Refreshing woollen jumpers without a washing machine: does it really work?

A cosy woollen jumper is brilliant in winter, but washing it is often a challenge. Wool can shrink, felt or lose its shape in the washing machine. Yet you want to keep your jumper fresh, especially if you wear it often. Fortunately, there are simple ways to freshen up your woollen jumper without having to wash it every time.

1. Air it out

The simplest step: hang the jumper outdoors for a couple of hours, preferably on a dry day. Wool is a self-cleaning fibre that often eliminates unpleasant odours on its own when exposed to the open air.

2. Spray it for a burst of freshness

With a garment steamer, you can gently remove bacteria and odours. What’s more, any slight creases disappear and the jumper immediately looks well-groomed.

• For domestic use, a Jiffy J -2000 is ideal for safely freshening up woollen garments.
• If you frequently work with fabrics or in a professional setting, the Jiffy J-4000 offers extra power and capacity.

3. Treat small stains locally

Does your jumper have a stain? Gently dab it with a damp cloth and a little wool detergent. Avoid rubbing: you could damage the fibres or cause pilling.

4. Store correctly

Out of season, it’s best to store woollen jumpers flat, not hung up. This prevents them from stretching. Add a small sachet of lavender or cedarwood to keep moths away.