Question for wool aficianados

[madeleone]

Went we took our trip to Ireland last year we bought wool sweaters. Not wanting to ruin them I am trying to find the best way to wash them. (Can you tell I've never had 100% wool anything before?)

Info online is somewhat contradictory some says wash in hot water, some says wash in luke-warm water, all say do not throw in the dryer. I always thought Woolite was the best thing for wool but apparently according to more than one site, not so, says its alkaline and not good. But I know there are a few people here on my flist who actually work with wool. So if anyone has any advice or knows someone who is on your flist who might know please let me know. Any help appreciated. TIA.

Comments

[owlbait.livejournal.com]

You can wash in any temperature, but it is important not to shock the wool by changing temperature suddenly from hot to cold. Also do not agitate or wring, and keep the wool supported when you take it out of the water.

I wash warm and rinse warm. For most handknits I use the handwash cycle in the machine and spin dry, but not really delicate stuff, cashmere and knitted lace. That I do by actual hand.

I hadn't heard about problems with woolite, but you can always throw some vinegar into the first rinse to correct it.

[madeleone]

It sounds like the main thing is not to throw in the dryer, dry flat and shape it. And don't twist to wring it out, that was stressed too.

Several sites mentioned to not use soaps, etc as they are alkaline (they say Woolite falls in this category) and you should use a detergent: a little dish liquid or even shampoo. See so many different directions just confused me. And if I ruin his sweater my hubs will not be a happy camper. LOL!