Wool has incredible self-cleaning properties and often just needs to be aired out or spot clean with cold water. For when washing is truly necessary:

• Hand-wash: Always hand wash unless the label indicates otherwise. Read my blog post about hand washing wool here. 
• Cold Water: Wash in cold water to prevent shrinking and maintain the fiber's integrity.
• Specialized Detergent: Use a mild detergent designed for wool or a gentle soap. We love Eucalan.

Wool clothes are best dried lying flat on a towel.

• Avoid Direct Heat: Never tumble dry merino wool. Instead, lay the garment flat on a towel to air dry.
• Shape While Wet: Gently reshape the garment while it's wet to maintain its original form.

Lots of parents ask us about how to avoid moths. Moths are not a concern for clothes in circulation, so it's really just those clothes you tuck away for the season that you should be careful about.

• Use Cedar Balls: To repel moths, consider using cedar balls in your storage area.
• Wash before storing: Moths tend to be attracted to sweat, food stains and dander, so best to wash wool before storing for the season.   
• Store in garment bags: Keep your clothes protected from moths by storing them in garment bags. We prefer those made of a natural fabric like organic cotton, which allows the garments to breathe, while still keeping moths out. 
• Mending: If you do end up having moth holes, contact us at hello@bigelowlane.com for some easy mending tips.

• Act Quickly: Treat stains promptly with cold water and gentle soap, blotting instead of rubbing. 
• For tough stains: use gall soap, a powerful natural stain remover which is kind to delicate fabrics. Dab the gall soap on to the stain, leave a few minutes then wash as normal. Wool is protected from dirt and moisture by its natural lanolin content, which is removed over time by washing. In order to restore the wool’s water and dirt repelling properties, use a wool wash like Eucalan, which contains lanolin, or you can use a separate lanolin conditioner from time to time. 

• Pilling is normal:  Clothes made from 100% natural wool may 'pill". These little balls, or 'pills' are created as the smaller fibers in the twist of yarn naturally shed with wear. Pilling is a completely natural process and cannot be completed avoided. If pilling occurs, gently use a fabric comb designed for wool. Alex swears by her electric pill remover. Emmanuelle prefers to embrace the pilling ;)

• Avoid Overwashing: Merino wool's natural properties resist odor, so washing too frequently is unnecessary.
• Follow Label Instructions: Always refer to the specific care instructions provided by the brand.