A wool vest worn on cool mornings, a jacket reached for season after season, or a sleeping bag chosen for a little one—these pieces become part of everyday life. Their care can stay simple: fresh air when appropriate, gentle spot cleaning, and thoughtful washing when needed.
This guide is for Follkee's untreated wool baby sleeping bags, wool vests, and wool jackets made from the same wool fabric. It follows the gentle-care approach in our wool blanket care guide, with practical advice for these smaller pieces.
Natural wool care at a glance
- Use cold water and a wool-safe detergent or mild, color-free natural soap suitable for wool.
- Hand washing is our preferred method, especially for the small, easy-to-handle baby sleep sack.
- For machine washing, choose a wool or gentle cycle with the spin function turned off.
- Gently press out excess water. Do not rub, twist, or wring.
- Reshape and dry flat, away from direct heat and sunlight.
- Do not tumble dry. Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and enzyme-based detergents.
Start with fresh air
Wool does not need washing on a fixed schedule. Between uses, air your sleeping bag, vest, or jacket in a shaded, well-ventilated place. Spread it over a broad, clean support so air can circulate.
Airing can help refresh wool, but it does not replace washing when an item is soiled. Clean spills and marks promptly.
Spot cleaning small spills and marks
Blot spills with a clean, absorbent cloth. Avoid rubbing, which can spread the stain and work it deeper into the fibers.
Dilute a small amount of wool-safe detergent or mild, color-free natural soap suitable for wool in cold water. Follow the cleaner's dilution instructions and test an inconspicuous area first. Gently dab the mark, remove residue with a clean damp cloth, and allow the area to dry completely.
Hand washing: our preferred method
For the baby sleep sack, hand washing is easy and time-efficient. Its small size makes it simple to handle gently and rinse thoroughly.
- Fill a clean basin or tub with enough cold water to handle the item gently without bunching or scrubbing.
- Mix in a small amount of wool-safe detergent or mild, color-free natural soap suitable for wool.
- Gently press the water through the fabric. Do not rub, scrub, twist, or wring.
- Drain and rinse gently with cold water at the same temperature until the cleaner is removed.
- Gently press out excess water without wringing. Support the item's full weight when lifting it.
Can you machine wash these wool pieces?
We have tested our Merino wool baby sleep sack using cold water and a gentle machine cycle with no spin. For the wool vests and jackets covered by this guide, follow the same method . Choose a wool-specific or gentle cycle with minimal agitation, and turn the spin function off.
- Wash separately in cold water only.
- Use a small amount of wool-safe cleaner.
- Choose a drum large enough for the item to move comfortably. Do not overload the machine.
- Select a wool or gentle cycle with no spin. Check the settings before starting.
- After washing, support the wet item and gently press out excess water. Do not twist or wring.
Machines vary in their cycle movements and settings. Our wool is not superwash-treated: heat and excessive agitation can cause shrinking or felting. If your machine cannot provide gentle cold-water washing without a spin cycle, choose hand washing.
Choose a cleaner suitable for wool
Use a wool-safe detergent or mild, color-free natural soap specifically suitable for wool. The word “natural” alone does not establish suitability. Follow the cleaner's instructions and use a small amount to avoid residue and unnecessary rinsing.
Avoid bleach, fabric softener, and enzyme-based detergents.
Dry flat and allow plenty of time
After either washing method, roll the item in clean towels to absorb additional moisture without twisting. Gently reshape it and lay it flat on a clean, supported drying rack with good airflow.
Support the full weight of the wet item when moving it. Do not lift a vest or jacket by its shoulders or hang it while wet, as this can stretch the fabric. Gently arrange the shoulders, hem, and sleeves into their original shape while drying flat.
Replace damp towels underneath and allow both sides to dry completely. Keep away from radiators, direct heat, and direct sunlight. Do not tumble dry or store while damp.
Refreshing the texture
Once completely dry, gently smooth the wool by hand. Avoid pulling at the surface or brushing vigorously, which can loosen fibers. Some changes in surface texture can occur with wear; gentle handling helps preserve its character.
Storing your wool
Store clean, completely dry wool in a cool, dry place. A breathable protective bag helps keep dust away but does not provide complete protection from moths. Check stored items periodically for signs of moth activity.
Care notes for sleeping bags, vests, and jackets
Baby sleeping bags: spot clean small marks when appropriate and wash promptly when soiled. Before reuse, allow the sleeping bag to dry completely and check that its shape, zipper, and openings remain in good condition. If washing changes the fit, do not rely on the original age label alone.
Wool vests and jackets: empty pockets before cleaning. Pay particular attention to cuffs, collars, and hems when spot cleaning. After washing, gently reshape the garment and dry it flat rather than on a hanger.
This guide covers only the Follkee wool pieces described above. Sheepskin, leather-backed items, and garments with different care instructions require their own methods.
Explore our 100% Merino wool baby sleep sack, or visit our separate wool blanket wash and care guide.
Everyday comfort, thoughtful care
Air when appropriate, spot clean small marks, and wash gently when needed. A little thoughtful care helps preserve the natural texture and character that make wool special.
Have a question before cleaning? Contact us—we're happy to help.
Natalia & Bart at Follkee