I have had one for two years and it still looks great,even after washing a few times.......I have a lot of wool and usually wash each a time or two every season. I use a large tote bin, fill half full with cold water,add detergent(woolite or now I use "sensitive" detergent-no scents,dyes or UV brightners),add the wool,stir gently and let it soak an hour or so, then dump water,add more cold,stir gently...repeat 2 or three times,LIGHTLY squeese extra water out then hang or lay flat on drying rack.