One Way to Wash Raw Wool | THREAD TO MEND | a fiber podcast

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On 10/20/18, I bought a cormo cross fleece from the NY Sheep & Wool festival. Today, I show you one way to process a fine wool fleece.

Because this fleece is exceptionally clean, I do not wash it as many times as one may need to wash a different fleece. Always skirt your fleece before washing by removing the dirty leg and back end bits. Some fleeces are sold more heavily skirted than others. Be careful not to wash bits of poo, burrs, or second cuts.

One additional step I highly recommend (and did not show in the making of this video) is flicking the ends of locks open. This is exceptionally helpful (and requires a great amount of time) when washing a coated fleece. Coating can cause the ends of the fiber to felt together slightly. Flicking the locks open removes the damaged tips, and makes it easier for dirt and oil to be washed out of the fleece.

I recommend sorting the fleece thoughtfully. Wash all parts of the same color together. On some white fleeces, you will find “canarying” (a yellowing of some parts of the fiber) and it is best to wash these parts of the fleece together. On most fleeces, you’ll Color darkens near the sides and rear. These areas are often the dirtiest and could stand to be put through an additional cycle of washing. It is most helpful to flick these ends open to help remove debris.

[aliveandwell]

Would like to see how you prep it after the drying, and if different depending on project. Sort by softness, if first flick ends? Thats where I get stumped sometimes. Its so dry here, I put in small bin/tub outside and let soak with shampoo or non. If forget a few days seems to wash self and pour onto plants needing 'fertilizer. Am guessing your pots for washing wool are well marked so a guest doesnt cook in them.

[WomenAndWolf]

Super new to this but got a bunch of free wool (don’t even know what kind). When you says that if you wash above a certain temp the Lanolin will strip off. I assume that is a bad thing. Correct me if the goal is to strip the lanolin.
Also can you make a video of how you cut, prep the wool before washing? Would love more about the whole process. Really excited to watch more of your videos!

[WomenAndWolf]

The shampoo you listed is for humans, right? Or did I find the wrong kind. I wasn’t sure if I should be looking for wool soap like dawn or Eucalan Delicate Wash. I’m curious as to what soaps and/or shampoos you’ve tried even that you wouldn’t recommend so I can avoid those. Does the kind you use clean bacteria in case some (unseen) pop is still blended in the fibers? Thank you!