In winter, there's nothing better than snuggling up in a thick woolly jumper. To make the most of its softness, it's essential to remove the creases properly. Here we show you how to do this with a steamer, the ideal tool for preserving your clothes.
Why is wool fragile?
Wool is a delicate natural fibre, known for its softness and ability to retain heat. However, wool is also sensitive to excessive heat and moisture, which can cause it to shrink or lose its shape.
Pay attention to temperature
It's crucial to never wash wool at over 30°C and to avoid wringing woollen clothes out violently. Excessive heat and aggressive movement can damage delicate fibres. When ironing a woollen jumper, it's best to use a gentle method to avoid shrinking its fibres.
Traditional methods for smoothing a woollen jumper
Stretch your clothes out
After washing, hanging a wool jumper directly on a hanger allows it to relax naturally under its own weight. This simple method can help eliminate creases without damaging the wool.
Using an ironing pad
A press mesh ironing pad slowly diffuses the heat from the iron, protecting the delicate wool fibres. Although this method is slow, it is highly effective for meticulously removing creases.
A clothes steamer: the ideal tool
The clothes steamer is particularly suitable for woollen clothes. It smoothes creases without coming into direct contact with the fibres, reducing any risk of damage.
Types of steamer
- Portable steam irons: practical for use at home or when travelling, they are compact and easy to use.
- Vertical steamers: more powerful and ideal for frequent use, they offer a larger tank capacity and longer autonomy.
How do I use a clothes steamer?
Preparation:
- Fill the steamer's water tank.
- Switch the appliance on and select the appropriate heating temperature for the wool.
Steaming:
- Place your woollen jumper on a hanger.
- Place the steamer head against the clothing.
- Slowly move the steamer up and down, concentrating on the creased areas.
- The steam moistens and relaxes the fibres, eliminating creases and making your jumper soft and supple.
See also: How do you get creases out of a coat?
Additional tips for caring for wool
Hand wash
To preserve the quality of the wool, hand wash it with a mild detergent. Avoid wringing or spinning the jumper vigorously.
Dry flat
After washing, always dry your wool jumpers flat on a clean towel. This prevents your garments from stretching and losing their shape.
Storage
Store your woollen jumpers folded, rather than hanging them, to prevent them from warping. Use moth-proof bags to protect them from insects.