An authentic Aran sweater is more than just another jumper hanging in your wardrobe. Whether it’s a traditional Irish fisherman knit, a heavyweight cable sweater, or a soft merino wool cardigan, an Aran sweater is an investment piece designed to last for years — sometimes even decades — when cared for properly.

Unfortunately, many people ruin their Aran sweaters the very first time they wash them.

Shrinkage, stretching, pilling, stiff wool, distorted sleeves, and misshapen collars usually happen because wool is treated like ordinary cotton clothing. Wool is different. It’s a natural fibre that needs gentler handling, cooler temperatures, and the right drying methods.

The good news is that caring for an Aran sweater is actually quite simple once you know what to do.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain:

• How often you should wash an Aran sweater
• The safest washing method
• Whether machine washing is safe
• How to dry wool correctly
• How to avoid shrinkage
• How to store sweaters properly
• Common mistakes that ruin wool knitwear
• How to remove stains and odours safely

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to keep your Irish sweater looking beautiful for many years.

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Why Aran Sweaters Need Special Care

Traditional Aran sweaters are usually made from:

• Pure wool
• Merino wool
• Virgin wool
• Donegal wool
• Blended natural fibres

Unlike synthetic fabrics, wool contains delicate natural scales. Heat, friction, and sudden temperature changes cause these fibres to tighten and lock together — a process called felting. This is what causes shrinking.

According to the Woolmark Company, wool is naturally odour-resistant and stain-resistant, which means it actually requires less washing than most clothing.

That’s good news because the less frequently you wash an Aran sweater, the longer it will last.

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How Often Should You Wash an Aran Sweater?

One of the biggest mistakes people make is overwashing wool.

You do not need to wash an Aran sweater after every wear.

In fact, many wool experts recommend washing wool knitwear only:

• When visibly dirty
• When it develops odours
• At the end of a season
• After heavy sweating

Wool naturally resists bacteria and smells thanks to lanolin — a natural wax found in sheep’s wool. Simply airing your sweater outdoors or near an open window is often enough to freshen it up.

As a general rule:

• Light use: wash every 5–10 wears
• Heavy winter use: wash every 3–5 wears
• Occasional wear: only a few times per season

The less friction and washing your sweater experiences, the longer it will retain its softness, shape, and texture.

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Always Check the Care Label First

Before washing any wool sweater, check the care label inside the garment.

You may see instructions such as:

• Hand wash only
• Wool cycle
• Dry clean only
• Machine washable wool

Modern merino Aran sweaters are sometimes machine washable, while traditional heavyweight wool sweaters often require hand washing.

The care label should always override general advice.

The Woolmark wool care guide recommends following the garment care instructions first before attempting either machine or hand washing.

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The Best Way to Wash an Aran Sweater: Hand Washing

Hand washing is still the safest and gentlest way to clean an Aran sweater.

It gives you maximum control and minimises:

• Shrinkage
• Stretching
• Pilling
• Fibre damage

Even sweaters labelled machine washable will usually last longer when hand washed.

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Step-by-Step: How to Hand Wash an Aran Sweater

1. Fill a Basin With Cool or Lukewarm Water

Use:

• Cool water
• Or lukewarm water below 30°C

Never use hot water.

Hot water is one of the main causes of wool shrinkage.

A sink, basin, or clean bucket works perfectly.

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2. Add a Wool-Safe Detergent

Choose a detergent specifically designed for:

• Wool
• Delicates
• Knitwear

Avoid:

• Biological detergents
• Bleach
• Fabric softener
• Heavy stain removers

Regular detergents can strip natural oils from wool fibres and make sweaters feel rough or brittle over time.

The Woolmark Company recommends using mild, neutral detergents approved for wool garments.

Popular wool detergents include:

• Woolite
• Eucalan
• Soak Wash
• Delicate wool shampoos

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3. Submerge the Sweater Gently

Place the sweater into the water carefully.

Do not:

• Scrub
• Twist
• Rub aggressively

Instead:

• Gently press the water through the fibres
• Let the detergent soak into the wool naturally

Allow the sweater to soak for around:

• 10–15 minutes

This loosens dirt without damaging the knit structure.

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4. Rinse Carefully

Drain the dirty water.

Refill with cool clean water and gently press the sweater again until detergent residue disappears.

You may need:

• 1–2 rinse cycles

Again:

• Never wring
• Never twist
• Never pull

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Never Wring an Aran Sweater

This is one of the fastest ways to ruin wool knitwear.

Wet wool becomes heavy and fragile. Twisting stretches fibres permanently and distorts the shape.

Instead:

• Gently squeeze out excess water
• Press moisture out carefully

A popular method recommended by wool care experts is the towel-roll technique.

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The Towel-Roll Drying Method

This method removes moisture safely.

Here’s how:

1. Lay a large dry towel flat
2. Place the sweater on top
3. Roll the towel up like a sleeping bag
4. Press gently along the roll

The towel absorbs excess water without damaging the fibres.

Never:

• Twist the sweater
• Stretch sleeves
• Hang it dripping wet

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How to Dry an Aran Sweater Properly

Drying is just as important as washing.

Many sweaters are ruined during drying rather than washing.

Always Dry Flat

Lay the sweater flat:

• On a towel
• On a mesh drying rack
• Or on a flat clean surface

Shape it gently back into position:

• Straighten sleeves
• Align seams
• Smooth the collar

The Aran Sweater Market care guide strongly recommends flat drying to avoid stretching and distortion.

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Never Hang a Wet Wool Sweater

Hanging wet wool stretches:

• Shoulders
• Sleeves
• Necklines

Heavy Aran sweaters are especially vulnerable because of their thick knit construction.

This is why old sweaters often develop:

• Long sleeves
• Pointed shoulders
• Misshapen necks

Always fold or dry flat instead.

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Avoid Direct Heat

Never place wool:

• On radiators
• Near fireplaces
• In tumble dryers
• In strong sunlight

Heat damages fibres and can shrink wool rapidly.

Air drying naturally is safest.

Drying time may take:

• 24–48 hours

Especially for thick fisherman knits or chunky cable sweaters.

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Can You Machine Wash an Aran Sweater?

Sometimes — but carefully.

Modern machine-washable wool garments can survive gentle machine washing if the care label allows it.

The Woolmark machine washing guide recommends:

• Wool cycle
• Cold wash
• Mild detergent
• Gentle spin cycle

If using a machine:

• Turn sweater inside out
• Use a laundry bag
• Use cold water
• Select wool or delicate cycle
• Use low spin speed

Never use:

• Hot washes
• Heavy spin cycles
• Tumble drying

Traditional heavyweight Aran sweaters are usually safer when hand washed.

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How to Remove Stains From an Aran Sweater

Act quickly.

The longer stains sit, the harder they become to remove.

For small stains:

1. Dab gently with cool water
2. Use a tiny amount of wool detergent
3. Blot — never scrub

The Aran Sweater Market merino wool guide recommends a diluted white vinegar solution for stubborn stains like coffee or wine.

Avoid:

• Bleach
• Strong stain removers
• Hard brushing

These damage wool fibres permanently.

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How to Prevent Pilling

Pilling happens when loose fibres rub together and form little balls on the surface.

It’s normal with natural wool.

To reduce pilling:

• Wash less often
• Avoid friction
• Store sweaters folded
• Rotate sweaters regularly

A wool comb or fabric shaver can safely remove pills without harming the knit.

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How to Store Aran Sweaters Properly

Storage matters more than many people realise.

Always Fold — Never Hang

Hangers stretch heavy knitwear over time.

Instead:

• Fold neatly
• Store on shelves
• Keep in breathable storage

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Protect Against Moths

Moths love natural fibres.

To protect your sweaters:

• Use cedar blocks
• Lavender sachets
• Breathable cotton bags

Avoid damp storage areas.

The Lily’s Pad Studio wool care guide recommends proper airflow and dry storage conditions for heavyweight wool knits.

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Common Mistakes That Ruin Aran Sweaters

Using Hot Water

Heat shrinks wool quickly.

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Using Regular Detergent

Harsh chemicals weaken fibres.

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Hanging Wet Sweaters

This stretches the shape permanently.

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Tumble Drying

One dryer cycle can shrink wool dramatically.

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Overwashing

Wool lasts longer when washed minimally.

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Aggressive Scrubbing

Friction causes felting and rough texture.

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What If Your Sweater Shrinks?

Minor shrinkage can sometimes be improved.

According to fabric care experts, gently reshaping damp wool while flat drying may help relax fibres slightly.

However:

• Severe shrinkage is usually permanent
• Prevention is much easier than repair

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Final Thoughts

A well-made Aran sweater can last for decades if treated properly.

The key principles are simple:

• Wash less often
• Use cool water
• Use wool-safe detergent
• Handle gently
• Dry flat
• Avoid heat
• Store folded

Traditional Irish knitwear was designed for durability, warmth, and longevity. With the right care, your sweater can age beautifully and become softer and more comfortable over time.

Whether you own a heavyweight fisherman sweater, a soft merino wool cardigan, or a classic cable knit jumper, proper wool care ensures it stays looking timeless season after season.

For more detailed wool care information, you can also visit:

• The Woolmark Company Wool Care Guides
• Aran Sweater Market Care Blog
• The Spruce Wool Sweater Care Guide