There is nothing quite like wrapping yourself up in a luxurious mohair or alpaca blend knit.
They are fluffy, incredibly warm, and feel like a hug. But because these natural fibres are so delicate, they require a little extra love to keep them looking pristine.
If you want your favourite knits to last, follow this quick, no-nonsense care guide.
1. The Golden Rule: Step Away from the Washing Machine
The secret to long-lasting natural fibre blend knitwear? Don't wash it regularly. Natural fibres are incredibly resilient and inherently odor-resistant. Over-washing strips the fibres of their natural texture and structure.
Spritz to Refresh: Instead of a full wash, hang your knit in a well-ventilated area or give it a light spritz with a dedicated garment refreshing spray (or a DIY mix of water and a drop of lavender essential oil).
The Spot Clean: If you drop a bit of coffee on your sleeve, gently spot-clean just that area with a damp cloth and mild wool detergent.
2. When You Absolutely Must Wash
When a full wash is finally inevitable, treat your knit like royalty.
Handwash or Cold Cycle Only: Wash by hand in cold water with a gentle wool-safe detergent. If your washing machine has a trustworthy, certified handwash/wool cycle that stays strictly cold, you can use that—but handwashing is always the safest bet.
Never Tumble Dry: The heat and friction of a dryer will instantly shrink your beautiful sweater into doll clothes.
3. Defy Gravity: Drying & Storing
When it comes to mohair and alpaca blends, gravity is the ultimate enemy. Heavy, wet fibres stretch easily, meaning your clothes can lose their shape permanently if handled wrong.
Dry Flat:After washing, gently press out excess water (never wring or twist the fabric). Lay the garment flat on a clean towel on a drying rack. Reshape it while it’s damp and let it air dry naturally.
Fold, Never Hang: Hanging a knit sweater on a coat hanger will stretch out the shoulders and hem, leaving you with a misshapen garment. Always fold your knits neat and flat in your drawer or on a shelf- do not hang
4. Winning the Battle Against "Baubles"
Because they are beautifully untamed natural fibres, mohair and alpaca blends will naturally bauble (pill) over time as loose fibers rub together during wear. This occurs to a greater degree in natural fibre blends than in a 'knit' which is primarily made of plastic.
Pro Tip: Don't panic when you see fuzz balls forming. Regular "debaubling" is just a standard part of owning high-quality natural knitwear! I do my own at least once a week. I have tried many fabric shavers and find the Phillips Fabric Shaver 8800RPM to be the best. You can pick this up very cheaply on Amazon.
Invest in a Fabric Shaver or Wool Comb: Avoid the temptation to pull baubles off with your fingers, as this can tear the fabric. Instead, use a gentle electric fabric shaver or a specialized wool comb. See above
Be Gentle: De-pill your sweaters every few wears. Hold the fabric taut and glide the tool lightly over the surface to remove the pills, restoring that fresh, fluffy, straight-from-the-boutique look.
With just a tiny bit of mindful maintenance, your favourite alpaca and mohair pieces will stay incredibly soft, perfectly shaped, and beautifully cozy for years to come.