Golden Rules of Washing Delicates like Silk, Wool, and Lingerie

Once wool shrinks, the damage is irreversible, so you want to be careful. Each wool fiber is covered with tiny over-lapping scales, much like the tiles on a roof, which repel water. As the washing machine twists, turns, and churns a wool sweater, the scales catch on one another and wind up permanently locked together. The result is an item that has become felted, meaning it is thick and matted -- and smaller by a size or two. 

If the label says dry-clean only, you should definitely not try to wash it in any kind of water.

Before washing any stretchable knit, measure in four places (shoulder to shoulder, across the bottom, and along the outside of each arm) so that you can restore it to its correct shape (also know as blocking) before drying. For more precise shaping, trace the outline of the article while dry on a piece of kraft paper; use the outline as a reference for reshaping.

Use a detergent designed for hand-washables or a mild dishwashing liquid. Dissolve the detergent in a sink or basin with cool water. Use the amount suggested on the label, or just enough to create suds that cover the surface of the water (but not enough to overflow the basin). Dissolve detergent in water completely before adding clothes. Immerse the article in the sudsy water. Swish it about and gently squeeze the suds through the fabric. Do not wring or twist. Let it soak for several minutes, gently squeezing, then gently lift the item over the basin and drain the water. Run fresh water into the basin to rinse. Repeat until the water runs clear. Gently squeeze over the basin to remove excess water.

Carefully transfer the item to a clean, dry white towel on a flat surface. Support the weight of the fabric as you lift so that it does not stretch. Reshape the article on the towel, then roll the article and towel together, pressing as you go to remove water. Repeat with a second towel, if necessary.

Hang lightweight items that will not stretch on a rack or the clothesline. Dry heavy items flat on a mesh sweater dryer on a dry towel. You will need to replace towels as they get wet. It's also a good idea to place a hand towel inside the sweater, between the front and back, to help it dry faster. Reshape according to the measurements you took before washing.

Once the sweater is dry, run a handheld steamer over it to remove any wrinkles. Lay the sweater on a flat surface and gently hold it in place with one hand while running a depilling sweater comb from one end to the other in a straight line. When you've finished one side, turn the sweater over and repeat. If you don't have a depiller, or if the item is fragile and you'd rather not use a blade, try a fine-toothed comb instead.