UNDERSTANDING WOOL WASH & CARING FOR YOUR WOOLENS!
To many, wool is just another fabric. But to those who know, it's truly an amazing and timeless natural fibre. It’s 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.
Demystifying Wool Detergents
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.
Many of us have accidently 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 throwing out yet another beloved (and expensive) wool jumper, Michelle realised there wasn't any wool care she trusted. Any available options seemed to lack any proper focused wool care, were packed with misleading ingredients or frankly, were a hassle to use.
She decided to create her own. The goal was to make it easy to confidently wash, protect, and preserve wool and cashmere. The result was Wool Savvy. Everything that went into creating Wool Savvy, including extensive research and work with leading Australian textile experts, now serves as a helpful blueprint for what we all should be looking for in a wool detergent Vs using everyday laundry liquids.
What Should A Wool Wash Do vs Regular Detergents?
Your check list:
✅ The Focus Is On Preserving Protein Fibres
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 the following check-list in mind.
✅ They Clean Gently But 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.
🚫 They Avoid Ingredients, Like Protease Enzymes, Which Harm Wool
Sadly, many well-known detergent brands promote the benefits of ‘protease’ enzymes, which are meant to break down protein based stains. However, 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.
✅ 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
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!
✅ Protect Against Moths
Moths love the protein found in wool fibres and storing your garments without protection can lead to nasty surprises. 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?
We've included a natural cedar extract in Wool Savvy, which acts as a natural moth deterrent and gently protects your woollens. The cedar is infused into the Cedar & Thyme scent which acts as an added layer of protection, without the need for toxic chemicals or artificial fragrances plus leaves wool smelling fresh. So a cedar element is something you should be looking for in any Wool Detergent.
🚫 Why You Don’t Want Lanolin
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.
🚫 Avoid Detergents With Protease Enzymes
Many detergents advertise 'Protease Enzymes' as a beneficial ingredient because it breaks down protein stains (like blood etc.) But remember Wool is made from protein fibres, so any ingredient that's job is to break down protein will also be breaking down your precious wool fibres too and not just stains. Avoid any detergent that includes this ingredient — it’s a marketing trick that actually will do more harm than good for natural fibres like wool or silk. Instead pre-treat any hard to remove stains with a natural stain remover, like Stain Savvy, which is uses carefully selected natural stain removing ingredients, instead of bleach or harmful ingredients to remove stains from wool, cashmere and knits. Then, use Wool Savvy or another wool detergent to do the rest.
✅ Support Long-Term Wear
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 will definitely help to extend the life of your wool items and help you enjoy them for years, not just a season.
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. Choosing a wool detergent really isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s the key to protecting the garments you love.
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
