Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
PAULA'S WOOL-WASHING METHOD
Paula, who washes quite a bit of wool, favors using a 40-gallon
laundry tub, whose cube shape holds the heat for a good soaking.
If the water cools down, it deposits gumminess back on the wool.
A very hot soaking, with lots of soap or detergent, can clean most
wools with one wash, followed by one (or two if really needed) hot
rinse. Although some amount of dirt may remain, it dries to a fi ne
powder that falls off in the teasing, carding, spinning, and washing
of the yarn (to set the twist).
Using the spin cycle of an old washing machine not connected
to water will speed removal of wash water and rinse water, shorten-
ing the drying period for the wool. This method keeps much of the
mess out of the house and doesn't clog up the plumbing, as wash-
ing wool in the bathtub would.
5.
After the wool has soaked adequately, loosen all the dirt by emptying the
water, lifting the fl eece from your container, and patting it dry. (In the
washing machine, spin-dry.)
6.
Rinse the container and refi ll with warm water.
7.
Place the wool back in to soak for about 15 minutes.
8.
Repeat the draining-and-drying step in cool — but not cold — water, add-
ing 1 cup of white vinegar.
9.
Soak for about 5 minutes in this solution.
10.
Keep repeating the draining-drying-soaking step until the drained water
is clear.
11.
Lay out the wool on old towels and then roll them up to squeeze out as
much water as possible; if you're using a washing machine, the wool can
be spun dry the last time.
Drying Fleeces
The fl eece has to be laid out to dry in a way that provides good airfl ow all
around it. Nailing 2×4s together and then stapling them on chicken wire can
create an easy drying fame. Sweater-drying racks, which are sold at hardware
stores, also work well. If you're planning to set the fl eece outdoors to dry,
make sure that it's secured so it doesn't blow into the dirt and ruin your day's
