After spending so much time, energy, and creativity knitting or crocheting our works of art, we need to care for them appropriately. This homemade gentle wool wash does the trick, as it is both practical and eco friendly.
Inspiration for Homemade Wool Wash
My favorite items to knit are cardigans and pullovers, and I typically knit them using 100% wool. Unlike acrylic pieces, wool requires special care to prevent warping, felting, and (gasp) shrinking!
Wool is a natural protein-based fiber acquired from sheep. It is quite durable and malleable, making it an excellent material for heirloom pieces. Edna Mode approved, it is very breathable, an incredible insulator, capable of retaining heat even when wet, moisture-wicking, and even fire resistant 😱. But, for all of its amazing characteristics, wool is still fairly easy to ruin if not cared for properly.
I typically use Kookaburra Wool Wash, which is an excellent detergent that not only cleans wool, but also cleans down, fleece, sheepskin, and other delicate fibers. It is, however, a little pricy, and I always have to purchase it online since it isn’t available in any of my local shops. Conventional soaps and detergents can damage wool fibers due to their harsher ingredients and oil-stripping properties, so I wanted an easy-to-access wash I could make with standard household supplies. Plus, I can save money along the way.
Characteristics of Wool
Wool comes in various types. The most well known varieties used for knitting and crocheting are:
- Merino wool: Known for its softness, sourced from Merino sheep.
- Cashmere: Luxurious, soft wool from cashmere goats.
- Mohair: Shiny and soft, from the Angora goat.
- Alpaca wool: Lightweight and hypoallergenic.
- Lambswool: From a lamb’s first shearing, soft and fine.
Wool has the following characteristics:
- Warmth: Wool is an excellent insulator, retaining heat even when wet.
- Elasticity: Wool fibers are naturally stretchy, allowing fabrics to recover their shape.
- Moisture-wicking: It can absorb moisture without feeling damp, keeping you dry and comfortable.
- Durability: Wool is resistant to wear and tear and can last a long time.
- Flame resistance: Wool is naturally fire-resistant, making it safer for clothing and furnishings.
- Breathability: Wool fibers allow air to circulate, preventing overheating.
Washing Wool
Wool really doesn’t need to be washed all too often because it is self cleaning and anti-bacterial. So long as you’re wearing clothing underneath your woolens, you only need to wash them one to two times a year. But, occasionally some dirt and oils do need to be removed.
This homemade wash is designed to gently remove dirt from wool while also replacing its natural lanolin for water resistance and conditioning. The added vinegar helps to maintain the garment’s color, and essential oils give it a pleasant fragrance. Use this wool wash to either spot clean or submerge your knits.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup liquid Castile soap (unscented or mild scented)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar (helps soften fibers and maintain color)
- 1 tablespoon lanolin (for restoring softness and water resistance in wool)
- 3 cups distilled or filtered water (distilled or filtered water has any impurities removed to allow the wash to last longer.
- 6 drops essential oil (optional, for scent; lavender or eucalyptus works well for wool).
- 32 ounce (1 liter) jar (for mixing and storing the detergent).
Instructions
- Heat the Water: Heat the water, but don’t let it boil. It should be just warm enough to completely dissolve the lanolin.
- Melt the Lanolin: In a small bowl, mix the lanolin with the hot water until it dissolves. If it doesn’t fully dissolve, stir vigorously or use a whisk.
- Combine Ingredients: In a clean bottle or jar, mix the Castile soap, vinegar, and lanolin solution. Cover and shake gently to combine. The mixture should be white or cream in color. Some of the lanolin may rise to the surface.
- Add Essential Oil: If desired, add a few drops of essential oil for fragrance and shake again.
- Store: Store the detergent in a cool, dark place. Shake gently before each use to re-mix the ingredients.
How to use the wool wash
If submerging the garment:
- Fill a basin, tub, or sink with 3 to 7 gallons (11 to 26 liters) of cool to lukewarm water (never hot). Hot water may felt your wool.
- Shake the detergent and add 1-2 tablespoons of the detergent to the water and swish gently to mix. You may add an extra tablespoon of wool wash for heavy duty washing or large pieces such as blankets or coats. The water may not lather up. This is normal, and the wash still removes dirt.
- Submerge your woolens and gently press the detergent through the fabric. Avoid wringing or stretching.
- Rinse with cool to lukewarm water.
- Gently squeeze out excess water (don’t twist) and roll the garment in a clean towel to absorb moisture.
- Lay flat to dry on a clean, dry surface. Block and reshape if necessary.
If spot cleaning the garment:
- Dampen a clean cloth or sponge with the wool wash solution. Gently blot the stained area—avoid rubbing, as this can cause the fibers to stretch or felt.
- Start from the outside of the stain and work toward the center to prevent the stain from spreading.
- After blotting, use another clean cloth dampened with cool water to blot the area and remove any excess wool wash solution.
- Repeat this process until the stain is no longer visible and the area is clean.
- Gently press a dry towel against the cleaned area to absorb any remaining moisture. Avoid wringing or twisting the wool, as this can distort its shape. Reshape if necessary.
Tips and Shelf Life
- Test a small amount on an modest area of the garment if you’re unsure how it will react.
- Avoid frequent washing of wool garments; spot clean when possible to preserve the fibers.
- Keep your wool wash in a clean, airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent contamination. The liquid should last at least 6 months, but if the liquid develops a strange or sour odor, or has visible mold growth, throw it away.
- This detergent is safe to use on other delicate natural fibers such as down, lace, fleece, and sheepskin.