The Woolly Wonder
People might think wool is just another fabric but to those in the know, it's truly an amazing and timeless natural fibre. Versatile, resilient, breathable, and effortlessly stylish, Wool’s structure is made up of complex protein fibres, with an outer layer of overlapping scales (called cuticle cells) that naturally helps repel dirt. Internally, wool can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp — making it perfect for both chilly winters and warmer days. Wool is also a sustainable choice. As a natural fibre, wool is biodegradable, renewable, and doesn’t release microplastics into waterways like many synthetic fabrics.
But even with all its natural durability, wool still needs a little thoughtful care if you want to enjoy it for years — not just a season.
Why Bother With A Specific Wool Detergent Wash?
So why use a specific wool detergent vs assuming any old “gentle” detergent will do?
Because wool is made from natural protein fibres that are particularly sensitive to certain ingredients and using the wrong detergent can lead to hardening, pilling, thinning, holes, that dreaded itchiness… or worse, having to toss out something you love.
Wool Detergent Buying - Blueprint
Many of us have slipped up by reaching for a non-specific wool detergent, one that seems mild enough, only to realise too late that it’s quietly destroying our favourite knits.
That’s what happened to Michelle Gray, founder of Bon Savvy. After she threw out yet another one of her favourite (and expensive) wool jumpers. Michelle realised she didn't trust the wool wash products available, with their often deliberately misleading marketing and their lack lustre results. So she decided to create her own which makes it simple to properly wash, protect, and preserve wool and cashmere, confidently. The result was Wool Savvy. Michelle's research and work with Australian Textile Experts to create Wool Savvy, makes for a helpful blueprint for what we all should look for in a wool detergent Vs using an everyday laundry liquid.
The Wool Detergent Check List
The definitive guide to what's important when choosing quality wool care and the best wool specific detergent product:
✅ Does It Preserve Protein Fibres? Plant Based is Always Best!
Wool is a protein-based fibre, which means it’s vulnerable to enzymes, optical brighteners, synthetic softeners and harsh chemicals found in many regular detergents. These can break down the structure of wool, causing it to pill, lose shape, and feel coarse over time. Wool Savvy is enzyme-free, pH-balanced and free from harsh additives, like optical brighteners, helping your woollens retain their original shape, structure, and softness. Always remember ‘natural fabrics' (of any kind, including wool) are always better cared for by using ‘natural’ or ‘plant-based’ laundry products, not regular, chemical laden generic detergents. Although, not all natural products are made for Wool - it's always worth spending a moment to read over product labels, with our check-list in mind :)
✅ Does It Clean Effectively Without Stripping?
Wool may repel dirt on the surface, but it can still trap body oils and odours. A quality Wool Detergent is focused on gently lifting these impurities without stripping away the
natural oils that keep the fibres breathable and supple. For instance, Wool Savvy uses natural plant-based cleansers that work to remove stains and odours but also preserve wool fibre’s natural moisture balance rather than dry them out or damage.
🚫 What Ingredients Does It Have - Avoid Protease Enzymes It Harm's Wool
Sadly, many well-known detergent brands promote the benefits of ‘protease’ enzymes, which are meant to break down protein based stains. This is marketing 'mumbo jumbo', don't be fooled. As wool is actually made from protein fibres, the use of ‘protease enzymes' will weaken and damage the very thing you’re trying to preserve. Instead, if you’re worried about stains, use a combination of a pre-wash stain remover like Stain Savvy which is natural and bleach-free, but will treat any hard to remove stains. Follow that up with Wool Savvy or another quality wool wash that will complete the stain removal process without destroying your Wool.
✅ A Good Wool Detergent Should Retain Softness AND Reduce Itch
People often worry that wool might feel itchy against their skin. But wool shouldn’t irritate your skin or be scratchy. Itchiness can be eliminated or reduced by using a good wool wash. Wool Savvy uses only plant-based ingredients that are designed to have a softening effect that work to condition the fibres from within. General detergents can actually contribute to making your wool itchier, as hidden harsh chemicals can make the fibres brittle and itchy. Also using excess detergent can have the same result.
✅ Choose Low Foaming Every time and Don't Use Too Much
A good wool detergent should be low-foaming - meaning you shouldn't have too many bubbles or suds and you should only have to use a small amount to get a great result. For example, you only need one capful of Wool Savvy because it's concentrated. High-foam formulas generally mean more chemicals, which coats wool fibres and make them stiff or uncomfortable. Remember: more suds doesn’t mean cleaner clothes — it just means more to rinse out!
✅ Does It Offer Protection Against Wool Eating Moths?
Moths love the protein found in wool fibres and if you store wool garments or leave them in your wardrobe for a long time without protection it can often lead to a nasty surprise. Ever pulled out a wool jumper you’ve had in the back of your cupboard since last winter just to find a hole in it?
Cedar is natures natural moth protector. We've included a natural cedar extract in Wool Savvy, which acts as a natural moth shield and gently protects your woollens. The cedar is
infused into our matching Cedar & Thyme scent spray which is a fabulous in-between-washes hack, where you can use it to spritz over your wool for an added layer of protection, without the need for toxic chemicals or artificial fragrances plus it's a luxurious refresher and deodoriser leaving your wool smelling clean.
So look for a cedar element in any Wool Detergent or Wool Spray to provide an extra level of assured longevity.
🚫 Why You Don’t Want Lanolin In Your Wool Detergent - It's A Marketing Trick!
Some wool detergents promote the inclusion of lanolin — but here’s why Wool Savvy leaves it out, and you should too:
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Lanolin isn’t vegan — it’s derived from sheep wool grease and commercially farmed Lanolin is not always cruelty-free.
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It can coat the wool fibres, reducing the breathability of your wool and attracting grime.
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It doesn’t restore or "nourish" wool in the way marketing often claims. Natural, properly balanced ingredients are far more effective in keeping wool soft, strong, and fresh — without the greasy build-up or the potential harm to animals.
✅ Support Long-Term Wear - Wool Should Last If Looked After
Wool is an investment — not just in money, but in comfort and quality. No need to over complicate the care but just using a wool detergent rather than a generic laundry liquid or one that has harmful chemicals in it, will definitely help to extend the life of your wool items and help you enjoy them for years, not just a season. Let's not add to landfill, buy quality not quantity, then care for them like the good friends your favourite clothes are.
The Final Wash-Up
Wool is one of the most exceptional natural fibres, and in Australia, we have some of the world’s best wool products. However, wool is unique to other fabrics and is natural, not synthetic, it deserves a little extra TLC. Choosing a wool specific detergent really isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the key to protecting the garments you love and enjoying them for years to come.
Wool Savvy is everything an all-in-one quality wool detergent care product should be and nothing it shouldn’t.
✨ Want to care for your wool like a pro — minus the fuss? Click below.
Explore Wool Savvy here
