Wool is a total pain to look after…
True story – NOT !!!
It shrinks and goes all felt-y when you wash it…
Wool fibre has an amazing microscopic structure that naturally sheds everyday dirt and odours. Simply shaking out and airing a woollen item will freshen it right up, ready for immediate use.
Wool garments leave less perspiration on the skin, reducing odour-causing bacteria… [so] can be worn longer between washes due to Wool’s natural ability to shed dirt and bacteria.
Dumfries House Wool Declaration
https://www.campaignforwool.org
For heavier soiling or stains, a cool (30 deg-C) soak with a spot of wool-wash for 20 minutes or so to loosen, then a couple of rinses will flush the fibres clean.
Any ‘delicate’ detergent should work fine, look for words like “Ph neutral”, “amphoteric”, “anionic”…
BIG BUT! Bio (enzyme) and bleach-based detergents are no good for wool… bios are specifically designed to dismantle the proteins in dirt and stains. Wool (and silk) are protein fibres so… 🙁
Just let the water do the work… Swirl rather than agitate, squeeze rather than wring.
Once the rinse water shows clean, squeeze out the excess, then a gentle spin, and air- or iron-dry.
A spot of conditioner in the final rinse will add fragrance if you like, and a bit of ‘feel’.