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wool wash basics

Washing wool just got better! Our brand new Wool Wash recipe is super easy to use, mixed in house to perfection, and leaves knits softer than ever.

Read on to learn about the advantages of washing with our Wool Wash, what to soak and for how long, and a detailed tutorial for best results.

Why use Wool Wash?

Our wool wash contains lanolin, which naturally protects and preserves wool just as it does on sheep prior to shearing! It also contains gentle no-rinse surfactants for cleansing without stripping the wool of its vibrant dye. Making things in hand dyed yarn requires investment of both funds and time - protecting that investment with quality Wool Wash is necessary!

Fragranced to perfection with our ultra unique scent profiles (like our signature house blend, a blend of mahogany, shea, and cedar that smells like home) that not only smells amazing while washing but lingers once the project is dry to give just a whisper of warmth and cozy feelings.

The best part? Finished pieces are softer and have better drape than during the work-in-progress stage. Washing in our Wool Wash allows the fiber to relax into the stitches you've made. From fresh off the needles to heirloom quality in one soak!

I'm in! Now what do I wash?

This sounds dramatic but... anything you want! Sweaters, shawls, hats, socks, or any other project made with luxury hand dyed yarn or big box store fiber. Our wool wash is formulated with wool and other animal fibers (like alpaca) in mind but the gentle formula is suitable for synthetic or plant based fibers too!

You'll need to use a bit more wash and longer soak time if your project is larger scale. Bookmark the table below for a detailed breakdown of Wool Wash measurements and soak time!

 Wool Wash Basics
Wash
Project
 Soak
1 tbsp
Swatches, Socks, Hats, Mittens
 15 minutes
2 tbsp
Shawl
 15 minutes
3-4 tbsp
Sweater
 30 minutes
4-6 tbsp
Blanket
 30 minutes

 

Tutorial

In a vessel suitable for the project you're washing, measure your wool wash and top off with a gallon or more room temperature water - just make sure there's enough to submerge your project.

You'll notice the wool wash becomes rather bubbly! These bubbles will dissipate as it soaks so don't worry about needing to rinse later.

Dunk your project ensuring all of the fabric is underwater. Let soak for the time listed above.

See? All those bubbles popped! Now we're ready to gently lift your project out of the water and squeeze gently to remove some water. Be careful not to wring or twist your project - this could stretch it out and make for a poor blocking experience later. I promise we'll get it dry without lots of manhandling here!
Place your project on a dry towel (or two if you've got a larger scale project). Roll it up and squeeze! Some people even sit or stomp on their project to get as much water out of it as possible but this hurts my soul a little. You do you.
Unroll and transfer your project to blocking mats (or if your project has already been blocked, just lie flat to dry). Pin to the desired measurements with Knit Blockers.
Let your project rest here for several hours or until it's dry to the touch. Wool has excellent memory and will hold the shape of blocking when cleansed with our Wool Wash over and over. Enjoy your ultra soft, luxurious project!
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