Liquid Wool Wash

There are two general types of liquid wool wash - no-rinse detergents (often mass produced) or liquid soaps (often WAHM produced). You will find the washing method is very similar to that of using a wool wash bar.

Here is a step by step break down of using liquid wool wash...

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


2. Fill the sink/basin with lukewarm water and add the recommended amount of wool wash.


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.


5. Let it soak about 20-30 minutes.


6. Gently rinse the wool.
   - While there are no-rinse detergents on the market, most WAHM made liquid wool washes 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.

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.