As someone who loves to take care of my wool clothing, finding the right laundry detergent is crucial. And for years, my go-to has been Woolite.
Unfortunately, it seems like Woolite is becoming increasingly difficult to find and when you do manage to get your hands on a bottle, the price is quite steep.
Luckily, there are several Woolite alternatives available that offer similar benefits and are relatively priced.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some of these alternatives on the market, highlighting their unique features and benefits to help you find the perfect solution for your delicate laundry needs.
Why is Woolite hard to find?
Woolite has been a popular laundry detergent for many years, particularly for delicate fabrics such as wool and silk.
I have been using Woolite for years and it is frustrating to find that it was becoming harder and harder to find on store shelves.
Since I rely on it mostly for all my delicates and especially my wool pieces, I have been wondering what’s causing the Woolite shortage.
When I asked around, some people speculated that the company had stopped producing Woolite or even discontinued it due to low sales.
Others thought that it was simply being crowded out by other laundry detergents on the market. This means that some stores may have simply chosen not to carry Woolite due to limited shelf space or the availability of other alternatives.
While it may not be as easy to find as it once was, I’ve discovered that you can still purchase Woolite from several online retailers.
But, if you’re having difficulty finding it or if the price is higher than you’d like, seek out other laundry detergents that offer similar benefits without the downsides.
Top Woolite Alternatives
If you are wondering what other detergent you can use instead of Woolite, consider the following substitutes.
1. UNICORN Fiber Rinse Wash
UNICORN Fiber Rinse Wash is a good substitute if you are looking for laundry detergent for all your delicate garments.
It is a versatile and gentle detergent that can handle all types of fibers, including wool, cashmere, cotton, hemp, alpaca, sheepskin, silk, and even synthetics.
Also, it’s fragrance-free and allergen-free making it a great option if you have sensitive skin or allergies.
I have used this detergent a few times and I love how efficient and effective it is in removing grease and stains from most fabrics without causing any damage.
I also appreciate that you only need to add a small amount to any water temperature, so it’s not only effective but also saves money and energy.
Most importantly, it’s eco-friendly since it contains safe ingredients that keep our waterways clean and septic-safe.
2. The Lab Co. Cashmere and Wool Laundry Wash
The Lab Co. Cashmere and Wool Laundry Wash is another high-quality detergent that can be used in place of Woolite.
This laundry wash is specifically formulated for cashmere, mohair, and wool and it’s designed to gently clean and condition delicate fibers without causing wool shrinkage or damage. This eliminates the need for dry cleaning your clothing.
I like the fact that it’s made from natural ingredients including plant-based surfactants and essential oils, which means it’s both effective and eco-friendly.
In addition, it’s free from harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens, making it safe for use on all types of wool and cashmere garments.
However, this wool wash has a warm and comforting fragrance that leaves your wool garments smelling fresh and cozy. Specifically, it smells like a mixture of cinnamon, myrrh, and cedarwood.
I find the smell quite relaxing and also like the fact that cedarwood has moth-repelling properties.
3. Blissy Plant Based Natural detergent
Another great laundry detergent option you can try is this Plant Based Natural Detergent by Blissy.
I recently tried this detergent so I can give you a good review. I was drawn to IT because of its natural plant-based formula, which is perfect for my sensitive skin.
Honestly, I was really impressed with how well it worked on my delicate wool and cashmere garments. It’s very gentle on clothes and even after several washes, my wool and cashmere items still look and feel soft and luxurious.
And because it’s hypoallergenic, I don’t have to worry about any skin irritation due to itchy wool or allergic reactions when using it.
The lavender scent of Blissy Wash is also a highlight for me. It’s not overpowering but adds a subtle fragrance to my laundry that I find really refreshing and calming.
Also, it’s free from harsh chemicals like parabens and phthalates, which makes it an eco-friendly choice
I appreciate that Blissy Wash comes with recommendations for washing my delicate items in the Blissy Mesh Wash/Laundry Bags, which helps to protect them during the washing process.
If you can’t find Woolite in your area, I highly recommend this detergent.
4. Outback Gold Wool wash
Let me start by saying that I was skeptical to try this detergent at first because I’ve had bad experiences with other wool wash detergents before. Most tend to leave my wool clothing feeling stiff or scratchy.
But this one really surprised me since it’s different.
One of the most unique features of Outback Gold Wool Wash is that it contains lanolin. Lanolin has many benefits for wool including its ability to soften and condition the fibers making them feel smoother and more comfortable against the skin.
When I used it to wash my wool sweater, I noticed that it felt softer and more luxurious than before.
I also love the fact that it is gentle and safe for washing delicate fibers like wool, silk, and even washable sheepskin and it has a neutral pH and doesn’t contain any enzyme.
This makes it ideal for washing scratchy wool clothing as it does not strip the natural oils in the fabrics so it leaves them feeling super soft and comfortable to wear.
Another thing I really appreciate is that it’s eco-friendly and biodegradable. Also, it’s safe for people with sensitive skin who are not allergic to lanolin, like me and even baby items.
I’ve used it both in the washing machine and for hand washing, and it leaves no residue and is easy to rinse out. My fabrics always come out looking clean, fresh, and naturally softened.
5. Eucalan Fine Fabric wash
Eucalan Fine Fabric wash is another great alternative that I’ve tried recently.
What I love about it is that it’s environmentally friendly and comes in a variety of sizes and scents.
I purchased the 16.9oz grapefruit scent and it smells amazing. The scent is not too overpowering but just enough to give my clothes a refreshing fragrance.
But, if you’re sensitive to scents, you’ll be happy to know that Eucalan is available in an unscented version as well.
I used this fabric wash to hand wash some of my delicate Merino wool t-shirts, and it worked really well in cleaning and conditioning the fibers. You can use it for machine wash as well.
I also appreciate that it protects against dust mites and moths. This is especially important for wool items, as moths can be a real problem if you don’t take the necessary precautions
Homemade substitute for Woolite/DIY Woolite
If you are looking for a cheap alternative Woolite-style laundry detergent, consider making one at home
Here is a recipe for a DIY wool wash:
Ingredients
- 500g grated soap (preferably plain or unscented)
- 1 tablespoon borax
- 1 liter of water
- 1 tablespoon glycerin
- 10-15 drops of essential oil like lavender (optional)
Instructions
- In a stainless steel or enamel saucepan combine 500g of grated soap, 1 tablespoon of borax, and 1 liter of water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the soap has completely dissolved.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and add 1 tablespoon of glycerin to the mixture. Stir well to combine.
- If desired, add 10-15 drops of essential oil like lavender to the mixture and stir well
- Allow the mixture to cool completely, stirring occasionally to prevent it from solidifying. As it cools, it will thicken into a gel-like consistency.
- Once cooled, transfer the mixture to a storage container, such as a large glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
To use the detergent;
For hand washing, use one to two tablespoons of the mixture per 10 liters of water.
For machine washing, dissolve the mixture in warm water before adding it to the machine. Use half a cup for a small load and one cup for a larger load.
Note: Be sure to do a test wash with light or white garments, as the mixture may have a slight color due to the glycerin.
FAQs about Woolite
What is Woolite good for?
Woolite is a brand of detergent that is specifically designed for delicate fabrics like wool, silk, and cashmere. Its gentle formula helps to protect the fibers and prevent shrinking, stretching, or fading. It is also effective for removing stains and keeping clothes looking newer for longer.
Is Woolite good and safe for Merino wool?
Yes, Woolite is generally considered safe and effective for washing merino wool garments. Merino wool is a delicate fabric that requires gentle handling, and Woolite’s gentle formula is designed to clean and protect delicate fabrics like wool.
Can I use Woolite instead of wool detergent?
Yes, you can use Woolite as a substitute for wool detergent since it’s designed to be safe for use on delicate fabrics such as wool. But note that wool detergent is specifically formulated to protect and care for wool fibers, so it may provide additional benefits such as preserving the softness and natural luster of the wool.
Is Woolite a neutral wool detergent?
Yes, Woolite is considered a neutral wool detergent. Its pH-balanced formula helps to protect the fibers of these fabrics and prevent damage or shrinkage during washing. However, while it can be used on wool and other delicate fabrics, there are specialized wool detergents that are designed specifically for wool care and may offer additional benefits such as lanolin conditioning or enzyme-free formulas
Conclusion
While Woolite is a popular choice for many people when it comes to washing wool, there are several great alternatives available.
From specialty wool detergents like Eucalan and Outback Gold to DIY recipes that use natural ingredients, there are many options to choose from depending on your needs and preferences.
In my own experience, I’ve found that experimenting with different types of wool detergents can be a fun and rewarding process.
So, whether you’re looking for something eco-friendly, fragrance-free, or specially formulated for delicate fibers like merino wool, don’t be afraid to explore other laundry detergents that are similar to Woolite.
