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Across the Fence:  homemade wool wash question - need Farmgirl Help!  |
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chessie
True Blue Farmgirl
403 Posts
Karen
Vista
CA
USA
403 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 20 2008 : 09:15:57 AM
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Don't really know where to put this query...
I am in Ireland for 10 more days and when I get home I will need ( and I mean NEED! 'Cause have worn it constantly) to wash the Aran wool sweater my Mom knitted for me. Also, at home, in Sunny Southern California, I make cold process soap.
So, here's my question: Can anyone guide me on how to make my own wool wash? or do any of you know where I should ask this question?
My sweater thanks you! Karen
www.edgehillherbfarm.com "where the name is bigger than the farm, but no one seems to mind"
blog http://edgehillherbfarmer.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
happy farmgirl #89 |
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electricdunce
True Blue Farmgirl
2544 Posts
Karin
Belmont
ME
USA
2544 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2008 : 09:20:27 AM
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I use the tiniest bit of soap or even shampoo when I wash a woolen sweater by hand,....never had a problem. Sorry i just realized that wasn't what you asked about. carry on
Karin
Farmgirl Sister #153
"Give me shelter from the storm" - Bob Dylan
http://moodranch.blogspot.com
http://domesticnonsense.etsy.com |
Edited by - electricdunce on Jul 20 2008 09:21:38 AM |
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chessie
True Blue Farmgirl
403 Posts
Karen
Vista
CA
USA
403 Posts |
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Jami
True Blue Farmgirl
1238 Posts
Jami
Ellensburg
WA
USA
1238 Posts |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2008 : 9:44:24 PM
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karen .. theres' some good advice on the internet .. jus' GOOGLE "how to wash wool"
here's one reply:
Step1 Lay sweater flat on a sheet of clean paper.
Step2 Draw outline of sweater on the paper.
Step3 Hand-wash sweater gently using cool water and a wool detergent, being careful not to rub the product in.
Step4 Rinse with fresh water until it runs clear.
Step5 Squeeze out excess water, then roll sweater in a towel to absorb moisture.
Step6 Lay sweater on the paper again, and gently stretch it to fit the previously drawn outline. Pat sweater into the desired shape with a towel.
Step7 Dry flat by spreading the sweater out, preferably on a hammock, in cool air and out of the sun.
True Friends * Frannie
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
Posted - Jul 20 2008 : 9:46:48 PM
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this sounds like pretty good advice too:
Laundering your sweater
When your sweater needs cleaning, check the label for the manufacturer's washing recommendations - hand wash, machine wash, or dry clean.
Before we list the simple steps for hand washing your sweater, two issues need to be clarified: water temperature and the detergent choice. Water temperature has been hotly debated topic. Some insist that it should be cold to prevent shrinking and fulling. Others advocate very hot water to better remove oils, stains and dirt. The reality, it doesn't matter. Hot water does not cause fulling or shrinking - hot drying does. Cool water and the proper detergents can remove dirt and germs as effectively as hot. What's important to remember about wool is, the temperature of the water in the wash cycles need to be the same. We suggest a mild water temperature that is comfortable to your skin when touched.
Choosing the right type of detergent is equally important. Use a detergent that does not have an alkaline pH. Beware; most soaps are alkaline so we recommend staying away from them. An alkaline pH causes wool scales to open which leads to fulling. The alkaline in Woolite will strip a sweater's wool fibers, so avoid using it.
Many recommend dish detergents and shampoos for washing wool sweaters. These usually have a base rather than alkaline pH. We recommend reading the labels of these detergents to insure that it is truly a detergent and not soap. Also confirm the detergent or shampoo does not contain thickeners, perfumes, colors and other unnecessary, extraneous ingredients that will attract and trap dirt. Others have recommended using hair conditioners to make the sweater softer. Conditioners tend to be alkaline and should be avoided.
We recommend natural detergent companies like Ecover. They have begun to market more natural detergents specifically designed for wools and fine fabrics. We have used them with good success.
Hand washing is a simple process that doesn't take long and is fairly easy. Here are some tips:
Turn your sweater inside out to protect the outside surface fibers from pulling.
Fill the sink with tepid or slightly warm water, add a small amount of a good, natural detergent and mix it in slightly but not so much as to create foam suds. Never use chlorine bleach on wool because it breaks down the fiber.
Place your sweater in the water and gently push the sweater down until it is completely wet and then let it soak for 20 minutes. With time, the water and detergent will penetrate every area of the sweater and do its job. Avoid the temptation to kneed the sweater or roll it around. Be extra careful to avoid unnecessary stretching of the sweater as the wool yarns are fragile and susceptible to stretching when wet. Then turn on the tap and rinse until all bubbles are gone. Be careful to always support the sweater by holding the bottom as you lift it from the water bath to prevent stretching.
Wash again and rinse.
Allow the sweater to drain for a few minutes and gently lay it on a towel. Roll the towel, and press it to remove excess moisture. Don't wring or rub the wet sweater. Unroll the towel and blot the sweater (do not rub it) with a fresh dry towel to remove additional moisture.
Place the sweater face up on a dry towel on a flat surface and block it, or shape the sweater gently with your hands back to its original shape. Draw together the waist and wrist ribbing, button cardigans, roll collars into position, and straighten the sleeves. The drying process will help form the sweater into the shape you want. If you want to reshape it, this is your chance.
Finally, let your sweaters dry overnight on dry towel laying on a flat surface. In the morning, turn and block the other side until dry. Drying time can be 12 - 72 hours, depending on your climate, how thick the sweater, and how damp it is.
This process is appropriate for most sweaters and will help retain their beauty for years. Remember to always follow the care instructions on the manufacturer's label and use this process only for sweaters that can be hand washed. Good luck and enjoy the cool days of fall and winter.
True Friends * Frannie
adopt a 'rag-chile'
http://sistermercysfoundlinhome.blogspot.com
treasures .. new and olde .. http://mudpiemanormercantile.blogspot.com
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CabinCreek-Kentucky
True Blue Farmgirl
8529 Posts
Frannie
Green County
Kentucky
USA
8529 Posts |
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chessie
True Blue Farmgirl
403 Posts
Karen
Vista
CA
USA
403 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2008 : 12:19:15 AM
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Gosh Girls Thanks! Such good advice.
I want to make a homemade wool wash when I get home, so I now know to avoid a very alkaline end product and add tea tree. So glad I asked.
Miss Wilma, Am going to find Karen Luna and ask her what she does...
Keep the info coming...
Karen O'American
www.edgehillherbfarm.com "where the name is bigger than the farm, but no one seems to mind"
blog http://edgehillherbfarmer.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
happy farmgirl #89 |
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chessie
True Blue Farmgirl
403 Posts
Karen
Vista
CA
USA
403 Posts |
Posted - Jul 21 2008 : 12:35:06 AM
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Miss Wilma can you give me more detail on contacting Karen Luna? Her Screen name maybe? Thnaks. I looked through all the Karens here and can't find her...found myself though... (am giggling because People pay a lot of money in therapy to find themselves...)
karen
www.edgehillherbfarm.com "where the name is bigger than the farm, but no one seems to mind"
blog http://edgehillherbfarmer.spaces.live.com/default.aspx?wa=wsignin1.0
happy farmgirl #89 |
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miss wilma
True Blue Farmgirl
3410 Posts
Wilma
Knob Lick
Ky
USA
3410 Posts |
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Across the Fence: homemade wool wash question - need Farmgirl Help! |
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homemade wool wash question - need Farmgirl Help!
