Washing Fleece

Washing wool is not really much of a wash process, but more of a soaking process. When washing wool, it is important to not agitate the wool or run water on it. Very hot water is key to removing lanolin and getting your fleece super clean.

I have used many different soaps and detergents to wash fleece. My favorite wool wash is Unicorn Power Scour. Here is a link to the page on the Unicorn website that has downloadable directions on how to use Power Scour to wash raw fleece. (Please note: I do not use the Fiber Rinse because I dye most of my washed fiber.)

Unicorn recommends using 3% (1 tablespoon) of Power Scour per pound of fiber (wool) in 2 gallons of water. If you are washing more than 1lb, you will have to adjust the measurements according the weight of your fiber. I do use a tad bit more Power Scour than what they suggest. I have hard water and using 2 tablespoons per pound of wool works best for me.

When washing wool, place small amounts of wool into mesh bags. If you want your locks perfectly intact, it is best to pull individual locks and line them up in tulle. Sew the tulle into "packets" to keep the locks secure.

I wash about one pound of raw fiber at a time. Crank up the water heater so the water is very hot (about 140 degrees.). Add 2 gallons of water to the laundry sink, add Power Scour (give it a little swish to mix it with the water), and then add the raw wool. Gently press the wool down into the water. (I recommend using heat/water resistant gloves.)

The wool soaks in the wash water for 15 minutes. Then remove the wool and put it in my spin dryer* to remove excess water. As it is spinning dry, refill the laundry tub with hot water and half the amount of Power Scour used in the first wash. Again, place the wool in the wash and gently press it down into the water. Let soak for 15 minutes. Once again, remove the wool and place it in the spin dryer to remove excess water. As it is spinning dry, fill the laundry tub with clean hot water (no Power Scour). This is the final soak for the wool which will remove all the soap/Power Scour. After the wool has soaked for 15 minutes, spin it dry. Remove the wool from the mesh bag and place it on a sweater drying rack or window screen to dry.

I use the directions above for washing Cormo and Wensleydale. Very dirty fleece may require more washes. Power Scour has suggested soaking very dirty fleece overnight in a soak solution of water and Power Scour. Contact Unicorn or check out their wool washing directions on their website for more information.

The Original Non-Concentrated (blue) Dawn also works well for washing fleece. Orvus works well for low grease fleece. I don't have an exact measurement for either. I just use a lot more water (fill the tub up) and add soap until my gloved hands feel slick after putting them in the water.

 

*Here is a link to a spin dryer. I have the older version of this one. A spin dryer is a great investment if you are washing lots of wool. You can also use your top loading washing machine if it has a "spin only" cycle. Be sure to turn off the water supply to the washer. You don't want water spraying onto the wool as it spins.