Washing Fine Garments or Yarn By Hand
Washing fine natural yarn or garments by hand is always
recommended. Fill a basin with warm water and a mild and gentle
detergent. All natural liquid laundry detergents with a neutral pH
are best. Submerge your garment in the water and gently wash
being careful not to rub too much. It is the agitation that makes
wool and other animal fibers shrink and felt, so being gentle is
important. Squeeze the soapy water out of the garment, set aside,
and fill your basin with rinse water. Rinse in the same manner, and
without twisting or wringing the garment, squeeze as much water as
you can from it. To get more water out, wrap the item in a large
beach towel and stand on it. If it is a garment, place it on a flat
surface to dry. Hang yarn to dry on a rack.
If you have a top loading washing machine, you can use the spin
cycle to help you remove a heavily wet garment. Remember, do not
put it on the rinse cycle; use the spin cycle only. I would not
recommend using a front loading washing machine because most of
them do not allow you to use the spin cycle manually. Avoid putting
fine natural animal fiber garments or yarn into an electric or gas
dryer.
