cleaning dry clean only wool?????

[gregk]

I bought a new pair of wool pants and a new wool sweater and both are "dry clean only", I am wanting to clean them to remove scent before I use them, short of taking them to the dry cleaners which would be defeating the purpose, what could I do to clean them enough to get that new smell off them? Thanks.

[rainman]

Wash in cold water hang to dry.

[Jim Boettcher]

Right on Rainman, that's how I do it.

[Bjorn]

Me too.

[Gordon Jabben]

Same here

[gregk]

Thanks guys, I knew someone on here had to have some experience with dry clean wool.

[Bobby Urban]

Cold, gentle cycle and hang - also, not a bad idea to pull and stretch them a bit a couple times while drying.  I pull both directions with my wool pants and coats and never have a problem.

[Blackhawk]

I wash in cold and gentle cycle, but do not hang.  I lay flat and periodically pull and stretch during the drying process.

I do this because my wife says that's the way to do wool...and I do what my wife says.

[gregk]

Originally posted by Blackhawk:
I wash in cold and gentle cycle, but do not hang.  I lay flat and periodically pull and stretch during the drying process.

I do this because my wife says that's the way to do wool...and I do what my wife says.

Was your wife standing over your shoulder while you were typing that Blackhawk.  lol  

[cyred4d]

I do it the same way Blackhawk says.

[Orion]

Even after washing, wool retains its own smell.  Critters don't seem to be bothered by it.  Regardless, I'd recommend just hanging them outside for a few days rather than washing.

[DennyK]

Likewise-Like it was mentioned above, make sure you stretch it.

[Jeff Roark]

I find with my heavy military wool pants that I pretty much don't have to wash them form just regular wear in the field. Now, if they get bloodied I'd wash them, but other wise I just let them dry in the sun if they get mud or soil on them and then just brush them off. Wool sort of takes care of itself.

When my wife washes mine she does the same as blackhawk. She lays them out flat on our back deck and lets the sun do its thing.

[Tom Leemans]

[Tom Leemans]

Originally posted by Tom Leemans:
 

I wash in cold and gentle cycle, but do not hang. I lay flat and periodically pull and stretch during the drying process.

Yes, I get it but what do you do with the clothes?
     [/b]

[lablover]

I hang mine out on the fence, and let them air for a day or two or on a bush in camp between hunts. Spray with scent killer of your choice (not going there). Never had a problem.

[Blackhawk]

It's also good to use something like Woolite since it "lubricates" the fibers which keeps them from "locking" up and shrinking the garment.  Use plenty of cold water too.

BTW, I do dry clean my best wool (Filson stuff) and notice the process is not as odorous as in years past.  Hanging outside on sunny days eliminates most odors too.

"Take care of your wool and your wool will take care of you."

...and some of you guys made me