Lanolin in wool detergent – what does it do?

You can feel the difference the moment you put it on. A soft, comfortable wool jumper gets worn again and again. A stiff, scratchy one often stays in the drawer, however lovely it looks. This is where lanolin comes in: a small word worth getting to know.

What exactly is lanolin?

Lanolin is a natural waxy substance found in sheep’s fleece. It helps protect the fibres in the animal’s coat. Much of the original lanolin is removed when wool is cleaned and processed into textiles. That is perfectly normal, but it explains why lanolin also appears in specialist wool-care products.

A conditioner for wool – more or less

Calling lanolin “moisturiser for jumpers” is a tempting shortcut. More accurately, it is a conditioning, wax-like substance. In a carefully balanced formula, it can contribute to a softer feel. The result depends on the garment, its history and how the product is used.

Lanolin cannot mend damaged fibres, prevent every pill or restore a seriously shrunken jumper. Correct temperature and gentle handling still matter most.

Why we put lanolin in Re:claim Wool Wash

We wanted to combine wool-specific cleaning with fibre care. Re:claim Wool Wash is enzyme-free, developed to tackle unwanted odours and formulated with lanolin. The idea is straightforward: clean the garment without forgetting the material itself. For a merino layer or well-loved cardigan, that balance matters.

When is lanolin useful?

Wool and wool-blend garments are natural candidates for suitable wool care. For cashmere, silk and other delicate fibres, follow both the garment label and the detergent’s stated uses; not every treatment suits every textile. Lanolin is derived from sheep, so it is not a vegan ingredient.

Our favourite wool habit

Air often, wash when necessary and dry knitwear flat. Lanolin is one part of the picture; the real secret is how you treat a garment between washes.

For the whole routine, start with our main guide to wool detergent and care.