The quick answer to whether or not you can microwave wool is YES; 100% wool can be microwaved with little chance of starting a fire. In fact, most all-natural fibers are safe to be heated in the microwave.
However, be careful not to microwave an item that may have a wool blend. If there are any synthetic fibers present, you cannot microwave them as they can melt or start a fire in the microwave.
If you are looking for a way to simply warm up the wool, then microwaving it is a good option. But if you are hoping to dry the wool by microwaving it, you will want to consider a different option because the microwave will not dry the wool.
Curious about drying other materials in the microwave? Check out our articles about flannel, fleece, and shoes to see if they are safe to microwave.
The microwave is a great place to straighten out knitting yarn or to dye wool another color.
Instructions for Microwaving Wool
- Make sure that the wool is slightly damp. Spray it with a bit of water, if needed. The wool should be damp but not dripping wet.
NOTE: If you are dying the wool, you may need to use acid as described in whatever heating instructions you are using for dying wool.
- Place the damp wool in a microwave-safe glass dish and place it in the microwave.
- Heat the wool in the microwave for anywhere from two to three minutes at a time, turning the wool over in between heating cycles.
NOTE: Use caution when handling the microwaved wool as it can be very hot. Wool naturally holds onto heat longer than cotton does. If you smell burning hair at any time, turn the microwave off.
- Once the wool is heated to the desired level, use hot pads to carefully remove the wool from the microwave. Set the wool on a heat-resistant surface to prevent damage.
