How to Iron Wool

Wool can be ironed safely — but it requires lower heat, a pressing cloth, and steam rather than direct contact. Here's how to iron wool without damaging or scorching it.

The Golden Rules for Ironing Wool

• Always use a pressing cloth — never iron wool directly. Direct iron contact causes shine, scorch marks, and flattens the texture permanently.
• Use low to medium heat — the wool setting on your iron (usually 1–2 dots). High heat scorches and damages wool fibers.
• Use steam — steam relaxes wool fibers and removes wrinkles effectively without pressing hard.
• Press, don't drag — lift and press the iron rather than sliding it across the fabric to avoid stretching.
• Iron on the wrong side — turn the garment inside out when possible for extra protection.

What You Need

• A steam iron — with a reliable steam function and adjustable temperature
• A wool pressing mat — 100% New Zealand felted wool, acts as both pressing cloth and ironing surface. The wool-on-wool contact is ideal for pressing wool garments.
• An ironing board

How to Iron Wool: Step by Step

1. Check the care label. Look for the iron symbol — one dot means low heat, two dots medium. If there's a crossed-out iron, do not iron.
2. Set your iron to the wool setting (low to medium heat). Allow it to heat fully.
3. Fill the iron with water for steam.
4. Turn the garment inside out if possible.
5. Place the wool pressing mat between the iron and the garment. The mat protects the wool surface and distributes heat evenly.
6. Press with steam — hold the iron just above or lightly on the pressing cloth and release steam. Let the steam do the work.
7. Lift and move — don't drag the iron. Press one section, lift, move to the next.
8. Allow to cool and dry before wearing or folding — wool is vulnerable to distortion when warm and damp.

Steaming as an Alternative

For most wool garments, steaming is safer and easier than ironing. Hold a steam iron a few centimeters above the fabric and release steam — the steam relaxes wrinkles without any contact pressure. Hang the garment while steaming for best results.

Frequently Asked Questions

What temperature should I iron wool at?

Low to medium — the wool setting on your iron, typically 148–160°C (300–320°F). Always use a pressing cloth and steam. Never use high heat on wool.

Can I iron wool without a pressing cloth?

Not recommended — direct iron contact causes shine (a permanent flattening of the wool surface), scorch marks, and can melt synthetic fibers in wool blends. Always use a pressing cloth or wool mat.

Can I iron a wool sweater?

Yes, with care — use low heat, a pressing cloth, and steam. For knitted wool sweaters, steaming is usually preferable to ironing as it's gentler on the knit structure.

How do I remove wrinkles from wool without an iron?

Hang the garment in a steamy bathroom for 15–20 minutes — the steam relaxes wrinkles naturally. Or use the steam function of your iron held above the fabric without contact.

I ironed wool and now it's shiny — can I fix it?

Sometimes — dampen the shiny area with a clean damp cloth and press lightly with a cool iron through a pressing cloth. For severe shine, try steaming the area and gently brushing with a soft clothes brush while damp. Results vary.