Johnstons of Elgin Lambswool Throw lying on a rock against a blue sky background

Caring for Lambswool

We have worked with soft, natural and biodegradable Lambswool fibres for many years and, going forward, intend only to source Responsible Wool Standard (RWS) certified wool for the yarn we make. We are gentle with our Lambswool fibres, from raw fibre to finished product, to help retain its softness and enhance its lifespan.

However, how you treat Lambswool once it reaches your wardrobe will also impact its longevity. So how should you care for knitted and woven Lambswool Products? And how often should Lambswool be laundered?

Woven Lambswool Knitted Lambswool
Johnstons of Elgin Lambswool Knitwear in a multi colour stack

Caring FOR KNITTED LAMBSWOOL

We recommend you care for your Lambswool purchase in the following ways:

1. Handwash the item at 40° with a mild detergent.
2. After washing, rinse in lukewarm water.
3. Do not wring or rub your Lambswool garment.
4. Gently reshape your product while it’s still wet.
5. Allow your Lambswool clothing or accessory to dry flat on a towel.

HANDWASH
Lambswool’s inherent anti-bacterial properties mean it will require less frequent laundering than synthetic fibres. After 2-3 wears, turn your Lambswool product inside out before washing. Gently handwash Lambswool garments at 40° to freshen them up. Avoid warmer water temperatures that might damage the wool fibres. Use a gentle laundry detergent without fabric softener, as the latter might also harm the fibres. After washing, rinse using lukewarm water.

DO NOT WRING OR RUB
Handle your Lambswool clothing with care, as lifting or wringing while wet can cause the garment to become misshapen. Instead, you can gently press a freshly washed jumper or hat between two clean, dry towels to remove any excess moisture. Spot stains should be dabbed rather than rubbed to avoid marking or pilling the wool.

RESHAPE
While your Lambswool garment is still wet, you can gently reshape it. Place the item on a clean, dry towel and gently smooth it into shape.

DRY FLAT
Allow your Lambswool clothing to dry naturally away from direct heat, such as radiators or sunlight, and do not tumble dry. Once dry, you can press your garment lightly with a cool iron.

Caring FOR WOVEN LAMBSWOOL 

To help you to enjoy your woven Lambswool Scarf, Throw or Blanket for longer, we suggest the following methods of care:

1. Dry clean woven Lambswool products for the best results.
2. Shake and hang Throws, Blankets & Cushions to remove dust particles.
3. Gently spot clean any marks or stains.
4. Air dry laundered items to maintain their shape.

DRY CLEAN
The inherent anti-bacterial properties of Lambswool fibres mean they only require occasional cleaning. We recommend professionally dry-cleaning Lambswool Throws and Blankets to help maintain their colour, shape and size.

SHAKE & HANG 
To remove dust particles, you can shake Lambswool clothing and accessories. This will also fluff the fibres a little to refresh their shape.

You can also hang your product somewhere airy to lift dust particles and freshen your garment.

SPOT CLEAN
You can often remove minor marks and stains by dabbing gently with a moist cloth. Use cold water to avoid expanding the fibres, as they might shrink as they cool down.

Use a light spritz of cold water to dampen the marked area, and if the stain is oily, dab gently with a small amount of gentle detergent. Spot test more vibrantly coloured Lambswool pieces in an inconspicuous area before tackling a more significant stain. Use a slightly damp white cloth to spot test, and if any of the colour transfers to the cloth, please have the item professionally dry cleaned.

Fizzy water can effectively remove small, fresh stains, as the air bubbles can trap and lift dirt particles. Afterwards, hang the item up to dry.

AIR DRY
Air dry woven Lambswool items, either outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, depending on weather conditions. If an item becomes very damp, dry it flat to avoid loss of shape. Never tumble dry Lambswool.

Close up of blue rovings' on in Johnstons of Elgin's mill
Johnstons of Elgin Reversible Lambswool Throw in Blue Check on a brown chair
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