How to Take Care of Woolen Clothes: The Ultimate Guide for Your Handwoven Heritage

When you invest in a handwoven masterpiece from Bhuttico, you aren't just buying a piece of clothing; you’re carrying home a piece of Himalayan heritage. Whether it’s the timeless elegance of a Kullu Shawl or the cozy warmth of a Merino Woolen Suit, these natural fibers are living materials that deserve a little extra love.

To ensure your woolens remain as soft and vibrant as the day they left the loom, we’ve put together the ultimate guide to woolen care.

1. Care by Material: Knowing Your Wool

Different wools have different personalities. Understanding the fiber is the first step to longevity.

Pure Merino Wool

Merino is the gold standard of wool—loved for its breathability and "no-itch" feel. At Bhuttico, we use Woolmark-certified Merino to ensure the highest quality.

• The "Air Out" Rule: Merino is naturally odor-resistant. Instead of washing, simply hang your Merino Woolen Suit in a breezy spot to refresh it.
• Washing: If a wash is necessary, use cold water and a pH-neutral wool detergent. Never use bleach.

Angora & Pashmina

These are our most delicate fibers. They are incredibly soft but prone to shedding and felting if mishandled.

• Handling: Always hand wash these items. Avoid any friction or rubbing, as this causes the delicate fibers to mat together.

Polywool Blends

Our polywool range offers great durability for daily wear. While more resilient, they still appreciate the same "flat-dry" and "gentle-wash" rules to prevent pilling.

2. Care by Product Type

How you treat a heavy coat is different from how you handle a lightweight muffler.

Shawls & Stoles

A Bhuttico Shawl features intricate Kullu Patti (borders) that can be sensitive to snagging.

• The Fold, Don’t Hang Rule: Never hang a shawl on a wire hanger; the weight of the fabric will cause it to stretch and lose its shape. Fold it neatly or roll it to avoid sharp creases.
• Wear with Care: Be mindful of jewelry or watches that might catch on the handwoven threads.

Mufflers & Accessories

Mufflers and caps are often in direct contact with skin oils and makeup.

• Spot Cleaning: Instead of washing the whole piece, use a damp cloth with a drop of mild wool shampoo to dab away stains from the edges.

Woolen Suits & Pherans

Since these are structured garments, maintaining the silhouette is key.

• Resting: Give your Pherans a 24-hour "rest" between wears. This allows the natural elasticity of the wool fibers to spring back into shape.

3. The Golden Rules of Washing & Drying

If the care label says "Dry Clean Only," please trust it! For those items that can be washed at home, follow these steps:

1. Cold Water Only: Heat is the enemy of wool. It causes fibers to shrink and "lock" (felting).
2. No Wringing: Never twist your woolens. To remove excess water, lay the garment on a white towel, roll it up like a sleeping bag, and gently press.
3. Dry Flat: Always dry your woolens horizontally on a flat surface, away from direct sunlight which can fade those beautiful vegetable dyes.

4. Seasonal Storage: The Off-Season Sleep

When the sun comes out and it’s time to pack away your winter wardrobe, follow these steps to prevent moth damage:

• Clean Before You Store: Moths are attracted to human scents, oils, and food spills. Always wash or dry clean your items before packing them.
• Breathable Bags: Avoid plastic bags which can trap moisture. Use cotton muslin bags or clean old pillowcases.
• Natural Repellents: Skip the smelly mothballs. Use dried neem leaves, cedarwood blocks, or lavender sachets to keep pests away naturally.

Final Thought

A Bhuttico product is designed to last a lifetime and even be passed down as an heirloom. By following these simple steps, you're not just maintaining a garment—you're preserving a craft.

Ready to add another masterpiece to your collection? Explore our latest Handwoven Merino Collection here.