Shaving a wool coat is a great way to remove fuzz and pills that have accumulated on the surface of the fabric. Pills are small balls of fabric that form when fibres separate from the surface of the clothing and stick to the fabric instead of falling off. Shaving your wool coat will leave it looking fresh and new. To do this, you can use a disposable razor, fabric shaver, or electric fabric shaver. Pull the fabric taut and gently shave upwards with light strokes to remove the pills.
Shaving a Wool Coat
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
What you need | A new, cheap razor |
How to use it | Shave in all directions, almost like sweeping the floor |
How to collect the fuzzies | Use tape or a lint roller |
Type of razor | Avoid razors with moisture strips or soap bars on the sides |
Other tools | Fabric shaver, sandpaper, pumice stone, lint brush, nail scissors, sweater comb |
Stain removal | Use a wool shampoo concentrate like Soak |
Washing | Hand wash only with cold or lukewarm water, and a small amount of detergent |
Drying | Roll wet wool coats in a towel, then let it dry (flat) for 24-48 hours |
What You'll Learn
Use a fabric shaver or razor to remove fuzz
To remove fuzz from your wool coat, you can use a fabric shaver or a razor.
A fabric shaver is an easy and effective way to remove fuzz from your wool coat. Place your coat on a smooth, flat surface. Then, gently slide the fabric shaver over the affected area. The shaver will quickly remove the fuzz, leaving behind a uniform fabric surface. Some fabric shavers are battery-powered and use spinning blades to remove fuzz, while others are manual and use a comb or blade to cut away the fuzz.
If you don't have access to a fabric shaver, you can also use a new, cheap razor to remove the fuzz. Lay your coat on a flat surface and pull the fabric taut near the affected area. Use a gentle touch to shave upwards with the razor in small strokes. Start with light pressure and increase as needed. Be careful not to cut the fabric of your coat. Once you've shaved off the fuzz, use tape or a lint roller to remove any remaining fabric pills.
By using a fabric shaver or razor, you can easily remove fuzz from your wool coat and restore it to its original, smooth appearance.
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Wash wool coats inside out
To wash a wool coat inside out, start by checking the care label. If the label says "dry clean only", take your coat to a professional cleaner. If the label says "dry clean" without "only", you can wash it at home. However, if your coat has fur, leather, suede or feather details, it must be dry-cleaned.
If you decide to wash your coat at home, start by brushing off dirt and lint with a garment brush. Next, pre-treat any stains on your coat. Be sure to empty pockets and button up or zip the coat to prevent snags. Then, turn the coat inside out.
Now, you can either hand-wash or machine-wash your coat. To hand-wash, fill a bathtub or a large basin with lukewarm water and add a small amount of a wool-safe detergent. Immerse the coat in the water, and let it soak for at least 30 minutes. After soaking, rub away any excess dirt with your hands. Drain the bathtub and rinse the coat with lukewarm water until the water runs clear.
To machine-wash, set your washer to the wool or gentle cycle and the water temperature to lukewarm or cold. Add a wool-safe detergent, and place the coat in a mesh washing bag or a white pillowcase. Make sure to turn the coat inside out before placing it in the bag or pillowcase. Once the cycle is complete, remove the coat and turn it right side out.
After washing, your wool coat will be saturated with water and very heavy. Do not put your coat in the dryer, as this will cause it to shrink. Instead, lay the coat on a large, thick towel and roll it up to absorb the moisture. Repeat with fresh, dry towels if necessary. Then, lay the coat flat on a drying rack or a clean towel and let it air-dry. This may take up to 48 hours.
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Use a specialist detergent for wool
Wool coats are a classic, but they can be a magnet for lint and fuzz. Pills, or bobbles, are tiny balls of fabric that form when fibres separate from the surface of your clothing and stick to the fabric instead of falling off. They are caused by friction, often in areas like the cuffs and armpits of sweaters. While pilling is an inevitable part of owning clothes, there are ways to prevent and treat it.
One way to prevent pilling on wool garments is to use a specialist detergent for wool or delicates. Wool fibres are fragile and can be stretched out of shape or torn easily, so it's important to handle them with care. Avoid using regular laundry soap, as it can be too harsh on wool. Instead, opt for a detergent specifically designed for woollens and knitwear, such as Soak wool shampoo concentrate. These detergents are gentler on the fabric and help to reduce friction, which is a major cause of pilling.
When washing wool coats or sweaters, always follow the instructions on the detergent packaging. Use cold or lukewarm water, never hot, as heat can damage the structure of wool. Fill a clean sink or basin with water and add a small amount of detergent. Give the water a swish to mix it in, then let your wool item soak for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, gently swirl the garment to release any trapped dirt particles. Remember not to wring it out, as this can damage the fibres. Instead, softly squeeze the garment into a ball to remove excess water.
If you're using a detergent that requires rinsing, like Tide or vinegar, you'll need to give your wool item an additional rinse with clean, cool water. Once you've removed the detergent, grab a large towel and place it on a flat surface. Spread your damp garment across the towel and then roll them up together into a tight log. After a few minutes, unroll everything and transfer the wool item to a fresh, dry towel. Allow it to dry flat for 24 to 48 hours.
If you're short on time and can't wait that long for your garment to dry, you can use a dryer equipped with a drying rack. Set your dryer to the "air fluff" no-heat cycle, and your wool coat or sweater will be dry in just a few hours.
By using a specialist detergent for wool and following these washing and drying instructions, you can help prevent pilling and keep your wool coat looking sharp.
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Avoid tumble drying
Woollen garments are delicate and require careful attention when it comes to their maintenance. While tumble drying may be a convenient option, it is generally recommended to avoid this method of drying woollen coats. Here are some reasons why you should steer clear of tumble drying your wool coat:
Flat Drying is Best: After washing your wool coat, it is advisable to dry it flat. Place the coat on a white or light-coloured towel, free from lint. Gently reshape the coat by hand, removing any creases or folds. Allow it to air-dry naturally. This method ensures that your coat retains its shape and avoids the risk of stretching, which can occur when hanging wet knitwear.
Avoid Direct Heat: Tumble drying exposes wool to direct heat, which can be detrimental. The high temperatures can cause the wool fibres to shrink, resulting in an ill-fitting coat. Additionally, the concentrated heat can lead to discolouration and damage to the garment.
Energy and Cost Savings: Air drying your wool coat is not only gentler on the fabric but also on your wallet. Tumble drying consumes energy, contributing to higher electricity bills. By opting for flat drying, you can save money and reduce your environmental impact.
Specialised Wool Programmes: If you decide that tumble drying is necessary, it is crucial to use a dryer with a specific programme for wool. Not all tumble dryers are created equal, and using the wrong settings can ruin your wool coat. Look for dryers approved by the Woolmark Company, ensuring they are designed to handle woollen garments safely.
Care Label Instructions: Always refer to the care label of your wool coat before considering tumble drying. If the label does not explicitly state that tumble drying is suitable, it is best to avoid it. Respecting the care instructions provided by the manufacturer will help extend the lifespan of your coat.
In summary, while tumble drying may seem like a quick solution, it presents several risks for your wool coat. To maintain the shape, colour, and integrity of the fabric, flat drying is the preferred method. By taking a little extra time and care, you can ensure your wool coat remains in pristine condition for years to come.
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Remove stains with wool shampoo
Wool is a natural fibre that is easy to care for and resistant to odours and stains. However, if you do spill something on your favourite wool coat, you can use a wool shampoo to remove the stain. Here is a step-by-step guide:
- As soon as you notice the stain, blot up any excess liquid or debris using paper towels or a clean, dry cloth. Scrape off any solid residue with a rounded-edged knife or spoon.
- Soak a linen cloth (or a cotton swab, as per one source) in a wool shampoo solution. Use a specialist detergent such as Soak, or make your own solution by mixing half white vinegar and half wool detergent with cool water.
- Dab at the stain with the cloth, working inwards from the edge and on the reverse of the garment to stop the stain from spreading.
- Scrape off any remaining residue. Use a cloth dipped in white spirit to gently blot the stain, taking care not to rub, and working inwards to contain the stain.
- Once you have treated the stain, soak the coat in a sink or large tub of cool water with some wool detergent. Very gently rub the stain, then rinse until all the soap residue has washed away.
- Rinse the coat in water mixed with a splash of white vinegar. Once this has run through, keep rinsing until all the vinegar solution has been removed.
- Remove excess water by wrapping the coat in a linen towel and gently twisting, or by placing it between two towels and pressing down.
- Leave the coat to air dry, ensuring it is laid flat and kept out of direct sunlight.
If the stain persists, you can repeat the process using slightly more detergent. For particularly stubborn stains, you may need to seek professional help from a dry cleaner.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a disposable razor, a fabric shaver, a fabric comb, or an electric fabric shaver.
Place the coat on a flat surface and pull the fabric taut. Then, gently shave the coat in all directions, using upward strokes.
Wash your coat inside out on a gentle or wool cycle, or hand wash it. Use a specialist detergent for wool or delicates, and avoid overloading your washing machine. Also, avoid tumble drying your coat, as heat and friction can damage the fibres and cause pilling.
You can use a lint roller, tape, a head lice comb, a velcro hair roller, or a fabric shaver.
Avoid using bleach on your wool coat, as it can weaken the fibres and make them more prone to breaking and pilling. Instead, use a fabric conditioner to coat the wool fibres and reduce static and friction. Additionally, wash your coat with similar delicate items rather than harder-wearing garments like denim or clothing with zips.