Knowing how to take care of your clothes, especially those made of wool and cashmere, is an essential art. This article guides you through proven methods for preventing and correcting common washing mistakes, especially those related to felted clothing. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, these tips will help you keep your wool clothing in tip-top condition.
Understanding Wool Felting
Felting occurs when wool or cashmere clothing is washed incorrectly. Heat, agitation, and unsuitable detergents can cause fibers to shrink and harden, leading to reduced size and a matted texture.
Tips for Washing Wool Clothes
- Water Temperature: Always use cold water. Wool shrinks and felts at high temperatures.
- Choice of Detergent: Opt for a neutral detergent specially designed for delicate fabrics.
- Washing Technique: Hand wash is preferred. If you must use a machine, choose a gentle program.
- Drying: Avoid wringing or wringing your wool clothing. Dry flat to maintain the shape of the garment.
Treating stains on wool
Before washing, it is important to treat stains. To do this, use baking soda for organic stains like blood. Apply gently to the affected area, leave to act, then rinse with cold water before normal washing.
What to do if your garment is already felted?
- Baby shampoo and warm water
- Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a little baby shampoo or conditioner.
- Completely immerse the felted garment in the solution.
- Leave to soak for at least 30 minutes.
- Remove the garment and let dry without wringing.
- Dry towel technique
Wrap the garment in a dry towel to absorb excess water. Change the towel if necessary and gently stretch the garment back to its original shape.
- Baking Soda and Vinegar Method
- Dissolve 20 grams of baking soda in a liter of warm water.
- Submerge the garment in the solution for about an hour.
- Rinse in a mixture of room temperature water and white vinegar.
- Leave to dry flat without wringing.
- Using a hair mask
- Combine 125 ml of white vinegar with 50 ml of hair mask in a basin.
- Fully submerge the garment for about 30 minutes, then gently stretch it.
- Immerse it in the solution again for an hour.
- Wash in cold water and lay flat to dry, out of direct sunlight.
With these tips, you can prevent your wool and cashmere clothing from felting and even recover those that have already suffered this fate. The key is to treat these delicate fabrics with the care they deserve, using the correct washing and stain treatment techniques. These methods will help you extend their lifespan.