At-Home Care & Cleaning
Keep your Swans Island product at its best.
A Considered Approach to Care
Our thandwoven textiles are made from natural fibers and designed to be lived with. With thoughtful care, they will soften, settle, and endure over time.
Understanding Your Textile
Different fibers require different care. Wool, cotton, and blends each respond uniquely to water, heat, and handling. When in doubt, we recommend a gentle, minimal approach.
Maintaining Wool Items
Treating Stains
Address stains as soon as possible.
A gentle approach helps preserve both the fiber and the dye.
• Blot gently—do not rub
• Rinse with cold water
• Apply a mild, wool-safe soap or stain remover by dabbing
• Rinse again with cold water
• Air dry
Managing Pilling
Pilling is a natural characteristic of fine wool.
To manage pilling and maintain the integrity of the surface:
• Use a wool comb or fabric shaver to gently remove pills
• For delicate areas, work slowly and lightly
• Avoid pulling fibers by hand
Over time, the surface will settle and soften with use.
Washing Wool
Hand washing is recommended.
• Use cold water and a plant-based, wool-safe soap
• Soak gently—do not agitate
• Rinse in cold water
• Spin or press out excess water carefully
Machine washing may be possible on the most delicate settings, though results can vary. Agitation may cause shrinking or felting. We do not recommend machine washing your wool. If in doubt, you may choose to send items to us for Loom to Life® cleaning and restoration. For a traditional approach, wool may also be refreshed with “snow washing” in dry, powdery conditions.
Drying & Finishing
• Gently press out excess water (rolling in a towel for smaller pieces)
• Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed
• Avoid hanging, which may distort the form
• Keep out of direct sunlight
Wool may be lightly steamed or ironed with steam to restore its finish.
Storage
Proper storage preserves both fiber and color over time.
• Use breathable bags such as linen
• Add cedar, lavender, or balsam to help deter moths
• Keep away from direct sunlight or bright indoor light
• Store clean textiles only
When to Seek Professional Care
For deeper cleaning or repair, our Loom to Life® Cleaning and Restoration service offers expert care—restoring and renewing your textile with the same attention with which it was made.
Learn more about Loom-to-Life® Cleaning and Restoration here →
Final Note
These are materials that respond to care. With time, use, and attention, they become softer, more personal, and more enduring.