At Lochcarron, we want your purchase to serve you beautifully for many years, staying in the best possible condition for longer. While we would always advise dry clean only as stated on our labels, if you do handwash your products, only do so with the utmost care. This guide outlines the best ways to refresh, maintain and protect your Lochcarron wool products, whether it's tartan fabric, a wool jumper or a cashmere scarf.

Understanding Wool

Wool has natural antibacterial and odour resistant properties, and therefore it does not need to be washed often. However, when wool is exposed to water, heat, soap and movement, pilling and shrinking can occur. For this reason, if handwashing is being considered, it is important to take extra time and care. As the wool we use at Lochcarron is not suitable for machine washing, please be mindful of this when deciding on the right cleaning method for you and your item.

A Refresh

An easy and quick method to remove dust and freshen up your wool without washing.

1. Shake your wool product somewhere that air naturally circulates. This will remove dust particles and fluff up the fibres, refreshing their shape.
2. After shaking, hang your product outside or in a space with good airflow.

For brushed fibres (such as lambswool or cashmere), use a soft bristle brush or pilling comb occasionally to realign fibres and remove surface dust. Always brush lightly to avoid damaging the fabric.

Brushing & Combing

Some of our products are brushed during the finishing process to create their super soft, fluffy feel. Over time, the brushed fibres may begin to curl or flatten with wear. No matter how careful you are with your wool and cashmere pieces, they are natural fabrics that will inevitably pill and fuzz as you wear them.

Pilling is wool's natural response to abrasion when small balls of fibre form on its surface. To remove pilling on your well-loved woollen pieces, including lambswool, merino and cashmere, we recommend our Red Cedarwood Knitwear Pilling Comb, a quick and easy tool designed to be gentle and effective on wool products.

   

How to use:

Glide the pilling comb across the fabric surface, following the direction of the raised fibres using a gentle motion to help restore their fluffy appearance. The comb is designed not to snag, but do not pull it hard across clothing as this could agitate the fibres, causing them to tear.

This comb is vegan, cruelty free, palm oil free and paraben free. A great investment for reviving and keeping your wool pieces looking and feeling perfect.

Spot Cleaning

Spot cleaning your wool allows you to remove marks without washing the entire item. Light stains should lift easily due to the waxy coating on wool fibres. This makes wool pieces more resistant to staining.

1. Use a clean, lint-free cloth and lukewarm water to dampen the area
2. Slowly blot with a gentle wool detergent until you feel the stain has faded. Make sure not to rub the stain and clean it as soon as possible.
3. Continue to gently dab with a dampened cloth to remove soap residue.
4. Leave to dry naturally.

Caring for Cashmere & Lambswool

For best results, always dry clean your Lochcarron lambswool or cashmere pieces. Crafted at our mill in the beautiful Scottish Borders, these luxurious yarns are woven using the soft local water and finished to achieve exceptional softness, perfectly combining luxurious quality with timeless elegance. 

For everyday care, follow the steps below:

1. Refresh with a simple shake and hang to remove dust particles.
2. Using a soft bristle brush or pilling comb, gently remove any tangled or piled fibres.
3. Spot clean when necessary.
4. Allow to dry naturally, away from direct heat or light.
5. Once completely dry, it can be stored away. To remove any creases, carefully press with a cool iron over an ironing cloth to protect the wool fibre.

 Handwashing

For our knitwear and other items where handwashing is permitted, we have put together a small method to guide the process. Please follow these steps with the utmost care to avoid shrinking or pilling. If unsure, always refer to the garment label.

1. Handwash your wool in lukewarm water using a gentle wool detergent.
2. Lightly squeeze the soap suds through the wool. Never rub or wring, as the friction will cause shrinkage and piling.
3. Leave to soak for 10-30 minutes.
4. Rinse several times in clean lukewarm water, then gently squeeze to remove excess water. When lifting the item, support the full weight so the water doesn’t stretch the fibres.
5. Place flat on a towel. Then gently roll the towel up like a sleeping bag and press firmly to absorb excess moisture.
6. Unfold and lay your woollen piece on a flat surface, easing gently back into shape whilst damp.
7. Allow to dry naturally, away from direct heat or light.
8. If required, iron on a cool setting using a damp cloth to protect your wool item.

 Drying

Wool is prone to stretching and misshaping when wet. After handwashing or spot cleaning, place your wool in its normal shape on a clean towel and leave it to dry away from direct sunlight or heat. We would not recommend hanging or draping your product when drying, in case it starts to distort.

Once dry, if required, place an ironing cloth over your wool and press with a cool iron to smooth creases, help reduce the chance of piling in the future and keep the fibres neat.

Storing

Before storing away, ensure your wool is dry and clean as dust and odour will attract moths.

• Store in your wardrobe with plenty of space to breathe, avoiding overcrowding. This allows your pieces to retain their shape, remain crease free and minimise moisture build up.
• Alternatively, fold and place your wool in an airtight box or ziplock bag to stop your product stretching or fading over time.
• Protect your clothes from moths with the addition of cedar balls or a fragrance bag as a natural moth repellent.

   

  

Clothes eating moths are drawn to keratin, the protein found in natural fibres like wool, but they strongly dislike certain natural fragrances. Explore our range of organic scented products that help deter moths while leaving your wardrobe or drawers smelling fresh.

 

We hope this guide helps you care for your wool with confidence. Wool is a remarkable natural fibre, it's breathable, durable and beautifully resilient, and when paired with our skilled craftsmanship, it’s made to last. With the right care, your Lochcarron pieces will continue to bring warmth, comfort and timeless style for many years to come.