How often do I wash my wool covers?
- Provided that they are not soiled with solid matter, wool diaper covers can be washed every 2-4 weeks, depending on the amount of usage. If they start to smell even when dry, it is time to wash them,
Do I lanolize every time that I wash?
- If you use a wool wash that is enriched with lanolin just washing your covers will help to keep the lanolin levels boosted. Some people like to add extra lanolin to every wash but I do not as I find that it makes the covers sticky and they tend to hold dirt easier. I prefer to wash the covers in wool wash and then spray with a lanolin wooly spray on the inside of the cover in the wetzone only.
What is felting?
- Felting refers to the wool fibres being shocked and fusing together. This can occur due to extreme, fast temperature changes such as washing in hot water. It can also be caused by agitation or excessive rubbing. You may find that the crotch of your woolies felt up a bit as your little one sits and plays, causing more wear on this area. Felting is sometimes desired to thicken a cover, shrink it, and make it more leakproof. However most of the time felting is something that is not desired as it leaves you with a too small cover that has little stretch to it.
Do colours bleed?
- Dyed wool can bleed when wet and during washing. Some scented wool washes can make the bleeding worse. If your wool is bleeding, you can set the dye using vinegar and hot water. Place about half a cup of vinegar in a microwave safe dish. Add enough room temperature water to fully cover your wool item. Add your wool and gently squeeze to saturate with the water. Microwave for about 2 minutes, until hot but not quite boiling. Remove the dish and let sit for 2 minutes. Do not stir or agitate! Microwave again as before, let sit again. Repeat again. Then allow to cool fully before removing from the water. Rinse gently and wash as normal.
Can I wash more than one piece of wool at a time?
- Yes. I try to wash like colours together just in case something bleeds and to avoid contrasting colours of wool fluff being stuck on the covers. I find that I can wash about 4 wraps or soakers in our kitchen sink. For longies, I usually only do 2 per sink.
What do I use to wash my wool?
- I prefer a premade wool wash such as Eucalan, Ewe Need It or Blue House Soaps. However, it is possible to make your own using a gentle cleanser like baby shampoo and lanolin such as Lansinoh. I have a post
here on how to wash your wool and how to make wool wash.
Is there anything else that I need to care for my woolies?
- I use a sweater shaver to get rid of fuzzies and pills. It keeps the woolies looking new. I bought mine at Zellers for about CDN$10.
