How to Wash and Preserve Wool Scarves

When it is cold, how could we protect ourselves while still being cool in appearance? The answer is wool scarf. Usually, on winter fashion shows, models are frequently seen posing with a woolen scarf around their necks which makes them very charming an attractive. 

Nowadays, wool scarf has been enjoying growing popularity from ordinary people because of its unique designs and fashionable style. Just imagine that, how cool it is to have a wool scarf wreathed around the neck while walking on the street in cold weather. Eventually your wool scarves will need to be washed. However, like other wool items, a wool scarf is difficult to wash and preserve. Don’t make the mistake of throwing them in the washing machine or in a dryer. Both of these steps can potentially ruin your treasured wool scarves.

Here are some simple steps to wash and dry your wool scarves:

1. Clean and dry the basin that you will be used and have some available counter space next to your basin in order to pat out excess water.

2. Put warm water into basin and add a little gentle shampoo as freshner/detergent to wash you wool scarf.

3. Place scarf in water and tap it gently around with your hands making sure the clean soapy water fully washes the scarf. After a few minutes, let the dirty water drain as you run the clean water over the scarf to rinse it.

4. Remember not to wring or twist the scarf to squeeze out the water and do not swish the scarf rapidly in the water. Instead fold the scarf and press out the water. When much of the water is released then take the scarf and fold it and place inside a large white terry cloth towel and fold the towel in half and half again to extract additional water.

The unique qualities of wool fibers call for some specific care when it comes to washing, so it is important to hand wash the scarves separately because the scarves have varying degrees of dye in them and dye could run into the water. You wouldn't want navy blue dye to ruin your light colored scarf. Fortunately, hand-washing your wool scarf is simple and inexpensive, and usually only takes a few minutes of effort.

However, a genuine wool scarf is usually high in price, so it will be a big loss if it is ruined for poor preservation. The following are some maintenance skills.

First, as genuine wool scarf is consisted of an animal protein fiber, it is prone to bristletails. Therefore, it should be properly stored in place where is dry, ventilated and free of such insects. In addition, instead of fold it up, we had better hang it up in our wardrobes so that its smoothness will be maintained. 

Second, remember not to put moth repellant together with a woolen scarf because the direct touch of the two items will erode the latter.

Third, the way you wear your wool scarf also has something to do with the preservation of it. For example, you should take care to avoid abrasion of your wool scarf against other hard items such as the back of a chair. Furthermore, don’t wear it for too long a time to avoid fiber fatigue of the wool scarf.

After knowing these, you no longer need to hesitate over the purchase of a wool scarf because of difficulty in washing and preservation. In the cold weather, with a wool scarf around your neck, you can be cool as well as warm.