Regardless of the washing method you choose for wool clothes, it's advisable to turn the garments inside out before washing. This simple step will help preserve their fresh appearance and feel, keeping them looking 'as new' for longer.

To prevent color bleeding, ensure you separate dark and pale colors before laundering, and maintain this separation even when the garments are wet. Additionally, follow other general care instructions while washing wool garments.

• Prepare a tub with clean, lukewarm water.
• Utilise a wool detergent and add it to the water.
• Immerse the wool garment in the solution and let it soak for 10 minutes.
• Thoroughly rinse the garment with lukewarm water.
• Finally, give it another rinse using cold water.

JOSLIN recommends 'Earths Choice Wool Wash' or 'Organic Choice Luxe Laundry Liquid'

For gentle flat drying of wool clothing, place it on a pale coloured or white lint-free towel. Alternatively, consider using a special garment drying mesh screen, which can expedite the drying process. When arranging the garment on the towel, gently knead it by hand into its desired shape and size while smoothing out creases and folds for optimal results.

Let the garment air dry naturally, preferably flat drying wool sweaters or knitwear to avoid stretching caused by the weight of moisture. If using pins to maintain the garment's shape, ensure they are completely rust-proof.

During the drying process, steer clear of direct sunlight, magnified sunlight (near an outside window), or direct heat sources, such as placing the wool garment over a heater or radiator. This precaution prevents colour changes or damage, particularly in the area folded over the heater, which tends to dry the fastest.

• To iron your knit effectively, select the Wool, Medium, or 2-dot heat setting on your iron to avoid any risk of discolouration or scorch marks.
• Lay the garment flat and gently reshape and resize it by hand.
• For better crease removal and reshaping, consider spraying a little water on the garment before ironing, or use the iron's steaming function.
• After ironing, allow the garment to rest flat on a smooth, hard surface for approximately 5 minutes before folding your knitwear. This precautionary step will prevent further creasing.

At JOSLIN, we use a Garment Steamer to remove any wrinkles from our Merino Wool Knitwear.

• Avoid applying heavy pressure to prevent the surface from becoming shiny.
• Never leave the iron standing on the garment for an extended period to prevent scorching.
• Refrain from using spray-on starch, softeners, or conditioners, as they may leave undesirable deposits on your knit.
• If the sew-in care claim label advises against ironing, respect the instructions and refrain from ironing the garment.

When caring for wool, before storing or washing, make sure to empty pockets and remove belts, jewelry, and other accessories to avoid sagging or bulging. Store the garments with closures zipped or buttoned for added protection.

Always gently fold and store them in drawers. Do not hang your knitwear, it will permanently stretch.

Before storing wool garments for the long term, ensure they are clean to avoid attracting moths with food stains and body oils. Use a Woolmark-endorsed moth repellent in a separate container, not in direct contact with the garment, and store in airtight bags or containers.

Allow wool garments to rest for 24 hours before wearing them again. This gives the wool fiber time to recover its natural resilience and spring, returning to its original shape.

After unpacking or wearing wool garments, refresh them by hanging in a steamy bathroom, or outside away from sunlight. The moisture from the steam will effectively remove wrinkles, and the fresh air will remove any oder.

If wool garments get wet, dry them at room temperature, away from direct sunlight or heat.

While many wool garments may not require ironing, very smooth fabrics can benefit from pressing. Always use steam when ironing wool. Set your iron to the wool setting and avoid ironing the fabric when it's completely dry.

Lighter Merino Wool knits may take a bit longer to remove creases. Use a damp cloth or steam iron on a warm iron/dot 2 setting to iron out wrinkles.

To eliminate cigarette or food odors, lay wool garments flat on a bed or towel for an hour. For woven garments, you may hang them in fresh air on a suitable hanger.

Pilling, also known as bobbling, which refers to the formation of fuzzy balls on the surface of wool clothing, giving it an unsightly and worn-out appearance.

The main cause of pilling is rubbing during wear, with the most common areas affected being around the elbows, armpits, sleeves, belly, and sides of the sweater. These areas experience constant contact between the arms and the body of the garment.

Pilling is a complex phenomenon, influenced by various factors, including the wearer's activity level and the frequency of contact with other surfaces that cause abrasion, such as sitting for extended periods at a desk. In the pursuit of a flawless appearance, pilling can be quite undesirable.

Pilling is an inevitable occurrence, even in the finest quality Merino Wool garments, as it is inherent to the nature of the fiber. The extent of pilling can be influenced by various factors, including the tightness of the yarn spin and chemical finishes. While complete prevention is challenging, there are ways to minimise pilling:

• Turn your wool clothes inside-out before washing
• Avoid using a fabric softener
• Try to minimise abrasion when wearing wool clothing

• If only a few pills have formed, they can be easily removed by hand. It is advisable to do this regularly after drying or just before ironing.
• A comb can be gently and carefully used to remove pills from the fabric.
• Consider investing in low-cost, battery-operated pill and lint removal devices, commonly referred to as "de-pillers" or "fabric shavers." These devices are highly effective at removing pills and restoring your clothing to an as-new appearance.