How to Wash an Angora Sweater

I came across the softest, most luxurious sweater I’ve ever touched…and I knew it wasn’t cashmere, so I checked the tag…it’s Angora…and it’s fabulous. It’s for sale if you want it… unfortunately, it doesn’t fit me. 😢. But, I digress…What exactly is Angora, and if you own it…how do you care for it?

Read on to find out…

What is Angora?

Angora refers to the soft, luxurious fur or wool that comes from the Angora rabbit or the Angora goat. Both animals have long, silky hair that is highly prized for its warmth, softness, and fluffiness.

Angora wool from rabbits: Angora rabbits have a unique coat consisting of long, fine fibers called guard hairs and soft undercoat hairs. The undercoat is what is typically harvested for angora wool. The fibers are very fine, lightweight, and have excellent insulation properties. Angora wool is known for its exceptional softness and warmth, making it a popular choice for luxurious garments and accessories.

You may have also heard of Angora Wool – this is not the same – this comes from goats and is used to produced mohair, which is also very luxurious and silky in texture. Mohair is commonly used in the production of high-quality sweaters, blankets, and upholstery.

Both angora rabbit wool and angora goat mohair are considered luxury fibers and are highly valued in the textile industry. They are often blended with other fibers like wool or silk to create luxurious and soft fabrics. However, it’s worth noting that the term “angora” is sometimes used generically to describe soft and fluffy fibers, even if they don’t specifically come from Angora rabbits or goats.

Now that you know what it actually is, you can make an informed decision as to whether or not you want to purchase or wear it…if you do wear it, you must care for it properly. Read on to find out how, and be sure to check out the Bonus Tips and printable guide at the end of the article.

How to Care for Angora

GATHER: A large basin (a large sink or your bathtub will work!), mild detergent designed for delicate wool fabrics, 1-2 large white towels. Optional: Large Mesh drying rack, stain remover.

Washing an angora sweater requires special care to ensure that it doesn’t shrink, lose its shape, or get damaged. The short answer? Hand washing is the safest way to wash an angora sweater. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you wash your angora sweater properly.

1. Check the care label: Always start by checking the care label on your angora sweater. The label should provide specific instructions for washing. Follow any guidelines provided, as they may vary between different sweaters. No label? Read on.
2. Pretreat/Prep: Before washing, gently shake the sweater to remove any loose dirt or debris. If there are any stains, spot clean them with a mild detergent or stain remover, following the item’s instructions.
3. Prep your water: Fill a clean basin or sink with lukewarm water. Avoid using hot water as it can cause the fibers to shrink or felt. You’ll want to start and finish the process all at once…your sweater will not respond well to changes in the temperature of the water.
4. Add Mild Detergent: Add a small amount of mild detergent specifically designed for delicate fabrics or wool. Avoid using harsh chemicals or bleach, as they can damage the angora fibers. Mix the detergent with the water to create a soapy solution.
5. Submerge and soak: Gently submerge the sweater into the soapy water and swirl it around. Allow the sweater to soak for UP TO 10 MINUTES minutes to loosen any dirt or oils.
6. Gently wash: After soaking, use your hands to gently agitate the sweater in the soapy water. Be very gentle and avoid excessive rubbing or stretching, as angora fibers are delicate. Pay special attention to any stained or soiled areas.
7. Remove excess water: Gently ball up the sweater, and gently squeeze out the excess water – DO NOT WRING OR STRETCH.
8. Rinse thoroughly: Empty the soapy water and refill the basin with clean lukewarm water (same temp you started with!). Add the sweater to your fresh water, gently pressing to remove any soap residue. Repeat this rinsing process until the water runs clear, ensuring that no detergent remains.
9. Remove excess water: Carefully lift the sweater out of the water, supporting its weight. If you’re using a basin, it may be easier to pour out some of the water first. If your sink or tub, you might want to drain the water a bit. TAKE CARE to avoid the sweater getting sucked into the drain! Avoid wringing or twisting the sweater, as this can damage the fibers. Instead, gently lay the sweater out flat on a white towel and gently roll the sweater, gently squeezing and pressing as you roll.
10. Reshape and dry flat: Lay a clean, dry towel on a flat surface and place the sweater on top of it. If you have a flat, soft mesh surface, this is even better. Gently reshape the sweater to its original size and dimensions. Avoid hanging the sweater, as it can stretch or lose its shape. Leave it to air dry away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
11. Final touches: Once the sweater is dry, you can lightly steam (BE AWARE OF HEAT!!) it or use a fabric brush to fluff up the angora fibers and remove any wrinkles. If you don’t have a fabric brush, a soft ‘baby’ brush will work, as well.

Bonus Tips:

1. Only wash your sweater when it’s very dirty. The less you wash it, the better.
2. Because Angora is a ‘hair’ fiber, you can use a gentle shampoo in place of detergent. You can even add a little bit of conditioner to the rinse! If you must have a detergent, try Eucalan! There is an unscented option, as well as no rinse scented selections.
3. Store folded in an area with ventilation. Cedar is recommended for moth protection, Moth balls are not due to the overwhelming and hard to remove scent.
4. Revitalize your sweater by placing in a paper bag, and popping it in the freezer! This is a great trick that will liven up your sweater and also kill any bacteria, and remove odors.

Here’s a quick demonstration of steaming angora with a standard iron:

Remember, hand washing is generally the safest method for angora sweaters. If you’re unsure or if the care label specifies otherwise, it’s always best to consult with a professional dry cleaner who has experience with delicate garments like angora.

Sources: My very own personal experience with fancy sweaters, FIFICHACHNIL.PARIS, ChatGPT, Scottssweaters.com