Washing Natural Merino Wool? Find out how to wash and care for wool properly!
PROPERTIES OF WOOL FIBERS
Wool fibers are known to be soft and pleasant to the touch, but they require special care. However, thanks to their flexible elements, they are durable and usually maintain their own hygiene. This is due to the hygroscopic properties that allow wool to absorb and evaporate moisture. Wool fibers create an environment that is not conducive to the growth of bacteria. One of the advantages of wool fibers is their elasticity, which allows them to regenerate quickly. Thus, wool naturally cleans itself.
HOW DO I WASH MERINO WOOL?
1. Fold the rug into a rectangle.
2. Put the rug in a tub and pour water at 20-25 degrees. Warmer water could damage the wool fibers.
3. For washing, use a special wool detergent that contains lanolin, a natural animal fat. About 50 ml is enough.
4. By firmly kneading the blanket, the detergent penetrates the fibers well. You should knead the blanket for at least 5 minutes.
5. Now you can drain the water and leave the blanket in the tub for a few hours. The water will slowly flow out.
If you don't have a bath or don't have enough space in the shower, you can clean the wool with a sponge soaked in wool detergent and water. Rub the liquid into the blanket to allow the fibers to absorb the lanolin. Please only use natural sponges, not the colored ones!
HOW TO DRY NATURAL WOOL?
Drying wool has two very important rules: first, wool should be dried in a horizontal position. Wet wool stretches 30% more often than dry wool. If we don't want to permanently damage its fibers, we have to make sure that they dry "lying flat". The second important rule - do not dry the wool in the sun. The sun will destroy wet wool! A duvet made of natural wool should be dry after a maximum of 48 hours.
HOW DO I CARE FOR NATURAL MERINO WOOL?
All natural wool need is regular shaking every few weeks and airing it out (do not air in the blazing sun). This keeps it soft and you can enjoy it for a longer time. Wool blankets should be washed once a year.
