what happens if you put a pure wool cardigan in the washing machine?

Question

will it shrink? it says on the label wash by hand in cool water but it is too thick. it is more like a jacket. shall i just throw it in the washer?

Answer 1

It's not heat that shrinks woolen garments, it the agitation that goes on with a wash cycle. Some machines have got wool wash cycles which don't agitate the item enough to cause shrinkage. So check & see if your machine is compatible. If not, it's hand washing I'm afraid.

Answer 2

You can try throwing it in the washer and put it on a 30 degree wash. It will shrink if you use a wash any hotter than that for certain. The only problem with machine washing it will be that you may need to reshape whilst damp. They usually suggest hand washing because it will be deformed by the action of a machine wash. I can only say try it and find out but PLEASE don't put it on a wool wash select a specific short slow spin setting at 30 degree's.
Good Luck.
Happy Washing!

Answer 3

I happen to have a 'hand wash' cycle on my front loading washing machine and I've washed 100% wool fabrics in it (after I had washed it by hand on several occasions). Real hand washing is always best - but a pain! My washer didn't destroy or shrink my sweater too much but it was never really the same as before. Always hang or lay flat to dry!!! As a rule, I always try to avoid buying those kinds of clothing - but this one was a gift.

I suggest a real hand wash (or even a dry cleaner!) but you could take your chances with the machine - just be prepared for the worst.
Good luck!

Answer 4

Emma do not put it in the washing machine. I put my hubbie's pure wool jumper in on a cool setting into the washer. It came out and I kid you not it would have fitted a 4 year old! Take it to the dry cleaners or hand wash.

Answer 5

If you just chuck it into a normal wash you will have to find a little girl of say age five who might wear it afterwards.

Hand washing is soooo easy...so i would wash by hand then chuck it into the machine for a spin to get rid of the excess water..but only for a few seconds....

How to wash by hand.....put washing powder into a clean washing up bowl...run a little hot water in to dissolve the powder then add cold water...push your jacket in and pull it out...push it in and pull it out.....let the water do all of the work..and keep going.

Then tip out all the soapy water....and run the cold tap...do the in out bit again and eventually the water will run clear.

If you want to use fabric conditioner take the jacket out of the bowl..fill the bowl with cool water add the conditioner..just a tad....and then put your jacket in...leav to soak have a coffee...then rinse again.

Now if I am telling you to suck eggs I apologise....but this is so much quicker than a machine wash.

If you don't have a bowl big enough use the bath...

Answer 6

Please DO NOT PUT THIS ITEM IN THE WASHING MACHINE!!If you do it will shrink even on a wool cycle! The best thing to do is wash it in a basin with a special detergent made for delicates such as stergene or fairy. I have had so many pure new wool things shrink when other people have thrown them in with their washing that I don't want you to ruin the things you have paid good money for.They will shrink even on a delicate cycle.

Answer 7

I put a wooly jumper in the maching machine once and it shrunk to about the size suitable for a two year old. Stick with hand washing

Answer 8

No matter if you wash it in your washing machine with cold water it gonna shrink best bet it to take it to the cleaners if its something you treasure.

Answer 9

It will shrink. You can put it in the washer on the delicate cycle and then lay it flat to dry.

Answer 10

do not throw it in the washer..wash by hand in cool water..then stretch out to dry flat..if you put it in the washer it will come out shrunk.