A good wool beanie can last for years — but one hot machine wash can shrink or misshape it in minutes. The good news: washing wool by hand takes five minutes and keeps your beanie soft and true to size. Here's exactly how.
What you'll need
Lukewarm water, a gentle wool or baby shampoo (or a dedicated wool wash), and a clean towel. Avoid regular detergent and anything with enzymes or bleach — they break down wool fibres.
Step by step
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water. Hot water is what shrinks wool, so keep it cool-to-tepid.
- Add a small amount of wool wash and swirl to dissolve.
- Submerge the beanie and gently press the water through it. Don't rub, wring or scrub — friction causes felting.
- Soak for 10 minutes, then drain and rinse with fresh lukewarm water.
- Press out water gently. Lift the beanie in both hands (never wring it) and squeeze softly.
- Roll it in a towel to absorb excess moisture, then reshape.
Drying: the step that saves the shape
Always dry flat, away from direct heat or sunlight. Never hang a wet beanie — the weight of the water stretches it out. Reshape it to its natural size while damp and leave it to air-dry.
Keeping it fresh between washes
Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so you rarely need to wash often. Airing your beanie out is usually enough. For pilling, a fabric comb keeps it looking new. (For scarves, shawls and cashmere pieces too, see our full cashmere & wool care guide.)
Start with a beanie worth caring for
Quality wool holds up to years of gentle washing. Shop soft, durable wool beanies made to last.
Frequently asked questions
Can you machine wash a wool beanie?
It's not recommended. A hot machine wash can shrink or felt wool in minutes. Hand-washing in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash takes about five minutes and keeps the beanie soft and true to size.
Does wool shrink when you wash it?
Wool shrinks mainly from heat and friction, not water itself. Use cool-to-lukewarm water, avoid rubbing or wringing, and dry flat — do that and your beanie keeps its shape.
How do you dry a wool beanie without stretching it?
Never hang a wet wool beanie — the weight of the water stretches it out. Roll it in a towel to remove excess moisture, reshape it to its natural size while damp, and lay it flat away from direct heat or sunlight.
How often should you wash a wool beanie?
Rarely. Wool is naturally odour-resistant, so airing it out between wears is usually enough. Wash only when it's actually dirty, and use a fabric comb for any pilling.