How to care for wool
Wool, gets a bad rep. 'Hand washing' you say... 'what a faff.' 'I don't have time for that.'
We hear you.
We come bearing good news: your Navygrey knit is the sort that isn’t going to add to your laundry pile. Because that’s the thing with wool, it’s naturally breathable, resistant to odours and dirt and on top of that, it doesn’t really like water.
By airing your knitwear instead of plunging it into water, it has a chance to breathe and relax and that’s all it really wants.
Caring for your knit in the right way is so much more than housekeeping. It’s a whole force for good, as fellow Navygrey wearers come together to reduce water use and promote long-lasting fashion.
That’s why we call it the Wash Less, Air More Club where each and every one of you is doing your bit to take care of the planet, reduce waste and take a stand against throwaway fashion.
Saving time and saving water. Good for you. Great for the planet.
Club Stories
Claire bought her first Navygrey jumper in 2019. She hasn’t washed it yet.
Sarah bought one in 2020. She’s washed it three times. She might wash it again in 2024. Let's see.
Caroline has owned her cardigan for just over two years. She’s washed it twice.
Rule 1
Give your knit rest days: wear it one day, leave it to air for two. And repeat.
Rule 2
Rest it on a drying rack, flat so it keeps its shape. Waft away if you like to.
Rule 3
Spot clean the neck and cuffs (where things typically get muckier). Dab, don’t rub with a splash of water.
Rule 4
Protect your wool from rain – it doesn’t like being caught in a downpour.
Rule 5
Lightly spritz it with a garment refresher if you fancy some fragrance.
The Big Wash
When the day comes to give your knit a bath, just five minutes in a basin of cool water and a tiny amount of detergent will do.
Where some brands add a chemical treatment to their yarns to make them machine washable, we don’t so that
your knit is as close to nature as possible - better for your skin, better for your planet.
So stick to the sink, step away from the spin cycle, and then let your knit slowly but surely air dry (no wringing and twisting, but pressing the water out like you’re kneading dough), flat and away from heat and direct sunlight.
To help your knitwear keep its shape, it’s best to stow it away folded. If you would rather it hung in the wardrobe, pop it into one of our cloth bags and loop that from a hanger instead.
In summer months, when your knit might go into hibernation, it’s wise to wash it first to help deter moths.
Again, use our cloth bag to add a further layer of protection, and look forward to the moment a chill chases and then welcome it back into your woolly world.
Let's talk pilling
If you notice your knit develops bobbles, don’t despair. High-quality, natural knits all pill. It’s entirely natural and is simply excess fibres that rise to the surface the more it’s worn.
When the fibre is completely natural (unlike synthetics), these little pills can be easily removed with a specialist hand-held de-piller (this one here is excellent) so your knit’s back to being fuzz-free in no time.
We keep our de-piller in the drawer with our knits for easy access, so we can de-bobble as we go. Just be careful not to press the de-piller directly onto the garment - lightly hover it above as you remove the bobbles.