhaled, it reacts with the cells and damages their tissue.
• Exposing your beanies to sub-zero temperatures- can also kill any larvae or moths. You can pack dry wool beanies in a plastic bag and put them in the freezer to kill moths.
• Cedar drawers- are an excellent choice to store wool beanies. The strong smell of cedar helps to prevent moths. You can also keep them in airtight containers, zip lock bags, etc. Make sure they are completely washed and dried when they are going to be stored for a long time.

Final Thoughts

When the temperature dives, you will always wear your wool beanie and stay bundled up in the freezing temperatures. However, life may not be perfect at all times, especially with wool.

Luckily, you’ve found our ultimate guide, which has made everything easier on how to wash your wool beanie, whether it’s made up of angora, cashmere, blended, or merino wool. Now it’s your turn to make the most of your wool beanie and save your season!