Cleaning wool

[JockC]

Yornoc suggested a new thread about cleaning wool in the wool shirt thread.  I did a lot of research on this when I needed to clean some filthy Swanndri, since it comes with some kind of top-secret "waterproof" treatment.

The Swanndri company itself didn't offer much help, but there was a vast amount of information on knitting and, believe it or not, diaper/infant care sites.  Wool diaper covers are considered very hep for the cloth diaper crowd.  They cost more than KOM or Sleeping Indian.  My ex-wife was a big fan.

I didn't get through all the info and product descriptions online, but I did wind up ordering a product called Eucalan from a kid's store in Missoula.  It's available online, too.  You soak the garment in a dilute solution of lukewarm water and Eucalan and then dry it without rinsing.  It seems to pull a lot of dirt and smell out (and it comes in an unscented version).  On the other hand, it sure doesn't pull all the blood or heavy dirt out; I have some cheap winter wool camo that is horribly stained.  The company says that it doesn't reduce lanolin content in wool, which helps extend wool's life, anti-bacterial qualities, and water resistance.

Some of the info is contradictory.  I found one site that advocated hot water (!) and either Dawn dishwashing liquid or baby shampoo based on their pH.  I have no idea if either is available without perfumes.

There were other sites that sold actual lanolin and other detergents, but I didn't try them.  Here is some info:

 http://www.nurturedfamily.com/eucalan-wool-wash-16-9-oz.aspx
 http://www.nurturedfamily.com/lanacare-lanolin-shampoo-500ml.aspx  (expensive, and may be scented)

One thing about wool is that it doesn't seem to get dirty or stinky quickly.  I hang these clothes outside and shake them out a lot.  Seems OK to my nose, which is relatively sensitive.  I also use regular unscented detergent from Costco for merino underwear and socks.

[dposalski]

Originally posted by JockC:
 I also use regular unscented detergent from Costco for merino underwear and socks.

Now that's hardcore.      

[Bent Rig]

I always thought that any wool was "Dry Cleaned" - I don't exactly know what that entitles but I didn't think it envovled soaking a garment in liquid by any means . Something I'll have to look in to . I always thought some type of powder mixture was rubbed through out the garment and then brushed off somehow cleansing it .

[YORNOC]

I have always cleaned my wool only when I get blood on it. Other than that I let it dry and hang outside then brush off mud/dirt. Wool has a natural ability to shed odor from what I've read.
When it does NEED cleaning, I wash it in cold water, usually in the tub with a non scented non UV soap. Rinse well, and hang or lay flat to dry. Keep it away from heat, period. It will take a day or so to dry, and when you get the chance, stretch it every which way as it is drying by hand. If it is freezing out, I lay it to dry in my basement away from all cooking and day to day odors. When dry it goes in my cedar lined hunting closet. As long as you use the wind, you'll be fine hunting.  Keep clean and as scent free as possible, but dont freak out. I shot a seven point one year from a tree stand. The wind was good, but as I was sitting before the deer came through I smelled crap. I stepped in a pile left by a dog on the way in in the dark. I was horrified, but about ten minutes after realizing this, a gorgeous seven point came right down my shooting lane never smelling a thing till I snuck an arrow in him.
I have never dry cleaned anything, even when the tags require it.

We use a product that requires throwing it in the drier.  Worked pretty good for us. this works for my Filson shirts just as well.
 http://www.care2.com/greenliving/wet-clean-wool-silk-and-rayon.html#

[ermont]

I hang it out to dry. My divorce attorney used to smoke like a train. I hung my Filson jacket outside for a day to get rid of the stench. Never wore it to her office again but the smell did go away.

[Blackhawk]

I just follow what is recommended by the maker.  Yes, I dry clean my Filson, but only when necessary to remove yuk and smells.

I have some Sleeping Indian stuff I just handwash, rinse, and stretch out to dry (shaping as it dries).

BTW, I would expect divorce attorneys to smell regardless of their smoking.  :rolleyes:

[Woodduck]

anybody tried Woolite?

[Tree Rat]

If possible follow the mfr's instructions.

General rules for wool.

No extreme temps, hot or cold. (washing or drying)

Most soiling can be brushed out.

I generally don't use any soap.

GENTLE wash, preferably hand.

Don't hang to dry it will stretch from the wieght. lay flat and block (ocassionaly stretch in all directions)the material.

I have read about ways to add lanolin back into wool but they are extreme and not worth the arguments they create.

[chanumpa]

I hand wash in a bathtub or something with unscented "sportswash",then after ringing out good I will put shirts/ sweaters on wet for a moment.This will straighten out to your size.Then air dry,laying preferably flat.Same with wool hats,with the put them on wet and then air dry.You can machine wash wool too,but it is hard on the fibers.Driers and dry cleaning are a big no-no for me.Dryers of course will ,shrink your clothes,and I dont trust what dry cleaners use chemically to be scent free.

[hvyhitter]

Have hand washed mine for a decade, cold water in a tub with a little woolite or "sensitive"(no dyes/scents), rinse in cold, lay flat to dry.......only when dirty. I also take my jacket off to dress deer. Bloodstains on pants/bibs no big deal.........

[Huntschool]

I go with Manf. label instructions. I do it all at home so no one gets to mess it up.  

I almost "lost" a Filson Guide (older model with the waxed cotton cape) sweater years ago to a cleaners.  They washed it but some dum butt put it in a dryer.  The owner caught it about half way through the cycle and got it out and stuck it in cold water. It had already shrunk but not as bad as it could have.

These were good folks and he bought me a new Filson guide sweater ($200.00+) and gave me back the origional. I am wearing it as I write this. This one can not be replaced as they do not make the style or in this color (dark blue) any more.

As an aside, Has anyone put eyes and hands on a Filson Yukon Jacket?  I looks like a great jacket.  Draw string waist and mackanaw wool...

[rbbhunt]

I've been using cold water and "Sport Wash" for years on my wool.

[Jeremy]

Hand wash in cool water, lay flat and block to dry.

Dry cleaning uses a chemical solvent instead of water and still involves a wash, rinse and drying cycle.

Any heavily soiled wool taken to the cleaners is still going to be handwashed in water though  

[**DONOTDELETE**]

hand wash cold water & baking soda, lay flat on sweater rack to air dry. place a fan to blow/move air over or under it or place outside on rack.