Product Care

All our garments have similar care instructions:

As Foxology garments are produced using high quality natural fibres such as wool and organic cotton, they often just need to air, to keep fresh and clean.

The best thing for these fibers and the planet, is to wash by hand in cool water, using a mild silk/wool soap or detergent without bleach. Do not leave to soak for too long.

Do not tumble dry. Knitwear should lay at to dry. Woven garments can hang to dry and we recommend using a steamer to remove creases.

If you get stains, like coffee, berries, etc, use stain removal before washing. There are many natural stain removals that works efficiently.

Do not dry clean your garments.

Re-use; If you don’t want or need your garment anymore, make use for it in other ways or sell or give/donate to someone who would love it as you once did. It could also be re-made or repaired.

Love and care for your Foxology garments and you will have a sustainable wardrobe that will last.

Caring for your WOOLLEN garments:

Wool is an incredibly sustainable fibre. It is naturally odour resistant and breathable, meaning you don't have to wash as often, therefore saving water and energy. After wearing, just hang them up to air and refresh without having to wash. This said, whilst Merino is antibacterial and can be washed less often, our base layers are worn next to your skin and often for active sports, so will need washing.

Washing your woollens:

Foxology uses the highest quality non-mulesed Merino and Geelong lambswools which do need to be treated with care. You will find the care and washing instructions label inside every garment (Usually in the side seam).

Our manufacturer recommends to hand wash, in cool or warm water with mild laundry powder and line/flat dry, for the best way to wash Foxology products and ensure a long life.
However, if you trust your machine, you can wash on a cool/cold wool or hand wash, gentle cycle with a spin of no more than 600rpm. Reshape whilst damp and dry flat away from direct heat (not on an AGA!). Heat is what will shrink your merino or Geelong lambswool garment and spinning too fast can also result in the garment shrinking beyond repair - look after your Foxology lambswool and it will look after you!

Dry cleaning is harmful to Foxology jumpers and the environment, so DO NOT DRY CLEAN!

Equally do not use bleach or fabric softeners, as these chemicals can stain your woollens – see more info below on eco alternatives.

We also recommend using an eco-friendly washing detergents such as Ecover or SOAK Laundry Liquid or washing beads/egg. There are several great eco products on the market inclding some made in UK.

A few quick tips for keeping your Foxology base layers and jumpers looking fabulous:

  • Cool/cold wash on a gentle hand/wool cycle with similar colours, ensure it’s on a low spin speed - max 600.
  • Turn your wool garments inside out when washing, as this will help prevent pilling.
  • Do not dry clean or tumble dry.
  • Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.
  • Line or flat dry only, away from direct heat.
  • Flat dry your jumpers and base layers, as this will help to keep their shape.
  • Do not wring out your wool garment as it will stretch and twist the fabric.
  • Do not dry clean or tumble dry.
  • Do not use bleach or fabric softeners.

Removing stains from woollen items:

Eucalyptus oil is a good natural stain remover. Dab on a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil and leave for 10 minutes before washing, and then wash as normal.  NB do test the oil out on an inconspicuous area before using for the first time on any fabric or garment.

Storing your woollens

Fold your woollens and keep flat as opposed to hanging them.  This helps them retain their shape, but also protects them from any snagging on hangers or accessories on other garments.

During summer months always wash first then pack away with moth deterrents such as cedar balls or lavender bags. Though not wanting to encourage use of plastic, it is advised to pack in an airtight bag that doesn't allow the moths to get in!

Other good chemical free tips for keeping the moths at bay, are using cedar wood - moths hate it! - they come in cubes or balls and even with a hanging hook for wardrobes. Lavender bags - although these wont kill the larvae they will deter new moths from laying eggs near them. A novel method is to freeze your jumpers before packing them away! Put your your woollies into a freezer bag and stick them next to the frozen peas.  Leave for a few days and it will kill any caterpillars.

Pilling

Pilling or bobbling can occur when there is friction or rubbing. This is not a sign of poor quality yarn – the best cashmere is notorious for pilling.  Merino is much less susceptible to pilling than cashmere, but it does occur, especially where two pieces of fabric rub together, such as under the arm.

Pilling occurs more commonly in natural fibres as they have not been chemically treated to prevent it. You can safely remove the bobbles using either a comb or electric de-fuzzer. 


Caring for your ORGANIC COTTON products:

Washing your Organic Cotton garments:

You will find the care and washing instructions label inside every garment (Usually in the side seam). Our manufacturer recommends to hand wash inside out, wash dark colours separately, use a non-biological detergent, re-shape whilst flat, cool iron on reverse. However, if you trust your machine, you can wash your organic cotton garment on a cool gentle cycle at 30° and line dry.

We use GOTS certified organic cotton for all our cotton products and so advise using detergents without brighteners or bleach. If using standard detergents, you will lose the integrity of the Organic status. Brighteners and bleaching agents will initially take any natural colour out of white cotton fabric and so make them whiter and for coloured items, they can cause discoloration and fading.

Using eco (non-toxic) sustainable detergents, are not just good for the environment, they are good for your cotton products too. They will help lengthen the life of your products by avoiding harsh chemicals and lessening the overall cleaning time.

To help whiten cotton fabric use half a cup of lemon juice in your regular wash – works a treat!

Removing stains: If you’re trying to get rid of stains on white and light coloured cotton items, use an oxygen bleach (Peroxide) such as soda crystals and steer clear of chlorine bleach. Chlorine bleach can strip colour and is tough on most cotton fabrics (it will  also destroy the organic integrity of the cotton).

(Oxygen bleach - common term for sodium percarbonate, a compound of natural soda crystals and hydrogen peroxide. It is considered environmentally friendly, as the only by-product is soda ash – a non-toxic substance, safe for the water supply).

Washing Temperatures:

For cotton products we recommend 30° to ensure your products continue to feel and look their best for longer.

We do not recommend using standard fabric softeners, though eco/green alternatives could be used, such as using baking soda to soften water, natural glycerine as a softener and using vinegar to break down the detergent, remove any soap residue and deodorize the laundry.

Alternatively, you can create your own natural fabric softener using white vinegar and vegetable glycerine:

 

Natural fabric softener recipe ingredients:

  • 2 cup White vinegar
  • 2 cup Water
  • 1/8 cup Vegetable glycerine
  • 10-20 drops Essential oil (optional)