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How to wash mohair: hand wash it in cold water with a small amount of gentle wool wash, soak for a few minutes, press (never rub or wring), roll it in a towel to remove water, then dry it flat away from heat. Once dry, a soft brush lifts the fluffy halo back up.
Quick answer
Cold water, a gentle wool wash, no rubbing and flat drying. Mohair felts and stretches easily, so handle it as little as possible.
Key takeaways
- Spot clean or air out first; mohair rarely needs a full wash.
- Agitation plus warm water causes felting. Keep everything cool and still.
- Never hang wet mohair; the weight stretches it.
- Check the label: many mohair accessories are blends with wool and nylon.
What is mohair and why does it need special care?
Mohair is a fibre from Angora goats. It is known for its soft, fuzzy halo and its sheen, which is why it turns up in hats, mittens and light, airy jumpers. That halo is also why care matters: rubbing and heat tangle the fibres, and wet mohair is heavy enough to stretch out of shape. For general wool knits, see our step-by-step guide on how to hand wash a wool sweater.
Most mohair you buy is a blend. French Knot’s Daphne Cloche, for example, lists its body as 78% mohair, 16% wool and 6% nylon with a soft wool brim. Christy Dawn’s Marjorie Dress uses a custom knit of baby alpaca, super kid mohair, mulberry silk and pima cotton. The blend changes how forgiving the piece is, so read the care label before you start.
How to hand wash mohair, step by step
- Check the label and spot clean first. A small mark can often be dabbed away with cool water and a drop of wool wash.
- Fill a basin with cold water. French Knot recommends hand washing its knitwear in cold water only, to protect colour and shape.
- Add a light, gentle detergent. French Knot suggests a wash like Soak, a no-rinse formula. Christy Dawn names Eucalan as best for woollens.
- Submerge and soak for 5 to 10 minutes. Press the piece down gently. Do not swish, scrub or twist.
- Rinse if your wash needs it. Use water of the same temperature, since sudden changes can encourage felting.
- Towel-roll. Lay the piece on a dry towel, roll it up and press to remove water.
- Dry flat and reshape. Lay it on a fresh towel or a mesh rack, away from radiators and direct sun.
Mohair care: do and don’t
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Air mohair between wears | Wash after every wear |
| Use cold water and a wool wash | Use hot water or enzyme detergents |
| Press water out in a towel | Wring or twist |
| Dry flat and reshape | Hang it wet or tumble dry |
| Store folded in a breathable bag | Hang heavy mohair jumpers on thin hangers |
How to fix common mohair problems
Flat or matted fluff
Once the piece is completely dry, brush it lightly with a soft brush in one direction to lift the halo. French Knot gives similar advice for flat pom poms: fluff them with a fine-bristle brush.
A hat that feels snug
Hand-knit accessories vary slightly. For a hat that feels a little tight, French Knot suggests steaming it with an iron on the steam setting and gently stretching it to size. Our guide to hand-knit wool hats has more fit tips.
Shedding
Some shedding is normal in new mohair, especially on dark clothes. It usually settles after a few wears. Keep a lint roller nearby and avoid wearing new mohair against rough fabrics that pull at the fibres.
How to store mohair between seasons
Make sure mohair is clean before you put it away, because moths are drawn to body oils and food marks. Fold it rather than hanging it, wrap it in tissue or a cotton bag, and keep it somewhere cool, dry and dark. Check stored knits every few weeks and give them an airing in spring.
Flow Check: French Knot
- What it is: Hand-knit hats, mittens and handwarmers, many in mohair blends, made with artisans in Nepal.
- Who it’s for: Anyone who wants colourful, embroidered winter accessories.
- What to know: Its FAQ asks for cold hand washing with a light detergent and flat drying. Slippers should be spot cleaned only. Visit French Knot
Putting knits away for summer? Read how to store wool sweaters so moths leave them alone, and meet the makers in our French Knot brand spotlight.
Browse more warm, natural-fibre pieces in our Cozy Knitwear section.
FAQ
It is risky. Even a wool cycle adds agitation that can felt mohair. Hand washing in cold water is safer unless the label clearly says machine washable.
Let it dry completely, then brush it lightly with a soft brush. Gentle steaming from a distance can also help lift the fibres.
Mohair can felt and shrink if it is washed warm or agitated. Cold water, no rubbing and flat drying prevent most problems.
Rarely. Air it out after wearing and spot clean small marks. A full wash once or twice a season is often enough for accessories.
Bottom line
Mohair is easier to care for than it looks. Keep the water cold, keep your hands still and keep it flat while it dries, and your fluffiest knits will stay that way.