Why does my wool sweater itch and how to fix it ?

Introduction

There is nothing more unpleasant than a magnificent wool sweater that makes you itchy excruciatingly as soon as you wear it. Untimely itching spoils your pleasure and makes you want to throw that sweater away. But before getting to that extreme, there are several tips for softening an irritating sweater.

In this article, we will see why some wool sweaters itch as well as simple and natural solutions to make them softer. We will also give you advice on choosing wool that does not itch.

Also read: What is the best material for a sweater ?

Understand why wool itches

First of all, it is important to understand where this skin discomfort comes from. Wool is a fiber of animal origin, generally from sheep. Its structure means that the knits of wool knitwear can irritate the skin and cause itching.

In fact, each strand of wool is covered with scales. These small scales are the cause of the “itchy” effect on the skin. When you wear a wool sweater, the stitches move and the scales of the wool then rub against your skin, hence the tingling sensation.

The structure of wool fiber

Wool is made of keratin, like our hair. Each strand of wool measures between 15 and 180 microns in diameter, or approximately the diameter of a human hair.

On its surface, the wool fiber is covered with scales which overlap like the tiles of a roof. It is these horny scales that are responsible for the itching because they rub against the skin.

The more numerous and protruding the scales are, the more the wool will tend to itch.

The different wools: Mohair, Alpaca, Cashmere

Not all wools are equal in terms of softness. Depending on the animal from which it comes, wool can be more or less irritating to the skin.

Classic sheep's wool has many scales and often itches. The mohair from Angora goats is already softer.

The alpaca, from llamas, contains fewer scales and therefore scratches less. Finally, cashmere from cashmere goats practically does not sting because its scales are very fine.

Also read: How to wash a wool sweater safely ?

Tips for softening an itchy sweater

Fortunately, even the roughest sheep's wool can be softened to become comfortable to wear. Here are some simple and natural tips to make your wool sweaters softer.

Using vinegar to soften wool

One of the most effective ways to soften an itchy sweater is to use white vinegar. The vinegar will help to reduce the scales and smooth the fibers.

To do this, mix 1 cup of white vinegar with 2 liters of water in your washing machine. Soak your wool sweater in this mixture for at least 1 hour.

Then, wash the sweater in the machine at 40°C maximum, with a mild detergent. And there you have it, your sweater will be much softer after this treatment! Vinegar softens the stitches without altering the quality of the wool.

The role of glycerin in softening the sweater

Vegetable glycerin is also very effective in softening the fibers of a rough wool sweater.

Add 4 to 6 tablespoons of glycerin to the wash water and soak the itchy sweater in it for 1 night.

The glycerin will nourish the fibers and smooth the scales. Then wash as normal. Your sweater will be hydrated and much less abrasive.

The freezer tip for a less irritating sweater

The cold can also overcome the tingling sensation of a wool sweater. Place it for a few hours in the freezer in an airtight bag.

The action of the cold will contract the fibers and flatten the scales. Your sweater will therefore be less rough after this technique.

Be careful not to leave it too long to avoid felting of the wool. A few hours are enough to soften it.

Conditioner, a solution for itchy sweaters ?

Some recommend using conditioner to soften the irritating fibers in a sweater.

The principle is the same as for hair: conditioner would make the mesh softer and smoother.

Mix a few teaspoons of product into your washing water and let the sweater soak before washing it. However, the effectiveness seems mixed according to the feedback... To be tested!

Also read: What to do when a sweater itches ?

Dealing with itchy acrylic sweaters

Synthetic materials like acrylic can also be very irritating despite their smooth appearance. Indeed, synthetic fibers do not breathe well and increase perspiration.

Sweat and humidity can then increase friction and itching on the skin, and sometimes even cause skin afflictions.

To make an acrylic sweater less rough, wash it with detergent for sensitive skin and add homemade softener: vinegar, floral water or a few drops of vegetable oil.

After thorough rinsing, rigorous ironing flat on a dry towel, store it in a cabinet or cupboard without humidity, at room temperature .

Also read: Fuzzy sweater ? Here's how to remove pilling.

Conclusion

Although wool has a reputation for scratching, it is possible to remedy this inconvenience and take full advantage of its magnificent knitted sweaters. Using vinegar, glycerin or freezer in a bag helps soften rough fibers thanks to method simple and natural.

To avoid itching when buying a sweater, it is better to choose soft animal fibers such as cashmere or alpaca. Also be careful of irritating synthetic materials.

With these few tips, you will be able to wear your most beautiful cashmere clothes without suffering from the terrible “itchy” effect! The next time a sweater itches, you'll know how to fix it thanks to our grandma's tips!

FAQ

Why does wool itch me ?

Wool can itch due to the structure of its fibers. Each strand is covered with scales that rub against the skin and cause itching.

How to keep a sweater from scratching ?

Several solutions: soak it in a mixture water + vinegar, add glycerin to the washing water, put it in freezer or wear a cotton under-sweater.

What a sweater that doesn't itch ?

The softest wools are cashmere, alpaca and mohair. Cashmere practically does not itch thanks to its very fine fibers.

How to stop a sweater from scratching ?

Using white vinegar or glycerin helps soften the fibers of an itchy sweater. Leave to soak in a water + vinegar or water + glycerin mixture before washing.

Does mohair itch ?

Mohair from Angora goats is softer than classic sheep wool. It can sometimes slightly itch at the pores of the skin.

Does alpaca scratch ?

No, alpaca contains few scales so does not generally sting. It is a very soft wool that does not cause itching.

Does cashmere itch ?

No, cashmere is recognized as the softest wool available thanks to its fine fibers. A 100% cashmere sweater does not itch at all.

Sources

[1] "Care & Cleaning", Woolmark

[2] "How to Wash Wool Socks", Smartwool