Silk wool care guide

How to take care of Ruskovilla silk wool products

Below you will find some general silk wool washing and care instructions. Always check the washing instructions on the size label and the instructions that come with the product to ensure that you take the best care of your own product.

Our soft organic silk wool is made from 70% organic merino wool from Argentina and Uruguay and 30% natural silk from China. It's a thin underwear fibre that combines the warmth of wool with the smoothness of silk, ideal for everyday wear and light exercise. As silk wool does not withstand the combination of moisture and hard abrasion very well, we do not recommend it for intensive sports.

Airing extends the time between washes

Our silk wool products do not contain harmful finishing agents, so there is no need to wash them before the first use. The primary way to clean silk wool is to air it out, away from direct sunlight, rain, or heat sources. A bit of moisture, such as the bathroom after a shower or damp air from rain, is beneficial for the fabric. After regular use, it is advisable to wash the garment, as washing helps the fibres recover and maintain their elasticity, thereby extending the lifespan of the garment.

Silk wool washing instructions

Silk wool garments and accessories can be washed by hand or in a washing machine using a 30°C hand wash or wool wash programme, with a maximum spin speed of 800 rpm. We recommend using an ecological and conditioning Sonett wool and silk detergent and for stain removal Sonett gall soap. Do not use synthetic wool detergents containing bleach or enzymes, as they strip the wool's natural oils and weaken the fibres.

For silk wool garments from the Metsä collection, we recommend hand-washing in lukewarm water to preserve the effectiveness of the Re-Connecting Nature™ extract.

After hand washing, excess water can be gently squeezed out by rolling the garment inside a thick terry towel. Do not wring the garment dry. Silk wool garments should be reshaped while damp and laid flat to dry, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.

Silk wool care instructions

Our silk wool products are not treated with moth repellents, which unfortunately makes them a big treat for moths and beetles. When not in daily use, your silk wool products should be stored in a tightly sealed plastic bag out of direct sunlight. Our range also includes red cedar rings and moth traps, which are a safe and natural way to protect textiles.

Loose dirt and hairs can be removed with a clothes brush or lint roller. Due to friction, silk wool may pill. Pilling can be gently removed with a wool comb or battery-operated lint remover, but the silk wool should be stretched taut, such as against an ironing board. However, frequent use of a lint remover may thin the fabric, so it should be used sparingly.

Patching for a longer lifespan

Proper washing and storage are essential for a garment’s long lifespan. When time takes its toll and wear begins to show, it’s time to mend the garment. The best time to patch is when the fabric starts to thin but before any holes appear.

To make mending easier, our product range includes silk wool fabric patches, made for us by the Finnish company FabPatch Oy. The elastic patches make it easy to mend your wool and silk wool garments conveniently without a needle and thread.