How To Care For Lambswool

Not only is lambswool a soft, luxurious natural fibre, but it’s also naturally hypoallergenic, breathable, and a natural insulator due to the small air pockets between its fibres that can trap and release heat, maintaining your body temperature.

With a little tender loving care, your lambswool knitwear, accessories, cushions, blankets and creatures will last you for a long time. Follow these guidelines to keep them in tip-top shape.

How to wash a lambswool blanket, throw or cushion

Our lambswool blankets, throws and cushions are dry clean only. You should treat any soils or spills as soon as possible, soaking up any excess liquid. Dab the soiled area with cold water – do not rub as this may spread the stain and will agitate the woollen fibres. Allow to dry naturally, away from heat.

Lambswool has a tendency to pill, although this decreases over time. You can use the wool comb that’s included in our Care & Repair Kit to defuzz your woollen items.

How to wash a lambswool sweater


Our lambswool sweaters (and hats, scarves and gloves) can be dry cleaned or washed by hand at home. If you’re washing at home, we recommend you follow these instructions.

Wash by hand using cool water

Heat and agitation can cause shrinkage, which is the result of the yarn’s delicate fibres to clinging tightly together. Wash your woollen garments and accessories gently by hand, in water of no warmer than 30°C (85°F).

Use a non-biological wool detergent

Your regular detergent will most likely contain enzymes, which are great at breaking down biological stains such as food but will also break down the fibres of your woollen garment. Non-biological detergents such as Woolite, Dreft and Persil Silk & Wool are specially formulated to protect the natural oils and lanolin in woollen fibres. Another option is Soak, an eco-friendly, rinse-free detergent.

Dry flat, away from direct heat

Wool holds a lot of moisture so can be heavy when wet. Try to dry your sweaters, scarves and other accessories as flat as possible to prevent them from stretching and losing their shape. Roll your knits to squeeze out any excess moisture.

You can hang sweaters over an airer – avoid hanging wet (or even dry) woollen garments onto a clothes hanger as this can stretch them. Dry all knitted sweaters and accessories from direct heat – don’t use a tumble dryer or hang over a heater or radiator.

Lambswool has a tendency to pill, although this decreases over time. You can use our Lambswool Comb to remove any pilling.

Watch out for moths!


If you’ve noticed a hole in your lambswool sweater, scarf, cushion or creature, the chances are it’s been attacked by a moth. Clothes moths are the number one enemy of wool. Moths love natural fibres – they are particularly attracted to the natural oils in wool – and will lay their eggs on your woollen goodies. These eggs will hatch and the larvae will munch their way through your beloved sweaters, scarves and blankets.

These pesky clothes moths are drawn to dirty clothes, cushions and blankets, especially those with perspiration or food stains, so always wash your knits before storing them – particularly if you’re storing them for a long period of time. You can also store your clean knits in airtight boxes or vacuum bags.

You can use natural methods like cedarwood or lavender balls or sachets to keep moths at bay – just pop a couple into cupboards, drawers or even into a cushion cover – or stronger chemical sprays and papers that will kill moths, along with their larvae and eggs.

If you do spot any tell-tale moth nibbles in your woollen goods, seal the affected knits in plastic bags and place them in the freezer for a couple of weeks – this will kill any eggs or larvae – and thoroughly clean wardrobes, cupboards and drawers, and vacuum carpets.

How to repair holes


Even with the greatest care, well-loved knits are subject to a little wear and tear. We’ve put together a series of care and repair videos to help extend the life of your sweaters, scarves, cushions and throws.

We’re here to help, so if you have any questions regarding caring your products, you can also email shop@donnawilson.com.