Wool fibres are naturally breathable and odour-resistant, which means a lambswool piece rarely needs washing after a single wear. More often than not, a little fresh air is all it takes.

After wearing, lay the piece flat or drape it carefully over a chair in a well-ventilated room. Near an open window is ideal, or outside in dry, shaded weather. Fresh air lets the fibres breathe, releases any trapped moisture, and allows the knit to relax back into its shape.

Turn the garment inside out occasionally so every part gets aired evenly.

Airing regularly means washing less often, and washing less often means your piece stays softer, holds its colour, and keeps its shape for longer. It is the single most useful habit I can suggest.

If you like the smell of something freshly laundered between washes, a light spray of knitwear mist works well. We like the one by The Clothes Doctor for its natural ingredients and gentle moth-deterrent properties.

We always recommend washing by hand. It takes a few minutes and makes a real difference to how long a piece lasts.

1.  Fill a basin with cool or lukewarm water

2.  Add a small amount of wool-safe detergent

3.  Submerge the piece gently

4.  Leave to soak for 10 to 15 minutes

5.  Press the water through the fabric slowly. Do not rub, twist or wring

6.  Rinse with cool water until the water runs clear

7.  Press out the excess water gently before lifting

How you dry a lambswool piece matters as much as how you wash it.

1.  Lay the piece flat on a clean, dry bath towel.

2.  Reshape it carefully while it is still damp. Sleeves can go longer and thinner when wet, so ease them back gently.

3.  Roll the towel up around the piece and press firmly with your hands to transfer the moisture from the knit to the towel.

4.  Unroll and lay the piece flat on a clean surface to finish drying, away from direct heat and sunlight.

Never tumble dry. Never hang a wet knit: the weight of the water will pull it out of shape.

For a small mark or spill, spot cleaning is often all you need and is much kinder to the piece than a full wash.

Act quickly. Dampen a clean cloth with cool water and a small amount of wool-safe detergent. Dab the affected area gently: do not rub, as this can push the mark deeper into the fibres or cause the wool to felt. Work from the outside of the stain towards the centre.

Once the mark has lifted, blot with clean water to remove any soap, then press gently with a dry towel. Lay flat to air dry.

If a piece needs pressing, use a low heat on a steam setting and place a clean pillowcase or pressing cloth between the iron and the wool. The iron should never touch the fibre directly.

Always fold your knits rather than hanging them. Knitted fibres stretch under their own weight over time.

Store folded in a cool, dry place: a drawer or shelf is ideal. For longer-term storage, an airtight box or sealed bag will protect against moths and dust.

Vacuum storage bags are generally not recommended for lambswool. Heavy compression over a long period can flatten the fibres and affect the softness and shape of the piece. Better to fold loosely and store somewhere dry.

Pilling is completely normal in lambswool knitwear, particularly in the first few wears. It is simply loose surface fibres rubbing together, and it does not mean anything is wrong with the piece.

A wool comb is the gentlest way to deal with it. Lay the garment flat, hold the fabric taut, and comb lightly in one direction across small sections at a time. Work slowly.

An electric pill remover can be useful for heavier knits and larger areas, but use very light pressure: too much force can thin the yarn at the surface over time. Avoid seams and edges, and empty the collection compartment regularly.

We suggest de-pilling every five to six months, depending on how often the piece is worn. Over time, a well-cared-for lambswool knit will pill less and less.

Moths are drawn to natural fibres, particularly wool that has been worn but not washed. The good news is that consistent, simple habits keep them away.

Keep your knits clean before storing them. Even light wear leaves traces of perspiration or food residue in the fibres, and that is what attracts moths.

Place natural deterrents in drawers and wardrobes: cedar blocks or balls, lavender sachets, or rosemary and clove pouches. Refresh them regularly so the scent stays strong. It is the strong smell that discourages moths from settling and laying eggs.

Keep storage areas clean. Vacuum wardrobes, drawers, carpet edges and skirting boards regularly. Moth larvae tend to hide in dark, undisturbed corners, particularly under furniture and along carpet edges.

Let air and light into your wardrobes from time to time. Moths prefer dark, still environments, and occasional airflow makes a difference.

Avoid overcrowding. Packed wardrobes create the warm, dark conditions moths prefer.

Watch for early signs: small irregular holes, silky webbing, tiny cream-coloured larvae, or fine powdery debris near stored items.

If you find signs of moths, act quickly. It is the larvae, not the adult moths, that cause the damage: they feed on the keratin protein found in natural fibres including wool, cashmere and silk.

Step 1: Identify the affected areas

Look for small holes, cream-coloured larvae, or fine powdery droppings. You may also see adult moths near wardrobes or drawers.

Step 2: Empty and inspect everything

Remove all clothing from the affected storage. Check each piece carefully, including under collars and in folded areas. Set aside anything that shows damage.

Step 3: Treat affected pieces

The freezer method is effective and chemical-free: seal the garment in an airtight bag and freeze at -18 degrees for at least 72 hours. Allow it to return to room temperature before opening the bag. For delicate or heavily affected pieces, dry cleaning is often the safest option.

Step 4: Deep clean the storage area

Vacuum thoroughly: wardrobes, drawers, carpet edges, skirting boards and under furniture. Dispose of the vacuum bag immediately afterwards. Wipe all surfaces with mild soapy water or diluted white vinegar and allow to dry fully before returning anything to the space.

Step 5: Protect going forward

Cedar products, lavender sachets and pheromone moth traps will help prevent a return. Pheromone traps are particularly useful for monitoring adult moth activity. If the infestation is widespread or severe, professional pest control may be the most effective next step.