How to Hand Wash a Wool Scarf 

Wool is one of the oldest and most well-loved fabrics known to mankind. Even now, people clamor for the softness of a vicuña wool scarf, which comes from the 12-micron thick fleece of the goat of the same name. (For the unaware, 12 microns is incredibly small, which makes it an incredibly fine material to work with.)

Now, most of us don’t have a wool scarf made from such a rare material. However, many of us do have woolen scarves that we don’t know how to care for.

If you’re ready to learn how to hand wash a wool scarf in your closet, read on. Our guide will provide you with the best wool scarf washing tips.

First, Consider Letting It Air Out

Before you start trying to wash your wool scarf, take a moment to consider if it needs washing. Wool dissipates moisture easily. So, for a fresh stain, it may go away if you leave it out in the sun for a few hours.

If that doesn’t work, then it’s time to move to the next step.

Then, Fill a Washbasin With Lukewarm Water

When you want to hand wash a wool scarf, it’s important not to use hot water. That can shrink the delicate fabric. Use lukewarm or cool water instead, and fill a washbasin.

You can add a gentle detergent if you’d like, then lay the scarf in the soapy water.

Let Your Wool Scarf Sit for a Few Minutes

Once the scarf is in the water, let it rest there for about 10 minutes. This will allow any dirt or other stains to start loosening up. If you have harsher stains, like grass, this may take multiple cycles or longer waiting periods.

However, never fear. You can get your precious soccer scarf back to its old, pristine self with a little bit of patience and elbow grease. (Plus, you can click for custom soccer scarf ideas from Ruffneck Scarves.)

Pour Out Soapy Water and Replace With Fresh

After 10-15 minutes have passed, swish the scarf around with gentle motions, then pour out the soapy, dirty water. Refill the wash basin with the card still in it with fresh water. Then, repeat the process.

Lay Flat to Dry

Once you’re certain that your scarf is clean, you can set it out to dry. You don’t want to hang it, wring it, or shake it, as that can stretch the fabric. Instead, you can press the scarf flat and let it dry that way.

Let’s Review How to Hand Wash a Wool Scarf

Still not sure how to hand wash a wool scarf? Let’s review what we’ve covered. First, give it a chance to air out. Then, fill a washbasin with lukewarm water and mild detergent before swirling the scarf and swapping the soapy water for fresh.

Repeat the process as needed, then lay the scarf flat to dry. Voila, you’ve now completed wool scarf care 101!

For more wool scarf washing tips and other fashion care, check out the Home and Health section of our blog today.