Wool has been loved for centuries—and not just because it’s cozy and warm. One of its coolest features is that it practically cleans itself! In fact, one of the oldest (and most natural) ways to freshen up wool doesn’t involve water, soap, or a washing machine at all. All you need is… snow ❄️
Yes, really. A good snowfall can work wonders on wool blankets, sweaters, and other woolly favorites. It’s a simple, eco-friendly trick that fits perfectly with the sustainable nature of wool itself.
So how does this work?
Wool fibers are pretty amazing. They’re naturally coated in lanolin, a waxy substance that helps repel dirt, bacteria, and odors. Because of this, wool doesn’t need to be washed nearly as often as synthetic fabrics. When you lay wool out in fresh snow, the cold and light moisture help loosen trapped dirt and odors—leaving your wool feeling fresh, clean, and revived without any harsh treatment.
Nature really does know best.
If you’re curious to try this old-fashioned snow-cleaning trick, it’s surprisingly simple. Here’s how to do it:
First, wait for a fresh snowfall. You’ll want clean, powdery snow—nothing slushy or dirty. Fresh snow is the real star of this method.
Next, lay your wool item right on top of the snow. Blankets, sweaters, rugs—whatever needs a refresh. Spread it out evenly, and if you’d like, gently press or lightly cover it with snow so the fibers make good contact.
Give it a soft pat and let it rest for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then flip it over and repeat on the other side. During this time, the cold and moisture help loosen dirt and neutralize odors naturally.
Ideally, temperatures should be quite cold. It was about 15°F when I cleaned these. Super-light, dry, powdery snow won’t make your wool wet. Once temperatures rise above 25–30°F, warm wool placed on cold snow can start to become damp. In this case, the colder, the better.
When you’re finished, shake the wool well to remove any lingering snow. A quick hand-brush works too if needed.
Finally, bring it inside and hang it up to dry completely. That’s it—no soap, no machine, no fuss.
Why Snow-Cleaning Works So Well
One of the best parts of this method is how gentle and earth-friendly it is. There’s no water, no detergent, and no energy use—just nature doing what it does best. It helps preserve wool’s natural lanolin, keeps the fibers happy, and freshens odors without stripping or stressing the fabric.
There’s also something deeply satisfying about it. Cleaning wool with snow connects us to a tradition that’s been passed down for generations in colder climates. It’s simple, beautiful, and rooted in a slower, more thoughtful way of caring for the things we love.
So the next time fresh snow falls, skip the laundry room and head outside instead. Lay down your wool, let the snow work its quiet magic, and enjoy this timeless, nature-powered refresh.
Though we aren’t too crazy about the amount of snow we have received, this season, before we head to Florida, I am enjoying refreshing my closet with such a nice, clean scent.
Next big snow, I’ll be “washing” another round of sweaters, some wool coats and a Pendleton wool blanket.
Let me know if this is something your family has always done or if you are planning on trying it.
After having first had this at one of the many school potluck dinners we have participated in, over the years, it quickly became a family favorite. Usually served alongside barbecue, burgers, or generally most any summer meal. We have since starting making it year round as an easy snack, lunch, or appetizer salad. It’s one of the easiest ways to get raw vegetables into someone who doesn’t generally eat his 5-7 servings a day, because he loves this!
Sewfrench 
