How to Recover Felted Wool Garment After a Bad Wash | March 22, 2025

It happens to everyone that a favorite sweater is reduced to a miniature version after an accidental high-temperature wash. Fortunately, there are simple solutions to restore a felted garment to its original size and softness.

Wool and cashmere garments are particularly delicate. To prevent felting, it is recommended to wash them in cold water with a mild detergent and avoid spinning. In case of stains, pre-treating them with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide can help remove them before washing.

If a garment has felted, it is important not to pull on it, which can break the fibers and make the problem worse. The best solution is to use a warm water bath with baby shampoo or conditioner.

Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a few tablespoons of mild shampoo or conditioner.
Completely submerge the garment and let it soak for at least 30 minutes.
Gently squeeze the garment without wringing it out so that it retains some moisture.
An effective technique for restoring the size of a felted garment is to use a dry towel.

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