Knitwear Care Guide
Of the many types of wool, Merino wool is regarded as the best. The fibre is natural, biodegradable and renewable.
It is also one of the most hardwearing fabrics, with a natural stretch and breathability that allows it to dissipate any moisture it may absorb. Jumpers made from Merino wool are soft and comfortable to wear.
Whilst Merino wool is a premium fibre, it is also a delicate one. As with all things regarded as delicate it will require care and attention to ensure that it will last for a long time.
PILLING
This is the technical name for the unsightly little balls of fluff that can develop on the surface of your knitted clothes.
Piling is caused when fibres in the yarn become agitated due to friction. Or to put it in simpler terms when something is repeated rubbed against a garment so please take care when your dog is wearing a harness with the sweater.
Piling can also be caused during a wash cycle. To reduce the risk turn inside out and wash in the delicates bag provided.
If not too many pills have been formed then they can usually be removed by hand. This should be done routinely after drying, or just prior to ironing.
A comb can be used to remove pills, but this should be done very gently and carefully so as to not damage the item of clothing which may lead to the formation of holes.
Small battery operated pill and lint removal devices known as either “de-pillers” or “fabric shavers” are low cost and generally very effective at removing pills and giving your clothing an as-new appearance again.
WASHING WOOL
Merino wool is a natural fibre that resists odour and creases, helping it retain its new look for longer. As with all types of wool, it does not need to be laundered regularly, in fact studies sponsored by Woolmark confirmed that wool garments typically last 50% longer when washed less frequently.
We appreciate that a dog’s clothing can get dirty whilst out and about so we have put together the following instructions on how to wash your merino wool garment.
- We recommend that the jumper be laundered inside out. This will protect the garments outer surface and help maintain its new look.
- Place the garment in the delicates bag provided and wash ONLY on a 30 °C delicates cycle ideally using wool approved detergent. DO NOT USE fabric softener.
- To get rid of excess water repeat the spin cycle or roll the garment up in a light coloured towel and gently press to absorb. DO NOT WRING excess water, as this will cause the garment to stretch.
- Using a fresh towel, lay the garment out flat and reshape being careful not to stretch it.
- Do not tumble dry as this could cause the garment to shrink
- If you wish to dry clean the garment it should be with a wool specialist cleaner.
- Do not bleach.
- Use a cool Iron.
MACHINE WASH INSTRUCTIONS:
- Hand wash in clean lukewarm water, approx. 30 °C using a wool approved liquid detergent. We recommend Ecover Delicate. NEVER soak Merino for any period of time.
- Rinsing thoroughly first in lukewarm water and then in cold water.
- Remove excess water by rolling in a towel. DO NOT WRING as this will cause the garment to stretch.
- Using a fresh towel, lay the garment out flat and reshape being careful to not stretch it.
STORING
When the knitwear is not being worn, always fold it to store. Do not hang as this will cause stretching and lose of shape.
Please note:
This yarn also has a natural stretch in the fibre so the sweaters can stretch slightly.
For help of queries please contact us at info@maisonlelou.com