Each and every one of our wool throws and blankets is expertly woven at our County Mayo mill using the same techniques that have been employed for over 130 years. Above all else, they are designed to last a lifetime – investment pieces that we hope will be passed down and cared for by future generations. Storing, cleaning and generally taking care of wool in the right way will ensure that it stays looking its best for years to come. Luckily, our team has some experience in this area, so we’ve written down a few simple ways that we’d recommend caring for our wool – expert advice straight from the factory floor
Air Drying Wool
For a gentle refresh, there’s nothing like a traditional Irish ‘good drying day’ to breathe new life into a wool throw that might have been in use throughout the winter months. It’s best to avoid hanging wool as this risks stretching the fibres. Instead find a clear spot in the fresh air and lay your throw flat for at least an hour to remove any odours such as wood or cigarette smoke.
Brushing Wool
Brushing a wool throw or blanket with a very soft bristle brush will help remove any obvious dirt and is always preferable to washing with water (which we would advise against, if it can be avoided). To brush your throw, lay it flat on a large clean surface and brush with long sweeping strokes.
Washing Wool
Wool by its very nature doesn’t need to be washed as often as other fibres – the less you expose your wool products to water or washing, the longer they will last. Wool is naturally breathable, too, which allows any moisture it may pick up to vanish fairly quickly. Importantly, we don’t recommend machine-washing or hand-washing wool, no matter how cool the water is, as this could cause it to shrink. If it’s needed, the safest way to clean any wool product is to have it dry-cleaned.
Spot Cleaning Wool
If your throw really does need to be cleaned for accidental spillages or marks, then it is possible to spot clean a small area. Use a tiny amount of soft soap – wet the spot, then gently pat the soap into the stained area (don’t rub it) before removing the soap and dirt with a cloth that won’t leave lint behind. We’d also recommend trying a soft towel or old pillowcase instead of a sponge or paper towel.
Drying Wool
A gentle approach to drying wool is always preferable. That means avoiding the tumble dryer and instead laying it flat on a clothes horse or a clean surface out of direct sunlight.
Pilling
When wool fibres become loose, they form little balls or ‘pills’. Pilling is a direct result of friction (which naturally occurs with movement), so the more you use your wool, the more likely it is to pill. The good news is that pilling is easy to brush out with a pilling comb (also known as bobble remover).
All you need to do is gently glide the comb in the direction of the fibres. If you’d like more information on our pilling combs, just send an email to customerservice@foxford.com and our team will be happy to answer any questions.
Storing Wool
Our wool throws and blankets are designed to be used. But, if you do need to move or put them away for any reason, we recommend storing them in a breathable container in a cool, dark, dry place. If your wool product has been in use, don’t forget to refresh it before it goes into storage to prevent moths. Before washing any FOXFORD products, please read the care instructions on the label inside the garment.
