If you're new to the world of fiber arts, washing raw wool might feel overwhelming. However, it is a vital skill that opens the door to beautiful crafting projects, from spinning to felting. Properly cleaning raw wool not only prepares it for these processes but also enhances the final product. This guide offers simple yet effective techniques to help you wash raw wool with confidence.
Understanding Raw Wool
Before you start washing, it's important to know what you're working with. Raw wool, or fleece, is sheared from sheep and is loaded with natural oils, dirt, and other debris. For example, a single sheep can produce anywhere from 5 to 15 pounds of fleece, depending on its breed and size. This fleece may contain around 20% lanolin and various types of vegetable matter, all of which need to be removed to prepare the wool for use.
Washing raw wool not only cleans it but also prepares it for dyeing and spinning. The ultimate goal is to eliminate impurities while retaining the wool's natural strength and elasticity, ensuring vibrant colors and sturdy yarns.
Gathering Your Supplies
To wash raw wool efficiently, gather the following supplies:
A large tub or sink
Hot water
Gentle detergent (preferably a wool wash or a mild dish soap we recommend Power Scour by Unicorn Fibre)
Old towels
Basket or colander for draining
Optional: vinegar or baking soda to neutralize odors
Having these items on hand streamlines the washing process and helps you avoid last-minute trips to gather supplies.
Step-by-Step Washing Techniques
1. Skirting the Fleece
Start by skirting the fleece, which means removing undesirable parts. Look for and discard any sections that are especially dirty, matted, or filled with large pieces of vegetable matter like hay or thistles. This step is vital—wool left unsorted can lead to a poor final product.
2. Soaking
Fill a large tub or sink with cool water. This helps loosen dirt and debris. After carefully lowering the fleece into the water, let it soak for about 30 minutes. After soaking, gently strain the wool out of the water. Refilling your tub or sink with warm water and this time adding small amount of gentle detergent. Wool washes are designed to clean fibers without damage, but in a pinch, a few drops of mild dish soap can work as well. Avoid commercial laundry detergents, as these often contain harsh chemicals that can harm your wool.
Resoaking your wool in the wash bath for 20 - 30 minutes. Repeat the wash bath 2 - 3 times depending on the lanolin content.
Rinsing
After the last wash bath, drain the soapy water and replace it with clean, lukewarm water. Immerse the wool slowly, allowing it to soak for 15 minutes. This gentle rinsing approach helps remove remaining soap and dirt.
If the rinse water looks soapy or discolored, repeat the rinsing process until the water runs clear. Depending on the fleece, you may need to rinse 2 to 4 times to ensure all soap is removed.
7. Drying
After rinsing, lift the wool carefully and place it in a basket or colander to drain excess water without wringing it out. Lay it flat on a clean, dry towel. Gently roll the towel around the fleece to absorb more moisture before spreading the wool out in a shaded, well-ventilated area to dry.
Next step is carding or combing you can visit our blog posts to read more about processing raw wool.
Comments