Alpaca wool is warmer than standard sheep's wool. Its low lanolin content makes it particularly suitable for allergy sufferers. It's also delicate, requiring special care. Below, we explain how to wash alpaca to enjoy its properties for as long as possible.
How to wash alpaca?
Alpaca wool is more durable than wool obtained from sheep, but that doesn't mean sweaters or hats made from it can simply be thrown into the washing machine with other clothes. Alpaca clothing, like any wool garment, requires proper care (see how to wash sheep wool !). This will help your sweater or coat retain its shape and softness.
So, how do you wash alpaca? The first thing to remember is that alpaca, like other types of wool, doesn't require frequent washing. While cotton sweatshirts or T-shirts require frequent washing, wool doesn't get dirty as quickly – in most cases , a good airing is enough to make it ready for another wear . Therefore, only wash alpaca sweaters and coats when you can't freshen them up any other way.
How to wash an alpaca sweater?
If you absolutely must wash your alpaca sweater, use a special program in your washing machine or opt for hand washing. When washing in a washing machine, on a program for wool or delicate fabrics, both the temperature and spin speed are designed to protect your garments. This is usually between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius and a maximum of 400 revolutions per minute. If you choose to set the washing parameters yourself, choose these. Higher temperatures and spin speeds could damage alpaca clothing. If you decide to hand wash your alpaca sweater, fill a bowl with water at a maximum of 30 degrees Celsius and dilute the appropriate amount of detergent for wool and delicate fabrics (you'll find dosing instructions on the packaging). Do not pour the detergent directly onto the garment. Let the sweater soak for a while, then gently knead it. Do not rub the fabric against itself or stretch it.
How to wash alpaca clothes? Part two: drying
After hand-washing your alpaca sweater, you'll need to rinse it in water at the same temperature. To do this, fill a bowl with fresh water and continue kneading. When the water runs clear, it's time to shake off any excess water. Gently squeeze the sweater without wringing it out. Then, place the garment on a towel and roll it up as if you were rolling a pancake. Gently knead the folded alpaca garment again to absorb the water. The next step is drying it, making sure it's flat. You can lay the washed sweater on a dry towel or on a flat clothes rack. Don't hang it up to avoid deforming the delicate alpaca fibers. Also, avoid tumble drying, as it could shrink or pill. Avoid direct sunlight and storing it next to a running heater .
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Can an alpaca coat be washed in the washing machine?
While washing alpaca sweaters, hats, or scarves isn't difficult, a coat made of this type of wool requires slightly different treatment. Before you start cleaning, be sure to check the inside label , as it may require dry cleaning. If you don't find such a symbol, you can leave your alpaca coat at home. How do you wash it properly? Hand! Due to its size, it's best to use a bathtub. If you have a shower, it's better to take the coat to a dry cleaner (or have it washed by a friend ;)). Before you start, brush your alpaca coat – this will remove dust and other superficial dirt. Remember to brush it in the direction of the bristles.
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How to wash an alpaca coat?
Place the brushed coat in a bathtub filled with cool or lukewarm water and detergent. If you recently cleaned the bathroom, before washing, make sure there are no traces of cleaning agents on the walls of the bathtub – they could damage the delicate alpaca fibers . Soak the coat for about 20-30 minutes (before leaving it, make sure it's completely soaked). After this time, begin washing. Treat the alpaca coat similarly to how you would a sweater – use kneading motions to allow the water to penetrate deep into the fibers. If you notice a stain, you can gently rub the stained area with a soft cloth. After washing the alpaca coat, place it in a bowl and fill the bathtub with fresh water (at washing temperature). Place the coat in the bathtub and repeat the kneading process to remove any remaining detergent and dirt. Repeat until the water runs clear. Dry your alpaca coat the same way you would a sweater. Since the process can be longer for a coat, turn the garment inside out periodically.
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