Wool Wash Bars

Wool wash bars are gentle bars of soap enriched with lanolin. There are two ways to use a wool wash bar - by simply running the bar between your hands under running water to 'suds' up the wash water or, for dirtier jobs, by gently using the bar directly on the wool. Be careful using this latter method though as some wool is more prone to felting (this is when wool shrinks, becomes denser and loses stretch - sometimes desirable, but often not).

Here is a step by step break down of my own personal washing method that I have been using for years...

1. Rinse the wool in lukewarm water.
   -This removes the urine and salt residue as well as saturates your wool.



Ignite The Senses Sheep Soap
2. Fill the sink/basin with lukewarm water.
   - If your wool isn't particularly dirty, you can avoid using the bar directly on the wool and simply run the bar between your hands under the running water now.


3. Add wool to the sink.
   - The number of pieces you can wash at a time depends on the size of the basin and on the size of the wool (for example, several newborn sized wraps vs. a pair of toddler longies).
   - Also, take note that some wool bleeds. Often reds are the worst offenders. Either wash separately (this is actually a good idea to do with any new piece of wool regardless of color until you are sure it won't bleed) or wash like colors together.


4. Gently swish & squish the wool to work the soapy water through the fibers.
   - If the wool is particularly dirty, this is where you may want to use a wool wash bar directly on the wool.


5. Let it soak about 20-30 minutes (or as short or long as you prefer).


6. Gently rinse the wool.
   - While there are no-rinse detergents on the market wool wash bars (and most liquid wool washes) however are true soap and should be rinsed. Soap has a higher alkaline ph than most detergents as well as the lanolin and wool itself.
   - It is important when rinsing the wool to not shock it with an abrupt change in temperature. This is easy to avoid by simply rinsing in the same temperature the wash water has cooled off to. Simply drain and refill the sink and gently swish & squish.
   - No need to worry about rinsing away the lanolin - by the time the soak is over, the water won't have the heat to keep the lanolin fluid and should not rinse away.


7. Gently squeeze water from the wool.
   - Do not twist or wring the wool.
   - Rolling the wool in a dry towel is an excellent way to remove excess water.
   - Putting wet wool in the washer on the SPIN-ONLY cycle can also help remove excess water.


8. Lay wool flat to dry.
   - When hung to dry, the weight of the wool can cause it to dry in a warped shape. This may not be a problem though depending on how much excess water you can remove after washing and the type of wool. I always hang wool over a small plastic hanger and hang the handle on a small box fan to speed drying.

Notice the pattern here - gentle. Throughout caring for your wool, just keep in mind to not stretch, wring, or twist your wool. Also be careful to not shock it with abrupt temperature changes.