How to Wash a Lambswool Scarf (Without Shrinking It)
By The Black Friesian team · Updated November 2026
Quick answer: Hand wash it in cool to lukewarm water, no hotter than 30°C, with a wool detergent. Press the water out without wringing, then dry it flat on a towel away from heat. Never tumble dry. Most of the time you don't need to wash it at all: airing it outside is enough.
How often should you wash a wool scarf?
Rarely. Wool naturally resists smells, so a scarf usually only needs a wash a few times a season, or when it's marked. In between, hang it somewhere airy overnight or air it outside on a dry day.
How to hand wash a lambswool scarf: step by step
- Check the label. If it says dry clean only, follow that.
- Fill a clean basin with cool to lukewarm water, no warmer than 30°C. It should feel about the same as your hand.
- Add a little wool detergent or a gentle, pH-neutral wash, and swirl it in.
- Push the scarf under the water and gently squeeze it a few times. Don't rub or scrub.
- Leave it for 3 to 5 minutes. A short soak is enough.
- Rinse in water at the same temperature. A sudden change from warm to cold can make wool felt and shrink.
- Press out the water by squeezing gently. Never twist or wring it.
- Roll it in a dry towel to soak up the rest of the water.
- Lay it flat to dry on a fresh towel, gently pulled back into shape, away from radiators and direct sun.
Can you put a lambswool scarf in the washing machine?
Only if the label says it's machine washable. If it does, use the wool or hand-wash cycle at 30°C with a low spin, and put the scarf in a mesh laundry bag. If the label says hand wash, hand wash it. Machines move wool around more than you think, and that movement plus warmth is what causes felting.
Why did my wool scarf shrink?
Wool shrinks and felts when three things happen together: heat, movement and sudden temperature changes. A hot wash, a tumble dryer or a cold rinse after a warm wash can all do it. Unfortunately, felting can't be fully undone, so prevention matters.
How to remove bobbles
Small bobbles, or pills, appear where a scarf rubs against a coat collar or bag strap. They're normal and don't mean the scarf is poor quality. Lay it flat and lift them off gently with a fabric comb or a battery de-piller. Avoid pulling them by hand, which drags out more fibre.
How to store a wool scarf
- Fold it rather than hanging it, so it keeps its shape.
- Store it clean, as moths are drawn to marks and body oils.
- Use a breathable cotton bag rather than plastic, with cedar or lavender to deter moths.
Need a new scarf?
100% Lambswool Winter Scarf – 2m Long
Our 2m lambswool scarf in 31 colours. Soft, warm and easy to care for.
See colours and details →Wondering which fibre to choose next time? Read lambswool vs cashmere vs merino, or find out whether lambswool is itchy.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wash lambswool in the washing machine?
Only if the care label says it's machine washable. Use the wool or hand-wash cycle at 30°C, a low spin and a mesh bag. Otherwise, hand wash it in cool water.
What temperature should I wash lambswool at?
No hotter than 30°C. Lukewarm water that feels about the same temperature as your hand is ideal. Keep the rinse water at the same temperature.
Why did my wool scarf shrink?
Heat, movement and sudden temperature changes make wool fibres lock together and felt. A hot wash, a tumble dryer or a cold rinse after a warm wash are the usual causes.
How do I make my wool scarf soft again?
Hand wash it in cool water with a wool wash and dry it flat. Some people add a little hair conditioner to the final rinse. Never tumble dry it.
