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Wool Care
How to Make Wool Less Itchy Download Article Co-authored by Jen Webber and Hannah Madden
Last Updated: February 24, 2025 Fact Checked
Download Article
Using Water and White Vinegar
|
Soaking in Hair Conditioner
|
Freezing Your Wool Item
|
Tips
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less X
This article was co-authored by Jen Webber and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jen Webber is a Knitting Specialist and the Manager of The Quarter Stitch, a crafting store based in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 17 years of knitting and crafting experience, Jen helps educate customers and the public on best knitting practices for their DIY projects. There are 12 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 214,020 times.
Wool is a wonderfully cozy fabric that’s fun to wrap up in the winter time. However, pulling on an itchy sweater or climbing into bed with an itchy blanket can ruin any relaxation time you had planned. Fortunately, by using a few household items, you can soften your wool pieces and make them comfortable to wear and use again. To soften wool, simply soak it in a mix of cold water and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of vinegar for 15 minutes, then rinse it and massage hair conditioner into it for another 30 minutes. Rinse and air dry, then pop it in a bag in the freezer overnight for comfy wool!
How to Soften a Wool Sweater
Soak the sweater inside out in a tub of cold water and 2 tbsp (30 mL) of white vinegar for 15 minutes. Rinse with cold water, then massage hair conditioner into the wool and let it sit for 30 minutes. Rinse again and air dry overnight, then place the sweater in a plastic bag and freeze overnight.
Steps
Part 1 Part 1 of 3:
Using Water and White Vinegar
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1 Mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white vinegar with a bucket of cold water. Make sure you use enough cold water to fully submerge your wool item. If you don’t have a bucket, you can fill up your sink instead.[1]XResearch source
Cold water will prevent the wool from shrinking.
2 Turn the wool piece inside out, then submerge it in the mixture. If you’re working with a piece of clothing, turn it inside out so the wrong side faces outwards. Then, submerge your wool item into the mixture fully, making sure all the fibers are completely saturated with water and vinegar.[2]XResearch source
The white vinegar will work to soften the fibers of the wool, making them less poky and itchy.
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3 Soak the wool item for 15 minutes. The white vinegar needs a little bit of time to soften the fibers, so leave the item submerged. Don’t scrub or wash the wool item as it soaks to avoid stretching the fibers. If you notice any part of the item floating to the top of the water, gently push it back in so it’s submerged again.[3]XResearch source
Vinegar is also a mild cleanser, so it can refresh your wool piece if it’s starting to smell musty or dirty.
4 Rinse the wool piece with cold water. Pick your wool item up out of the water and use cold water to rinse it thoroughly for about 5 minutes. Don’t wring or squeeze your wool item to prevent stretching the fibers; instead, gently pat the excess water out when you’re done.[4]XResearch source
You can drain your bucket or sink of water and vinegar, since you won’t be needing it anymore.
Clara Parkes, Wool Historian and Textile Expert
Vinegar is one of the most effective methods for making wool less itchy. The acetic acid works to relax the fibers and smooth down the prickly scales on the wool's surface. Simply fill a bucket with cool water and stir in 1-2 cups of distilled white vinegar. Allow your itchy wool sweater or blanket to soak for at least 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly in cool water and lay flat to dry.
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Soaking in Hair Conditioner
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1 Massage hair conditioner into the fibers of the wool. While your sweater is still wet, squeeze out a quarter-sized amount of hair conditioner and rub it in between your palms. Gently massage the conditioner into the fibers of the wool, grabbing more if you need to.[5]XResearch source
Try to find high-end conditioner without silicones or sulfates to avoid drying out the wool.
2 Let the wool sit for 30 minutes. As the wool soaks in the conditioner, the fibers will soften and reduce the pokey, scratchy ends that might be making you itch. Set a timer on your phone or computer so you know when it’s time to come back to your wool piece.[6]XResearch source
If you accidentally leave the conditioner on for a little longer, that’s okay. Just be sure your wool piece doesn't dry with the conditioner still on it, or it could make the wool feel slimy.
3 Rinse your wool item with cold water. Using your sink or bathtub faucet, rinse the item out thoroughly with cold water until you can’t feel the slippery conditioner on it anymore. If any conditioner is left on the wool as it dries, it could cause a flaky buildup that will make your wool feel slimy.[7]XResearch source
Again, be careful not to squeeze or wring out your wool item to avoid stretching or misshaping the fibers.
4 Spread your wool garment flat on a towel to air dry. Make sure your wool item is completely flat to discourage it from drying with lumps or bumps.[8]X Expert Source Jen WebberKnitting SpecialistExpert Interview Depending on how large and thick your wool piece is, it could take up to a full day to dry completely.[9]XResearch source
Wet wool can be kind of smelly, so you may want to dry your wool item in a ventilated area.
Never hang wool pieces to dry on hangers, as it can stretch out the fibers.
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Freezing Your Wool Item
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1 Fold the garment up and seal it in a plastic bag. Make sure your wool piece is completely dry, then fold it up neatly. Slide the wool piece into a plastic bag, then seal it up tightly, squeezing the air out as you seal.[10]XResearch source
You don't need to vacuum seal your bag, but make sure the majority of the air is out.
2 Place the bag in your freezer overnight. Make sure the bag is completely sealed and airtight to avoid moisture buildup on your garment. Leave it in the freezer for at least 8 hours to bond the fibers together and keep them from poking outwards.[11]XResearch source
Putting your wool item in the freezer can also stop it from shedding so much.
3 Take the garment out and enjoy your less itchy wool piece! Unseal the bag and unfold your wool item. If it gets itchy again in the future, you can repeat the process of soaking in vinegar, conditioner, and then freezing it.[12]XResearch source
As wool ages, it may dry out and become more pokey and itchy.
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Common Questions: Softening Wool
What can you wear under wool so it doesn't itch?
Try wearing a thin, fitted long-sleeve shirt underneath sweaters, or thin, knit silk or cotton undergarments or liners under pants and skirts. Woven polyester or nylon pants liners are good options, too.[14]X Trustworthy Source Go Ask AliceMedical advice site with content written by health promotion specialists affiliated with Columbia University Go to source
Is 100% wool always itchy?
Not always. The itchiness of the wool depends mostly on the thickness of the fibers. 100% merino or khullu wool is generally soft, while thicker wools like alpaca and mohair are itchier.[15]XResearch source
Is wool less itchy after washing?
If you wash wool with a detergent meant to soften it, like a wool or cashmere shampoo, then the item will be less itchy afterward. However, wool should not be washed too often, and over washing can fade or dull the color.
Tips
You can soften your wool once or twice a year if it starts getting itchy again. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement
Warnings
Wool can irritate some skin conditions, like eczema. If your wool garment consistently makes your skin red, itchy, or scaly, you may need to avoid wool altogether.[13]X Trustworthy Source National Eczema AssociationNonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of those with eczema through research and education Go to source Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
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Things You’ll Need
Bucket or sink
White vinegar
Hair conditioner
Plastic bag
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References
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alrOB0PzFO4
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alrOB0PzFO4
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrdZY-Cxppg/
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrdZY-Cxppg
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alrOB0PzFO4
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=alrOB0PzFO4
↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1EfHq9Rcmv4
↑ Jen Webber. Knitting Specialist. Expert Interview
Co-authored by: Jen Webber Knitting Specialist This article was co-authored by Jen Webber and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jen Webber is a Knitting Specialist and the Manager of The Quarter Stitch, a crafting store based in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 17 years of knitting and crafting experience, Jen helps educate customers and the public on best knitting practices for their DIY projects. This article has been viewed 214,020 times. 57 votes - 82% Co-authors: 5Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 214,020 Categories: Wool Care In other languages Dutch German Portuguese Italian Japanese
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Reader Success Stories
Julie Grant
Oct 23, 2022
"When my dad passed away I wanted one of his sweaters that was too large. I am going to use the minimum shrink technique to make it smaller so I can wear it."..." more
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Jen Webber Knitting Specialist Co-authors: 5Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 214,02082% of readers found this article helpful. 57 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote
Julie Grant
Oct 23, 2022
"When my dad passed away I wanted one of his sweaters that was too large. I am going to use the minimum shrink technique to make it smaller so I can wear it."..." more Share yours!
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How to Stretch Wool Sweaters (And Prevent Shrinking Them Again) 
How toFix Felted Wool 
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Co-authored by: Jen Webber Knitting Specialist This article was co-authored by Jen Webber and by wikiHow staff writer, Hannah Madden. Jen Webber is a Knitting Specialist and the Manager of The Quarter Stitch, a crafting store based in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana. With over 17 years of knitting and crafting experience, Jen helps educate customers and the public on best knitting practices for their DIY projects. This article has been viewed 214,020 times. 57 votes - 82% Co-authors: 5 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 214,020 Categories: Wool Care In other languages Dutch German Portuguese Italian Japanese 
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1 Mix 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of white vinegar with a bucket of cold water. Make sure you use enough cold water to fully submerge your wool item. If you don’t have a bucket, you can fill up your sink instead.[1] 
2 Turn the wool piece inside out, then submerge it in the mixture. If you’re working with a piece of clothing, turn it inside out so the wrong side faces outwards. Then, submerge your wool item into the mixture fully, making sure all the fibers are completely saturated with water and vinegar.[2] 
3 Soak the wool item for 15 minutes. The white vinegar needs a little bit of time to soften the fibers, so leave the item submerged. Don’t scrub or wash the wool item as it soaks to avoid stretching the fibers. If you notice any part of the item floating to the top of the water, gently push it back in so it’s submerged again.[3] 
4 Rinse the wool piece with cold water. Pick your wool item up out of the water and use cold water to rinse it thoroughly for about 5 minutes. Don’t wring or squeeze your wool item to prevent stretching the fibers; instead, gently pat the excess water out when you’re done.[4] 
Clara Parkes, Wool Historian and Textile Expert 
1 Massage hair conditioner into the fibers of the wool. While your sweater is still wet, squeeze out a quarter-sized amount of hair conditioner and rub it in between your palms. Gently massage the conditioner into the fibers of the wool, grabbing more if you need to.[5] 
2 Let the wool sit for 30 minutes. As the wool soaks in the conditioner, the fibers will soften and reduce the pokey, scratchy ends that might be making you itch. Set a timer on your phone or computer so you know when it’s time to come back to your wool piece.[6] 
4 Spread your wool garment flat on a towel to air dry. Make sure your wool item is completely flat to discourage it from drying with lumps or bumps.[8] Depending on how large and thick your wool piece is, it could take up to a full day to dry completely.[9] 
2 Place the bag in your freezer overnight. Make sure the bag is completely sealed and airtight to avoid moisture buildup on your garment. Leave it in the freezer for at least 8 hours to bond the fibers together and keep them from poking outwards.[11] 
3 Take the garment out and enjoy your less itchy wool piece! Unseal the bag and unfold your wool item. If it gets itchy again in the future, you can repeat the process of soaking in vinegar, conditioner, and then freezing it.[12] 